WHAT IS ANIMATION AND PURPOSES?

• Animation is an applied art that makes still images appear to move. The images can be 2D or 3D and
are created using one or multiple technologies to create a specific effect..
• A common use of animation is to bring characters to life in a movie, TV show, or video game. It is also
used in fields that rely on images, such as architecture, graphic design, real estate, and engineering.
What is animator?
An animator is an artist who creates images, known as frames, which give an illusion of movement called
animation when displayed in rapid sequence.
• Animators can work in a variety of fields including film, television, and video games.
Types of Animation
#1 Traditional animation
Traditional animation, also known as cel animation, is the oldest form of animation. According
to traditional style, an animator will meticulously hand-draw each frame on paper, which is
then photocopied or retraced onto transparent acetate sheets called cels. Paint is applied and each cel is
photographed one-by-one to produce an animated sequence.
#2 2D animation
2D animation, also known as vector-based animation, is all about creating movement in a 2-dimensional
space. Advancements in animation software have meant that 2D animation is now an increasingly
accessible and popular choice for artists.
#3 3D animation
3D or computer animation refers to the process of creating 3-dimensional moving images in a digital
environment. Animated objects can be rotated and moved in the same way as real objects, creating a
lifelike effect.
• The process is often divided into three main stages, namely, modelling, layout and animation, and
rendering, which each require planning and expertise.
Animation process: Step-by-step guide
The first step in the Animation Process is "Gathering Information," a stage that lays the groundwork
for the entire project.
a) Objective and audience: Define your purpose, whether educational, promotional, or entertainment.
Understand your target audience's preferences and demographics to tailor your approach.
b) Research and inspiration: Study successful Animations in your genre to gather insights into narrative
structures and engagement strategies.
c) Conceptualization: Brainstorm and refine unique ideas that align with your goals. Craft a central concept or
theme that forms the core of your Animation.
d) Storyboard blueprint: Create rough storyboard frames to visualise scene flow and transitions. This early
sketching helps outline the Animation's structure.
e) Resource collection: Gather reference materials like images and videos to ensure accurate depictions of
characters, settings, and contexts.
f) Feedback loop: Seek input from peers or mentors to refine your concept and sketches. Incorporate valuable
feedback to enhance your project's quality.
Concept and script: The brainstorming and writing stage
It involves shaping abstract ideas into a tangible narrative structure that will guide the Animation‘s
storyline and characters.
a) Idea refinement: Building upon the gathered information, dig into your chosen concept more extensively.
b) Character development: Define their personalities, motivations, and arcs, breathing life into them before
they even hit the screen.
c) Script crafting: Translate your refined concept into a well-structured script. Outline scenes, dialogue, and
pacing, ensuring a coherent and engaging narrative flow.
d) Visualizing scenes: . This collaboration between writing and visuals enhances scene planning and paves
the way for Animation.
e) Balancing dialogue and action: Aim for a balanced mix of dialogue, character interactions, and visual
storytelling. Each element should complement the other, enriching the viewer's experience.
f) Iterative process: Expect multiple script iterations, refining dialogues, and interactions to capture the
desired emotions and nuances.
Voice-over recording: The voice of your project
This auditory layer includes emotions, nuances, and authenticity in the narrative fabric.
a) Casting the right voices: Carefully select voice actors whose vocal qualities align with the character’s traits
and personalities.
b) Directing the performance: Collaborate closely with voice actors, guiding them to capture the desired
emotional range and nuances.
c) Recording environment: Create an acoustically controlled environment to ensure clean and high-quality
recordings.
d) Lip-Sync considerations: If applicable, synchronies dialogue with character movements to achieve
realistic lip movements.
e) Emotional resonance: Encourage voice actors to infuse their performances with the emotions required for
each scene.
f) Sound engineering: post-recording, engage in sound engineering to balance audio levels, remove
imperfections, and optimize the voice track for seamless integration into the Animation.
Storyboard: Blueprint of your project
The "Storyboard" phase is an art that bridges imagination and visualisation, transforming the script's
words into a visual roadmap.
a) Translating script to visuals: Collaborate with artists to translate the script's essence into rough sketches.
Each frame captures a moment, depicting the character’s expressions, actions, and settings.
b) Pacing and flow: Arrange the storyboard panels to ensure smooth pacing and narrative flow.
c) Scene composition: Determine camera angles, compositions, and shot sizes to enhance storytelling.
d) Visualizing movements: Showcase character movements through a sequence of frames. This visual
progression guides animators in creating fluid and coherent motion.
e) Storyboard animatics: Animate the storyboard frames, creating a rough animatic that simulates the
Animation's timing and visual dynamics.
f) Feedback and refinement: Refine the panels based on suggestions, ensuring a cohesive and compelling
visual narrative.
Visual Style: The look and feel of your project
The "Visual Style" phase is where the Animation's aesthetics and atmosphere come into play, giving
form to the characters and world you have envisioned.
a) Designing characters: Create detailed character designs that embody their personalities and traits.
Consider their proportions, facial expressions, and attire, ensuring visual consistency throughout.
b) Background art: Develop captivating backgrounds that immerse viewers in the Animation's setting.
c) Colour palette: Choose a colour palette that resonates with the Animation's theme and emotions.
d) Visual references: Gather visual references to ensure accuracy and authenticity in depicting real-world
elements.
e) Textures and details: These visual nuances breathe life into the Animation, enhancing its tactile and
sensory appeal.
f) Stylistic choices: Embrace a specific visual style, photorealism, minimalism, or a unique hybrid.
Consistency in style reinforces the Animation's identity and captivates audiences with its distinctiveness.
Animation: Magic of movement
Animation is the art of adding life to static images through a sequence of rapid visuals. It encompasses an
array of techniques, from traditional hand-drawn frames to cutting-edge CGI, each contributing to its diverse
and captivating nature.
a) Movement illusion: Animation is creating the illusion of movement through a series of images displayed in
rapid succession.
b) Diverse techniques: From classic hand-drawn frames to cutting-edge computer-generated imagery (CGI),
it spans a broad spectrum of techniques, each offering unique visual appeal.
c) Character evolution: Through Animation, characters evolve from sketches to vibrant personas, capable of
expressing emotions, thoughts, and narratives.
d) Narrative magic: It is a powerful storytelling medium, crafting intricate plots and evoking emotions through
visually captivating sequences.
e) Aesthetic versatility: Animators harness various visual styles, ranging from realistic to abstract, allowing
them to adapt aesthetics to the project's theme and mood.
f) Universal language: Crossing cultural and linguistic barriers, Animation's emotive visuals forge connections
and resonate with diverse audiences.
Sound effects: Finishing touches of your video
This intricate audio layer enhances storytelling and adds depth to characters and scenes, creating a
multi-sensory journey.
a) Atmospheric ambience: Sound effects establish the ambience of a scene, whether it is the rustling leaves
of a forest or the bustling streets of a city, drawing audiences deeper into the Animation's world.
b) Character identity: Every footstep, giggle, or sigh lends a distinct identity to characters, conveying
emotions and personalities that complement their visual depiction.
c) Action intensity: The swoosh of a cape or the clang of swords intensifies action sequences, creating
suspense and lending realism to animated battles.
d) Environmental realism: Sound effects mirror real-world intricacies, from the crunch of snow underfoot to
the gentle lapping of waves, creating a sense of authenticity.
e) Emotional resonance: Whispers, laughter, or heartbeats evoke emotions, bridging the emotional gap
between the animated world and the audience's hearts.
f) Narrative enhancement: Sound effects synchronize with visuals, underscoring pivotal moments, building
tension, and highlighting plot twists, enhancing the storytelling arc.
TECHNIQUES
#1. 2D Vector Animation
2D vector animation is widely used in marketing videos due to its simplicity and affordability. It involves
creating and animating shapes using specialized computer software.
#2. Hand-Drawn Animation
Hand-drawn animation is the old-school way of making cartoons, like the ones you see in classic Disney
movies. Each part of the animation is drawn by hand by talented artists.
#3 3D Animation
3D animation is the go-to choice for bringing unreal characters to life with striking realism. It’s super popular in
movies because it’s faster to create characters this way. You can use it for short films, full-length movies, and
even TV ads.
#4. Typography Animation
Typography animation is when letters and fonts are put into motion. It’s often used in movie titles to make them
more interesting.
#5. Motion Graphics
Motion graphics is a type of graphic design that uses moving shapes and text to tell a story or share a
message.
#6. Rotoscope Animation
Rotoscope animation is an old technique where animators trace movements from real-life footage to make
animations look realistic. It’s how Disney made the characters move so smoothly in “Snow White and the
Seven Dwarfs” in 1937.
#7. Cut-out Animation
Cut-out animation, exemplified by the renowned series “South Park,” involves crafting characters and
backgrounds from paper cutouts.
#8. Live-Animated
Live animation blends digital images with real-world footage, adding elements like floating labels or animated
arrows to explain what’s happening.
What is digital animation and how does it work?
Computer animation — also known as digital animation — is a form of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI)
that focuses on moving images. While CGI can refer to static digitally generated images, computer animation is
only about moving ones. Films like Toy Story and Frozen are two popular examples.
ADOBE ANIMATE
History

