What types of animation are there in the industry?
Stop-Motion
Refers to any animation that uses objects that are photographed in a sequence to create the illusion of movement.
(https://www.bloopanimation.com/types-of-animation/)
Animation Process
- Position an object in front of your camera and take a photo.
- Move the object slightly and take another photo.
- Repeat this process until the object reaches its final location.
- Play each photo in sequence.
(https://www.upuno.com/blog/2015/06/stop-motion-tutorial-eyes-blink/)
Types of Stop-Motion Animation
(https://www.bloopanimation.com/types-of-animation/)
- Claymation
One of the most popular stop-motion form is claymation, made with clay or play-doh characters that can easily be manipulated for animation.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/06/13/d3/0613d32680ba164246f00f5e2b88e75a.gif
Each object or character arranged on the set, where it is photographed once before being slightly moved by hand to prepare it for the next shot, and so on until the animator has achieved the desired amount of film. Upon playback, the mind of the viewer perceives the series of slightly changing, rapidly succeeding images as motion.
Claymation process
https://i.imgur.com/qQSGP2v.gif
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
https://media1.giphy.com/media/3o7TKQ3GJNqtejziBG/source.gif
Chicken Run (2000)
Klay World: Off The Table (2005)
http://freegifmaker.me/images/2ej2k/
The Amazing Mr. Bickford (1987)
http://freegifmaker.me/images/2ej2r/
- Puppets
Some animators use regular puppets instead of clay ones, usually also built with some sort of skeleton rig. The faces of the characters can be replaced based on the expression, or controlled within the rig.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cayVMHSRHZI
While claymation uses props made out of clay, puppet animation uses props out of fabric and foam.
Process
http://freegifmaker.me/images/2ej2M/
Isle of Dogs (2018)
https://media.giphy.com/media/wIkyoQzPOXyWNfLmr1/giphy.gif
Corpse Bride (2005) https://68.media.tumblr.com/c305aad3e4349464e2217a6072ef4183/tumblr_ofen43D9Tm1rp0vkjo1_500.gif
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
https://media.giphy.com/media/ZEdr5TG293Mxa/giphy.gif
Kubo and The Two Strings (2016)
- Cut-out
Another popular form of stop-motion is cut-out. Using construction paper or cardboard characters and placing them on paper while shooting the animation from above. The cardboard is then moved a little each frame to create the illusion of movement.
South Park (1992)
http://freegifmaker.me/images/2ej3c/
Fantastic Planet (1973)
http://freegifmaker.me/images/2ej3G/
Twice Upon A Time (1983)
http://freegifmaker.me/images/2ej3T/
- Silhouette
Similar to cut-out animation, silhouette animation uses cardboard or some kind of flat material, but the objects are all black and the shot is depicted with silhouettes only. This is one of the oldest forms of stop motion and is rarely used today.
Die Geschichte des Prinzen Achmed (The Adventures of Prince Achmed, 1926)
http://freegifmaker.me/images/2ej4k/
Tales of the Night (Les Contes de la nuit, 2011)
http://freegifmaker.me/images/2ej4C/
Princes et princesses (Princes and Princesses, 2000)
http://freegifmaker.me/images/2ejbi/
- Action Figures/Lego
Some use action figures or lego characters for animation. This genre is very popular on YouTube with many channels dedicated to creating funny skits with Lego characters.
Robot Chicken - The Best of Spiderman (2017)
http://i.imgur.com/HjiwsYU.gif
Robot Chicken - The Best of Superman (2016)
https://media.giphy.com/media/EdQGWbvNi0ZjO/giphy.gif
Lego ATM Fail - The Homeless (2018)
http://freegifmaker.me/images/2ejbB/
- Pixilation
Pixilation is a form of stop motion that uses real people and real environments to create unreal videos. It uses the stop motion method of taking a still photo, moving things around, and then taking another photo, but the subject matter is usually real people instead of puppets.
Strawberry Swing (Coldplay, 2011)
https://i.imgur.com/C1TTCGY.gif
Luminaris (2011)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Z1VBQkdIM
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall (Coldplay, 2011)
Tony vs. Paul (2007)
https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ScaryEnragedDuckbillplatypus-max-1mb.gif
Traditional animation :
What is traditional animation.
- Traditional animation are usually refers to animation that are hand-drawn on paper. It was the process used for most of the productions throughout the 20th century.
- An animator draws the characters, layout and backgrounds on paper. Each drawing in the animation would be slightly different than the one drawn before and the one following up, this creates the illusion of movement when everything is put onto film.
