- βΉ β β‘ β Animation βΉ β β‘ β -
Animation is the art of making an inanimate object appear to move, in simpler terms, the illusion of movement created by a series of sequential images displayed at a rapid rate.Β
This concept is loosely based around an optical illusion called βpersistence of vision.β This refers to how the human eye can only retain images for approximately 1/10 of a second, so when multiple images appear in a quick succession, our brain would merge it together into a singular moving image.
β β β β§ β β
β β β β§ β β
β β β β§ β β
β β β β§ β β
βΒ
Why Even Learn Animation?
While technically, animation is simply the art of making things move, this medium offers a lot of advantages, one of which is to verify if your fundamentals and skillset is flexible enough to venture off your usual work. It also lets you experiment to see what would simply make them feel more authentic then be able to adjust designs in your works to further improve your art. And of course, it lets you see your own works come to life in such a way that you could think of new ways to describe them as well as add the tiny little details that just makes them feel real.
β β β β§ β β
β β β β§ β β
β β β β§ β β
β β β β§ β β
βΒ
There are a lot of animation types than you think there is so let's do a quick run-through of most in the industry.
Where it all started and hence the oldest types of animation in film, sometimes called βcel animation.β This style is most often in 2D animation which is seen on early cartoons and classics like Alladin.
While this style technically falls under traditional media, there is something called βvector-based animation,β where the motions are controlled by vectors rather than pixels. Think about it like this, JPG, GIF and BMP formats are pixel images, these images cannot be enlarged or shrunk without the image quality being affected however in vector graphics, you donβt need to worry about it since enlarging or shrinking a vector graphic would not affect image quality.
A more popular and common type of animation style of today. In this, an animator would use a program or software to make a computerized digital object that looks 3D despite being on a 2D surface.
A more advanced flipbook style animation which involves photographing and then physically and meticulously manipulating objects within your frame to give an illusion of movement.
Clay Animation (Claymation)
A form of stop motion animation using clay figures.
Another old form of animation which is essentially 2D stop animation. Animators moves cutout shapes from frame to frame to create movement. This technique is actually cheaper and easier than other animation styles.
A technique wherein animators meticulously draw over film footage frame by frame seamlessly merging live action realism with the artistic expressiveness of hand-drawn animation.
The fusion of animation and graphic design. Combining and balancing thoughtfully crafted text, simple graphics and captivating visuals to tell a story or narrative.
The usage of various styles and techniques to create a unique visual experience. More than often combining digital and traditional methods to create motion and narrative. This technique shows how much animation can be pushed to continuously evolve.
. άβ βΉ . ά β‘ ά . βΉ β ά.. άβ βΉ . ά β‘ ά . βΉ β ά.. άβ βΉ . ά β‘ ά . βΉ β ά.. άβ βΉ . ά β‘ ά . βΉ β ά.. άβ βΉ .
Softwares used in Animation
Well with everything in mind, you may wonder what software/applications do animators use to create their projects? Hence, we know go into some software/applications that people in the industry uses.
Previously known as Macromedia Flash or Adobe Flash Professional. This software allows users to create high quality vector graphics that are easily flexible to use for animation, banners, games and other interactive content.
A video editing software optimized for motion graphics, animation, visual effects and motion picture compositing.Β
A powerful free and open source computer graphics tool set providing an wide range of tools for various industries. This could now also be used today as an 2D animation software too.
A 3D graphics software widely used in the animation and visual effects industry as it provides advanced rigging tools, precise keyframe control and more robust animation tools letting users create complex and flexible character rigs.
A software specializing in the production and development of animations and storyboarding for film, education, video games and more.Β
A widely known mobile application which specializes in motion graphics and video editing however could also be used for animation like after effects. It provides a massive amount of toolsets to create professional level edits like those made on computer editing softwares in mobile platforms.
A mobile application which allows beginners and aspiring animators to create frame by frame traditional animations. Itβs more known as an application for kids and casual animators as it has some aspects lacking over other animation softwares however many users are able to take this software to its limits creating really smooth and well made animations.
Softwares that are in both Mobile and PC
An illustration and animation software used by many well known animation studios. This application however is more known to be used by Japanese anime and game studios like Toei Animation and Yostar Pictures.
An animation software which combines traditional 2D animation processes and the flexibility of digital tools. A well known studio that uses this software is WIT Studio.
A free and open source raster graphics editor primarily designed for illustrators, designers, game artists, animators and many more.
First widely known to be one of the most versatile and popular drawing apps on the mobile platform providing many tools used mainly for illustration. However with newer updates and developments, a PC version is now available and now this app could be used and considered as an animation software.
β β β β§ β β
β β β β§ β β
β β β β§ β β
β β β β§ β β
βΒ
KC's Tips in Starting Out Animation
Finally, we reach the end of this thread, but I didn't want to end it just like that so let's now delve into some tips to think about when starting out animation.
Start by learning the basics first.Β
Take your time first to understand the basics of drawing first before delving into the basics of animation immediately. This will help you build up your visual imagination and not surprise yourself on the sudden difficulty and patience you would need for animation. But if you think you can do it, then feel free to explore!
Donβt be too much of a perfectionist.
Weβve all been there, you donβt need to be amazing at drawing to create a good animation. You can literally just make a stickman or just draw shapes and use it to learn the basic principles of animation. This will still give you a really fantastic result anyway as long as you have a gist and understanding of what youβre doing.
There is absolutely nothing wrong in using a reference or tracing.
All artists use this, the conception of how this is bad is honestly ridiculous. Those who can draw easily without one just have a large visual imagination and stock of those references inside their heads. Also professional artists use literal figures or models to make their jobs easier especially since they have a deadline. You really donβt need to be ashamed of tracing or using a reference, just donβt go around posting it online when itβs literally a one-to-one copy of something and you still didn't learn anything from what you copied. So make sure to take your time actually learning something from those references.
Start on whichever technique youβd be more familiar with or comfortable with.
You donβt need to have professional softwares immediately like Clip Studio Paint (CSP) and ToonBoom. You can literally just start learning on free softwares like IbisPaint, Krita or even literally just do traditional animation. Whatβs more important is you actually started doing something to learn.
Progress takes time and that depends on each person so donβt go about being jealous or being irritated you havenβt made much progress. Donβt worry, it will pay off after a lot of trial and errors and repeated actions. By continuing, you will start building muscle memory and just start noticing things you havenβt realized before, so just enjoy what youβre doing and never give up. Practice makes perfect.
So, in conclusion, the journey would be a bit long however it is worth it and fun to learn in the end so if you have time, go ahead and try learning this as a hobby : D