In today’s world full of digital content and visual media, animation is more prevalent than ever.
We believe one cannot master the art of 2D animation without understanding it completely. From feature films and video games to explainer videos, animation brings visual stories to life in a captivating way. But with so many different types of animation out there, it can get confusing for some people.
It will make you question what exactly 2D animation is and why it matters.
The 70s and 80s saw a boom in Saturday morning cartoons and kids programming as well as anime’s rise in popularity.
Disney Animation also experienced a renaissance returning to Broadway musical-inspired films like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. From Batman: The Animated Series to The Simpsons, 2D ruled the 90s airwaves.
And it lives on today through sitcoms like Rick and Morty, enabling artists to create cutting-edge 2D work. We believe 2D animation is not just a dance-off between characters and colors; it is also a great tool for storytelling and conveying witty ideas.
What is 2D animation?
If you are wondering, what is 2D? or you’re confused about its application, then you have landed on the right blog.
The 2D videos craft and display pictures in a flat, two-dimensional manner.
From the composition, lighting, strength of narrative, and characters to the storytelling, a 2D film keeps its viewers engaged.
2D animation creates an illusion of movement through the technique of photographing successive drawings or models. The animators pull strings of imagination and present it from one frame to another.
We believe the definition of 2D animation is about blending all the aesthetic aspects of it and ensuring every shot conveys the message.
Why does 2D animation matter?
2D animation has a timeless charm that evokes nostalgia for many audiences. It has been a part of animation history for decades, creating a sentimental connection with viewers.
The two-dimensional animation serves as a valuable learning tool, both for aspiring animators and for educational purposes. Its accessibility makes it an excellent medium for conveying educational content.
- We believe 2D animation is a powerful medium for evoking emotions.
- Its adaptability empowers storytellers to convey complex ideas with simplicity.
- The two-dimensional animation enables us to explore various themes. From comedy to fantasy, you can go through it all.
- 2D animation seamlessly adapts to various marketing platforms, catering to diverse audience preferences.
Exploring 12 principles of animation
Captivating audiences worldwide to infuse their creations with depth, emotion, and a touch of Disney magic.
For a better understanding, we can go through the 12 principles of animation.
The 12 principles of animation are formulated by Disney animators, Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas in their 1981 publication “The Illusion of Life“.
These principles play a pivotal role in crafting 2D animation that is both convincing and captivating.
They serve as a comprehensive set of guidelines that have become essential in the world of animation. From classics like “Snow White” to contemporary masterpieces like “Frozen,” Disney animators have consistently applied these principles to create a sense of realism.
The principles cover aspects such as timing, anticipation, squash and stretch, and more, offering a roadmap for animators.
1. Timing and spacing
These factors give objects an illusion of movement.
Timing refers to the number of frames between two poses, and spacing is about the idea of placing those frames.
If the spacing is close together, the object will move slower, and on further spacing, it will move faster. Proper spacing contributes to the illusion of natural, coherent motion. It determines the pace and rhythm of a sequence, allowing animators to create a realistic flow of motion.
Whether fast-paced and dynamic or slow and deliberate, the timing of each frame influences the overall perception of movement.
Together, timing and spacing work harmoniously. It guides animators to strike the perfect balance between rapid actions, deliberate pauses, and seamless transitions..
2. Squash and stretch
It is about giving flexibility to the objects.
When an object collides with a surface or experiences force, it appears squashed in the direction of that force. This principle not only adds a sense of realism to movements but also enhances the visual impact of actions.
Stretching involves elongating an object or character to emphasize extension, speed, or tension. Stretching occurs during moments of rapid movement or when an object is subjected to pulling forces.
In animation, it adds a comical effect or more appeal. For instance, it can make the eyes blink or exaggerate the face when someone is speaking.
By skillfully combining squash and stretch, animators can portray a heightened sense of elasticity and responsiveness.