Famous Artist :
- Walt disney,
- Disney's first animated feature film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," drastically changed the animation industry. It was the most successful film of 1939, earning more than $8 million. Disney was given one full-size and seven miniature Academy Awards for the movie. "Snow White" began a period that was later referred to as "The Golden Age of Animation" for Disney's studio.
-Snow white and the seven dwarves.
-Snow white and seven dwarves.
- Ollie Johnston
- Oliver Martin Johnston, Jr. was an American motion picture animator. He was one of Disney's Nine Old Men, and the last surviving at the time of his death from natural causes. He was recognized by The Walt Disney Company with its Disney Legend Award in 1988
- One of Ollies best works after snow white was animation such as pinocchio and Bambi.
-Taken from the movie Bambi
-Frank thomas
Franklin Rosborough "Frank" Thomas was an American animator and pianist. He was one of Walt Disney's team of animators known as the Nine Old Men. one of his contribution such as the animation “the Rescuers” and also “Robin Hood”
-Taken by Robin Hood
- Taken from Robin Hood.
“Taken from the animation of the rescuer”
Motion Graphics Animation
Definition: It is the art of creatively moving graphic elements or texts, usually for the purpose of commercials or promotions.
(https://motion-ux.com/types-of-motion-graphics-5f921cd0d4ac)
Purpose: To attract and engage the audience emotionally. Hence, longer attention span on the subject matter.
Types of motion graphics animation:
- Explainer Video
Motion graphics are usually used in explainer videos. They are short animated clips that concentrate on explaining complex situations or processes and they’ll be broken down into manageable chunks that tell the complete picture. Explainer videos are usually for marketing and educational purposes.
Keyword: “Storytelling”
Source: https://media.giphy.com/media/oMrjb4goYluuI/giphy.gif
Example of an explainer video: https://youtu.be/1aEiF2X3pLQ?list=PLcKvelOR1QjFxrzPduyq0Q0AB7NdkRqoG
- User Interface Design (UI Design)
It is the process of making interfaces in softwares or computerised devices with a focus on looks or style. Designers aim to create designs that users will find more appealing and usable. Hence, providing reassurance and meaning to interactions.
Source: https://media.giphy.com/media/MVY2s31jlHI88/giphy.gif
Source: https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*uu1bAR_tSlIiIpLUR3A1_A.gif
Example of a UI design: https://uimovement.com/media/resource_image/video_7108.mp4 ← Should download this for easy play during presentation. You can just right-click and save video as.
- Logo Design
It is a graphic mark, emblem or symbol used to aid and promote public identification and recognition. By adding motion graphics to static logos, the target audience will be able to see the personality of the brand. Bringing “delight to design”.
Fig 1. Cub Studio by Fraser Davidson
Source: https://dribbble.com/shots/1525046-Cub-Studio
Fig 2. Google by Adam Grabowski
Source: https://dribbble.com/shots/2229911-Google-Brand-System-Motion
Fig 3. IKEA by Nikita Melnikov
Source: https://dribbble.com/shots/2359291-Animation-logo-from-my-last-project-for-Ikea
- Titles (Movies and TV)
Motion graphic artists play an important role in creating title sequences because they need to set the tone for the entire film or TV show. It means that the style, music, imagery, typography and text animation of the opening sequence have to work altogether. Thus, creating a brilliant fusion between graphic design and filmmaking.
One example would be Scott Pilgrim vs The World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-jSZQEc674 ← Should download this for easy play during presentation.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World’s title sequence
Reference list:
https://www.creativebloq.com/design/top-movie-title-sequences-10121014
https://digitalsynopsis.com/design/creative-logo-animations/
https://www.invisionapp.com/inside-design/importance-good-animation-ux/
https://uimovement.com/ui/7108/inner-animal/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateharrison/2018/04/06/what-you-really-need-to-know-about-explainer-videos/#188c620c6f02
https://biteable.com/blog/inspiration/what-is-motion-graphics/
https://motion-ux.com/types-of-motion-graphics-5f921cd0d4ac
https://www.bloopanimation.com/types-of-animation/
2D Animation
2D animation is the traditional animation method that has existed since the late 1800s. It is one drawing followed by another in a slightly different pose, followed by another in a slightly different pose, on and on for 24 frames a second.
The typical speed of image shift in today’s animation is 24 shots per second; so, after you have 24 sheets of paper with small changes added to each next one, you’ll be able to display one second of animation.