In 1993 software developer Jonathan Gay and computer entrepreneur Charlie Jackson founded a
company called FutureWave Software and released a program called SmartSketch.

Gay and Jackson later added some features to the program that allowed users to display their animations on a
website. They renamed their program FutureSplash Animator and released it in 1995.

In 1996, Macromedia bought the rights to FutureSplash Animator. It shortened the words “future” and “splash”
into “flash” and renamed the program Macromedia Flash.

In 2005, Adobe took over Macromedia, and the program adopted the name Adobe Flash.

In 2016, as Flash became less and less popular, Adobe Flash was renamed Adobe Animate.

Adobe wanted to take the focus off Flash and emphasize the app as an animation tool, YEAR 2020 Adobe
ended support for FlasH.
Adobe Animate is an Adobe application used to create 2D animation and interactive vector graphics. Before it
became Animate, it was known as Adobe Flash Professional, a popular program in the late 1990s and 2000s.
With it, Animators can produce content for various media, including television, gaming, apps, and the internet.

POINTERS
Software application used by animators that are still under Adobe’s Creative Cloud.
eight Animation Techniques
History of Adobe Animate
3 Dimensional
2 Dimensional
Typography
Live Animation
Rotoscope
Making a Story Board
Traditional Animation
Gathering Information
Visual Style
auditory layer – Voice over recording