Animation is a dynamic, ever-evolving art form that brings unique stories, characters, and messages to life. Through animation, hand-drawn, hand-made, or computer-generated works of art are given movement, allowing them to perform real-world actions that wouldn’t be possible with static figures or images. There are several different types of animation techniques used to create these art forms. If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in animation, you’ll need to be familiar with a range of animation styles to figure out what types resonate with you as you explore the animation program.
Traditional Animation
Traditional animation, also called cel animation, is the oldest form of animation. It’s characterized by hand-drawn pictures, characters, and landscapes created for individual frames. Each frame is drawn and transferred onto a clear acetate sheet called a cel, which is painted and layered to create movement and transitions between frames. This style was popularized by early Disney films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Cel animation isn’t practiced much anymore since these processes can be completed much more quickly with computer software programs. However, 2D animation, a form of traditional animation, is still popular today.
2D Animation
Also called vector-based animation, 2D animation is essentially the digital version of traditional animation. Using vector images, which are images made up of anchor points defined by mathematical formulas instead of pixel values, artists digitally layer and manipulate components like characters and environments. The long-running television show, The Simpsons, is a classic example of 2D animation. The art has a flat appearance but still shows characters and settings moving and interacting with one another in fairly realistic ways.
3D Animation
3D animation is defined by computer generated images (CGI) that have length, width, and depth. Unlike 2D animation, 3D has a full range of perspectives. Animators use character rigs, which are essentially a digital skeleton and control system that allows each component to be manipulated realistically, to bring characters, objects, and settings to life. The 3D animation process involves modeling, layout, animating, and rendering to complete. Pixar’s Toy Story is one of the most famous examples of 3D animation, as it was the first feature-length film to be created using entirely CGI.
Stop Motion
Stop motion animation involves creating physical models, settings, scenery, and objects and photographing them as each small movement is made. Usually using clay or puppets, every subtle movement must be captured and edited together to create the illusion of motion that brings life to these projects. The claymation series Wallace & Gromit is a staple of the stop motion animation style.
Motion Capture
Motion capture is a newer form of animation. This animation technique requires objects or people to have markers and sensors strategically placed to track movements or expressions. These recordings are translated to digital models, which replicate these exact movements for life-like results. The acclaimed video game series The Last of Us is a prime example of motion capture.
Motion Graphics
Another newer form of animation, motion graphics revolves around adding movement to shapes, texts, and other digital media to make these graphic elements more interesting. Think of opening sequences played for news networks or popular games shows like Jeopardy! These visuals are more impactful through movement than they would be if they remained static.
Find Your Passion At Villa
Villa Maria College was the first higher education institution in Western New York to offer an animation program. Today, we are still renowned for our animation program and continue to inspire students in all areas of the craft. We provide our students with the facilities and tools needed to master all different forms of animation styles and techniques. Reach out today to learn more!
