2D animation – two-dimensional animation – is one of the oldest and most vast forms used in animation. It involves moving into a two-dimensional space—meaning the images exist only in height and width, without any depth. This form of animation can be seen in multiple mediums, including TV shows, films, web content, advertisements, video games, and mobile apps. While it may appear like a technology-driven art form, animated 2D form has deep roots in traditional art practices, yet has developed with digital tools over the years. TVS Cube, in this article, will explain to you the 2D animation definition, its history, techniques used by 2D animators, and how it’s used in different fields today.
2D Animation Definition:
2D animation involves making pictures that give the illusion of movement when shown in rapid succession. These pictures are generally drawn, painted, or digitally built on a flat surface, with each of the next images slightly altering from the last to simulate the passage of time and movement. 2D animation can be hand-drawn, or it can be made digitally with the use of computer software. Both techniques rely on the same basic principles but counter the tools and workflows used.
Key Techniques in 2D Animation:
Making 2D animation involves several different methods employed by 2D animators, which can vary depending on whether it’s done digitally or by hand. Here are some key techniques used in 2D animation:
Hand-drawn Animation (Traditional Animation):
- Drawing Frames: In traditional animation, every frame is hand-drawn. Artists create keyframes (the main poses of an animation), and then assistants or in-betweenness draw the intermediate frames to smooth out the motion.
- Cells: After the animation frames are drawn, they are transferred to transparent sheets known as cells, which are then painted with colors. The cells are placed over a background and photographed frame by frame to create movement.
- Rotoscoping: Rotoscoping is the technique of tracing over live-action footage to create more realistic animation. It’s often used for lifelike movement and is particularly useful when animating human figures or complex motions.
Digital Animation:
- Vector-Based Animation: Software like Adobe Animate and Toon Boom use vector graphics, which allow for scalable images that don’t lose quality when resized. Animators create and manipulate vector shapes (lines, curves, and fills) to animate characters and objects.
- Cut-out Animation: A type of animation where characters and objects are created using flat, movable pieces that are manipulated in a digital workspace. This technique is similar to stop-motion animation but is done on a computer. South Park is a famous example of a show that uses cut-out animation.
- Frame-by-Frame Animation: Just like in traditional hand-drawn animation, frame-by-frame digital animation involves creating and manipulating each frame individually. However, software like TVPaint or Clip Studio Paint allows animators to create these frames much faster by eliminating the need for physical cels and backgrounds.
- Stop-motion Animation: Though it is technically a separate technique, stop-motion animation is sometimes considered part of the 2D animation process. In stop-motion, characters are built in 2D or 3D forms, and their positions are altered slightly for each frame. This technique can involve physical objects or clay figures, often called claymation.
The Principles of 2D Animation:
All 2D animation, whether hand-drawn or digital, follows a set of basic principles that guide the creation of real and fluid movement. These principles were introduced in the 1930s by Disney 2D animators and are still in use today.
Squash and Stretch:
It involves exaggerating the shape of an object or character to give the illusion of weight, volume, and flexibility. For instance, a bouncing ball will stretch when it strikes the ground and then squash when it compresses.
Anticipation:
It refers to the preparation of a character or object for an upcoming action. For instance, before a character jumps, they might crouch down to ready for the leap.
Follow-through and Overlapping Action:
Follow-through is the idea that elements of a character, such as hair or clothing, continue to move after the main action has stopped. Overlapping action refers to the offset movement of various parts of the body, making more natural movement.
Timing:
Timing is critical for providing the animation with its rhythm and feel. It controls how fast or slow an action occurs. For instance, a fast action might demand fewer frames, while a slow action needs more.
Exaggeration:
Exaggerating movements or expressions makes animation more dynamic and visually engaging. It gives a cartoonish feel to characters and actions that would otherwise appear flat or too realistic.
Tools and Software:
There are several tools and software are accessible for creating 2D animation services:
- Adobe Animation: A tool for making vector-based animations and interactive content.
- Toon Boom Harmony: A software used in the industry to produce 2D animation services.
- TVPaint: A software known for its bitmap-based approach and traditional animation capabilities.
- Synfig Studio: An animation tool that supports vector-based animation and tweening.
Conclusion:
2D animation service is a versatile and timeless medium that has developed over the years, from hand-drawn cels to sophisticated digital tools. Its application spans education, advertising, entertainment, and many other industries. Nowadays, 2D animation continues to fascinate audiences worldwide, integrating art, technology, and storytelling in creative and exciting ways.