Traditionally these were put together in an amazing process where artists drew pencil drawings of every frame of film, then these images were painted onto clear plastic sheets called ‘cels’, and each of the thousands of handrawn and painted cels were photographed one at a time over a hand painted background image and those thousands of images compiled to run as film at 24 frames a second.
2D animators are still in demand and perform a wide range of works for their clients including:
- Character design and creation
- Implementation of digital animation and video
- Creation of stop motion and web animation
- A variety of designs with the use of life drawing techniques.
https://wow-how.com/blog/articles/what-is-2d-animation
Pre-production
Pre-production involves establishing the plot of the completed animation. Because each shot in animation is so labor-intensive, it's imperative to get shots right during pre-production. Re-animating a shot (because a character uses knowledge not gained until later in the story, for example) is very expensive, especially compared to live-action filming.
Most animations are storyboarded, in which the main action in each scene is drawn in a comic book-like form. Storyboards are usually pasted on large foam-core or posterboard sheets, which can be quickly read through by the staff. During pre-production, the staff reviews the storyboard for consistency, and parts of the storyboard may be redrawn multiple times.
https://giphy.com/gifs/graphic-storyboard-cRMi63Ax0iBr84Pgi5
Production
Each shot in a 2D animation involves multiple single drawings of characters. shot may contain only one drawing (especially in "limited animation" forms like anime), but usually contain about ten to twenty drawings. These drawings are divided into "keys" and "in-betweens." Keys are important drawings that convey the extremes of the character's movement--the first drawing is almost always a key--while in-betweens (or "tweens") are the remaining, less important drawings in the shot.
Post- production
This is the last stage. It includes audio visual editing in specific editing software and rendering the final output. Even after all the tweens have been colored and added to the animation, the film is far from complete. There's still music and sound effects to be added, as well as visual effects (glows,hazes, etc.). The animation also may need to be edited in the more traditional film sense; shots cut slightly short or held longer, even scenes cut entirely
https://giphy.com/gifs/animation-artists-on-tumblr-2d-v0c0DkqkmW05W
https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/2D_Animation_process
http://www.happyhourproductions.co.uk/animation-production.html
2D Animation
2D animation is the term often used when referring to traditional hand-drawn animation, but it can also refer to computer vector animations that adopts the techniques of traditional animation.
2D animation focuses on creating characters, storyboards, and backgrounds in two-dimensional environments. They do not appear to move toward or away from the viewer, as they would in 3D animation.
2D animation uses bitmap and vector graphics to create and edit the animated images and is created using computers and software programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, Flash, After Effects, and Encore. These animations may be used in advertisements, films, television shows, computer games, or websites.
2D animators create frames to define a sequence that are then moved at varying speeds to create the illusion of motion.3D or three-dimensional animation has more depth and is more realistic.
Exp:
https://vimeo.com/132101287?ref=fb-share&fbclid=IwAR2ujdv-Fm1Nejbd_HDrDTvFUHF5Fn_RjSdlPXJCLeuQ7JwNGcv2tMjRKyQ
https://vimeo.com/138106887
Vector graphics are computer graphics images that are defined in terms of 2D points, which are connected by lines and curves to form polygons and other shapes. Each of these points has a definite position on the x- and y-axis of the work plane and determines the direction of the path; further, each path may have various properties including values for stroke color, shape, curve, thickness, and fill. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_graphics)
Modern vector graphics displays can sometimes be found at laser light shows, where two fast-moving X-Y mirrors position the beam to rapidly draw shapes and text as straight and curved strokes on a screen.
Today most 2D animation involves using computer software to one degree or another, from just digitally coloring the cels to be photographed in the traditional method, to doing every single element in the computer.
The term "vector graphics" is mainly used today in the context of two-dimensional computer graphics. It is one of several modes an artist can use to create an image on a raster display. Vector graphics can be uploaded to online databases for other designers to download and manipulate, speeding up the creative process. Other modes include text, multimedia, and 3D rendering. Virtually all modern 3D rendering is done using extensions of 2D vector graphics techniques.
Vector graphics are ideal for simple or composite drawings that need to be device-independent, or do not need to achieve photo-realism. For example, the PostScript and PDF page description languages use a vector graphics model.
Vector-based animations, meaning computer generated 2D animations, uses the exact same techniques as traditional animation, but benefits from the lack of physical objects needed to make traditional 2D animations, as well as the ability to use computer interpolation to same time.