3. Anticipation
Setting up the audience for an action that is about to happen.
Anticipation is like a visual cue, signaling that something is about to happen. It involves a brief, often subtle, movement or poses that precedes the main action.
This 2D animation principle impacts movements and ensures that the audience is engaged and connected to the unfolding narrative.
It’s a subtle yet powerful element that contributes to the artistry and effectiveness of animated sequences.
4. Ease in and ease out
Making the movements of objects natural and un-robotic.
This principle of 2D animation utilizes spacing. Without this acceleration and deceleration of actions, everything will be abrupt and jerky.
It helps emphasize the impact and details of an action, preventing movements from appearing abrupt or robotic.
By incorporating ease in and ease out, animators ensure that animations have a more fluid and natural transition between different poses or actions.
5. Follow through and overlapping action
Follow-through is the idea that separates parts of the body. Whereas overlapping action ensures different parts move at different times,
It is also known as moving hold, which prevents animation from becoming dead.
Both principles contribute to the realism of animations by acknowledging the interconnectedness and interdependence of different elements in motion.
Follow-through and overlapping action enhance the visual appeal of animations, making movements look more graceful and dynamic.
6. Arcs
It makes the movement smoother and more realistic.
When characters or objects follow arced trajectories, it adds a level of authenticity to the animation. Moreover, it makes the movements more organic.
Arcs enhance the expressiveness of characters in 2D animation. By utilizing arcs, animators can convey emotions more effectively.
7. Exaggeration
It pushes movements further. It adds more appeal to an action by creating cartoon movements.
Exaggeration is a fundamental animation principle that involves amplifying certain features or movements to emphasize and convey the intended message or emotion effectively.
By embracing exaggeration, animators can inject personality, expressiveness, and a sense of drama into their work.
8. Solid drawing
Solid drawing is about creating an accurate drawing concerning volume, balance, shadow, and weight.
By mastering solid drawing, animators ensure that their creations feel grounded, contributing to the overall success of the animated storytelling experience.
9. Appeal
An appeal to a character design connects audiences.
Maintaining consistency in character design and 2D animation style contributes to overall appeal. It goes beyond technical proficiency, focusing on creating characters and movements that are visually interesting.
10. Straight-ahead action and pose-to-pose
Straight-ahead action is a spontaneous and linear approach to animation.
With pose-to-pose, the animation becomes more methodical. It ensures the proportions and timing are correct, and it sounds perfect for slow, dramatic, or emotional scenes.
Both straight-ahead action and pose-to-pose are valuable animation principles.
Animators may use a combination of these approaches based on the specific needs of a project. The choice between them ultimately depends on the animator’s artistic style, the nature of the animation, and the desired outcome.
11. Secondary action
It supports or emphasizes the main action to breathe more life into animation.
The purpose of secondary action is to ensure that it does not detract from the main action.
Secondary action is a crucial animation principle that adds layers of detail and authenticity to animations. By thoughtfully incorporating supporting movements, animators elevate their work, creating characters and scenes that feel more natural.
12. Staging
It is about setting up the scene.
It helps animators tell a compelling story, create visually appealing scenes, and ensure that the audience remains engaged and informed throughout the viewing experience.
Staging directs the viewer’s attention to key elements within the scene.
Thoughtful staging enhances the clarity and impact of the animation, fostering a deeper connection with the viewer.
Wrapping it up
In conclusion, 2D animation is a captivating art form that unfolds its narrative on a flat canvas, breathing life into characters and stories.
As we appreciate the illusion of life crafted by these principles, it becomes evident that 2D animation remains a timeless and enchanting medium. A medium where imagination takes flight and stories come alive with every stroke and frame. Whether hand-drawn, digital cutout, or motion graphics, 2D techniques bring worlds and characters to life frame-by-frame. So, the next time you watch your favorite cartoon or animated film, appreciate the artistry that goes into 2D animation.
Also read: 15 free animtion tools