Purpose:
Vector animation often allows cleaner, smoother animation because images are displayed and resized using mathematical values instead of stored pixel values. (https://www.lifewire.com/introduction-to-vector-animation-140890)
2D was put in a separate category is that in addition to the option of animating frame by frame, an animator has the option of creating rigs for the characters and then move the body parts individually instead of drawing the character over and over. (https://www.bloopanimation.com/types-of-animation/)
Vector graphics
A vector graphic is an image constructed using mathematical equations or basic geometric elements such as points, lines and shapes. In computer graphics, these shapes and figures are called primitives because they are the most basic figures to which a shape can be broken down.
Vector format graphics are primarily used as source files for hard-edged graphics, logos and illustrations. This format is typically leveraged to create simpler images that will be scaled up or down, depending on the use case. (https://learn.g2crowd.com/vector-graphics)
Benefit:
- Vector file formats require less image space. Vector graphics are composed of simple gradients and flat colors. That means they require less disk space.
- Vector graphics are easily scalable. Because of the way they are constructed, vector graphics can be scaled indefinitely. They will not lose their quality, as they are not composed of pixels.
- Vector graphics are easy to modify. Many of these file formats are made up of a ASCII-format data, which means they are easy to modify. Elements can be added, removed or changed within vector graphics without impacting other objects in the image.
3D Animation
Definition :
3D animation is the process of producing three-dimensional moving images in a digital environment. Careful manipulation of 3D models or objects is performed within 3D software to export picture sequences, giving an illusion of animation or motion.
Process
1. Concept and Storyboards
The first step in the 3D animation process is the conceptualization of ideas and the creation of storyboards that transform those ideas into visual forms.
2. 3D Modeling
The next step is Modeling. It is the process of taking shape and molding it into a completed 3D screen. The most typical means of creating a 3D Animation model is to take a simple object, called a primitive, and extend or “grow” it into the shape that can be refined and detailed.
3. Texturing
When a 3D model is designed, 2D images can be overlaid on it to add colors, designs, and textures. It is called mapping, and often the entirety of a model’s color comes from this. These maps can be created in the programs like Photoshop, and the illusions of textures can be brushed onto the models as easily as if you painted them yourself; some animators even use real photographs of the textures they are trying to create, simply captured and then altered to make seamless repeatable patterns.
4. Rigging
Setting up a character to talk and walk is the last stage of the process of character animation can begin. This stage is called ‘rigging’ and is the underlying system that drives the movement of a character to bring it to life.
Rigging is the process of setting up a controllable skeleton for the character that is intended for the animation. Depending on the subject matter, every rig is and so is the corresponding set of controls.
5. Animation
The animation is the process of taking a 3D object and getting it to move. Animation comes in a few different flavors. There’s key frame animation, where the animator manipulates the objects on a frame-by-frame basis, similar to old hand-drawn cartoons. Other methods of animation include placing objects on splines and setting them to follow the path of the curve, or importing the motion capture data and applying it to a character rig.
6. Lighting
Lighting is where a scene has the potential to come alive. Used improperly, light can wash out a scene, make the objects appear hard or flat, and destroy all the hard work. But skillfully applied, lighting can make a scene convincing, or if realism is the aim, create, a scene that is virtually indistinguishable from the real life.
In 3D, lights don’t exist as they do in the real world. Lights in 3D are objects that are designed to simulate how the lighting works in real life but to obtain the results you’re after, and you have to apply a number of settings, not only to the lights but the materials.
7. Camera Position
A camera is an amazing tool. In 3D animation, unlike the real world, physical limitations don’t exist. You can create the scene where the camera takes you on a journey inside the blood vessels of the human body, or to be an eye-in-the-sky in your scenes, and it can be used to create the impossible perspectives, to zoom and pan and so much more. It is beyond the scope of this article to tell you everything about cameras, but here are some basics to get you started.
First, it is useful to look at some of the differences between 3D cameras and real-life cameras. In 3D, unlike in real life, there is no need for a lens, focusing controls, aperture, film etc. All of these functions are controlled via software. Where things are similar is how the camera is used. In 3D, you can create one or more cameras position them exactly as desired in the 3D space and use settings to mimic focal length, depth of field, etc. Other options for moving a 3D camera are similar to those in movie making, including truck, dolly, motion blur, orbit and pan.
8. Rendering
Rendering an image is the last step in the 3D Process, and is perhaps the most important part. It is a step overlooked or glossed over by the beginners, who are more focused on creating models and animating them. There are many aspects to creating a final render of a scene, including attention to camera placement, lighting choices which may affect mood and shadows, reflections and transparency, and the handling of special effects, like fluids or gasses.
9. Compositing and Special VFX
This is where the final renders are brought into compositing the programs to edit, touch-up and add on special effects.
Compositing includes everything from what you probably normally think of as special effects, where things explode, evaporate, morph, etc.
Basically, the art of taking live footage and blending it with computer-generated footage would be considered compositing.
10. Music
A music composer will create music soundtracks and accompaniment music to set the mood for animation.
An artist ‘recreates’ sound effects for the film, television and radio productions. Using many of the different kinds of shoes and lots of props car fenders, glasses, plates, chairs. Artist can replace original sound completely or augment existing sounds to create a richer track.
11. Editing and Final Output
This is where the composited renders and music are compiled and edited to ensure that everything is in synchronization. Once satisfied, the compiled product is exported as one of the many formats suitable for broadcasting.
http://www.multimediacourses.in/2018/01/16/3d-animation-process/
How influential is animation content?
“Animation offers a medium of storytelling and visual entertainment which can bring pleasure and information to people of all ages everywhere in the world.” -Walt Disney
Education
Educational animations are animations produced for the specific purpose of fostering learning.
The popularity of using animations to help learners understand and remember information has greatly increased since the advent of powerful graphics-oriented computers. This technology allows animations to be produced much more easily and cheaply than in former years.
- Educational animations make learning much more interactive and interesting.
- Well-designed animations may help students learn faster and easier.
- An effective learning tool that attracts attention and engages the learner.
- They are also excellent aid to teachers when it comes to explaining difficult subjects.
https://www.eyecandyinfographic.com/blog/importance-animation-everyday-life/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Educational_animation)
https://mairperkins.co.uk/bananas/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Mucus-animation.gif
https://s3.r29static.com/bin/entry/200/x/1255961/pcos-1.gif
Advertising
Animation is a multibillion-dollar, global industry that has a place in more major industries that you think. While most people associate animation with entertainment, it is viewed as a powerful communication tool in advertising and has been used ubiquitously since the 1920s.
- They distill information for easy comprehension. Through visual storytelling, animated ads help break down complex information, delivering the message simply and clearly.
- They make promotional online videos more entertaining and memorable.
- With animations you can create videos which are not realistic, but can depict your imagination. These videos allow you to show some new inventions from the company, and also create curiosity among the customers about the product.
- Creating animated characters, landscapes, and scenes is a lot less expensive than creating a live production. The cost for the celebrity talent alone for a live production could account for a large percentage of the projects budget. Voice actors are much less expensive and the costs could be even lower if characters are created online.
(https://www.animationcareerreview.com/articles/animation-advertising-how-important-it
https://www.eyecandyinfographic.com/blog/importance-animation-everyday-life/)
Examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-suUcRdqQ
Entertainment
Entertainment is the primary purpose of animation. It's first aim was to be used in movies, cartoons or short videos. Diverse animation services are offered by several top animation companies to be used for entertainment in a range of platforms such as TV, internet and even on the phones.
Animation is used to represent the things which doesn't exist in real life and bring some magic and fiction into movies. Famous animation programs such as Tom and Jerry, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck are created to make everyone laugh while sharing important life lessons and moral values.
Tom and Jerry
https://media.giphy.com/media/yJpIlhh6ZTqHm/giphy.gif
Adventure Time
https://media.giphy.com/media/110I3JNrWef7eo/giphy.gif
Coco
https://media1.giphy.com/media/3ohfFxyWhNGXDs9rWM/giphy.gif
Cinderella
https://media.giphy.com/media/5nvoaf6Cn55mg/giphy.gif
Medical Field
The use of animation in medical field is increasing over the years. It is extensively used to create accurate and representative scientific visualization for the purpose of research and analytical studies. Hospitals and other healthcare institutions have realized the benefits of 3D medical animation, and are pairing up with reputed platforms providing animation services.
It allows professionals and medical students to visualize the details of the human anatomy with clarity. You can view details of the human anatomy through medical animation, even the ones that the naked eyes cannot see. As a result, surgeons are able to explore the replicas of human body, before conducting surgeries. New interns can get effective training on complex techniques of surgery.
(https://mapsystemsindia.com/resources/various-uses-of-animation.html)
Examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Lb-U2jVvVQ
https://thumbs.gfycat.com/BountifulExemplaryBison-size_restricted.gif
https://thumbs.gfycat.com/DizzyMasculineGentoopenguin-size_restricted.gif
http://cdn.mdavisstudios.com/uploads/sperm-4-animated-gif400px.gif
