What is Animation and What are the Types of Animation?

Animation has progressed as one of the most important and influential art forms in our culture. From Disney Movies to Pixar movies, animation has a long history full of fascinating work, complicated processes and innovative thinkers. But what is animation? What are the types of animation?

In this article, we explore these questions, including everything from stop motion to computer animated cartoons. You’ll also find out what tools are used for each type of anime; as well as tips for aspiring animators and designers who want to get into the business. Ready? Then let’s dive in!

What is Animation?

Animation, at its most basic, is the act of portraying motion and movement through the use of pictures and music. Whereas live-action films are filmed using actual actors and props, animated films are created using cartoons and other visual media. Because of this, they’re often known as cartoon films.

Animation Industry outlook

As more individuals become aware of how much money they may make through this career path. Hence, the animation is becoming increasingly "in-demand" and popular. As we all know, there are various entertainment-related occupations available. And each one will provide you with a completely distinct experience in terms of what you do on a daily basis. However, this is a professional opportunity that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The market for 3D animation was valued at USD 18.39 billion in 2021, and from 2022 to 2030, it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.1%.

There has been a rise in the use of visual effects technologies in movies and other media. The public wants to experience cutting-edge technology that produce realistic images and realistic-looking stills and videos. 3D mobile games and applications are very popular, in addition to movies. The experiences that viewers have with video games have contributed to this rise in interest in 3D technology. The development of 3D stereoscopic gaming with the help of 3D animation technologies is another factor driving this industry. You can now clearly see whether a career in animation is a good choice for you or not. Also read: Is Animation is a god Career?

Types of Animation

In this section we will be discussing the types of animation:

• Cel Animation (Traditional Method)

The artist had to literally sketch hundreds of images on special paper and have them photographed, frame by frame; to create the original hand-drawn cel animation. Disney was a conventional animation studio before the advent of computer animation. If you particularly appreciate traditional media, such as colour pencils, glass painting, or watercolors, traditional animation is a terrific ability to have in your toolbox. Traditional animation's biggest flaw is that it takes a very long time to produce. Take a look at the magnificent Aleksandr Petrov film "The Old Man and the Sea"; which is based on the Hemingway story, and the A-ha song video "Take on Me" to see examples of this kind of animation's many sources of inspiration.

Animation is a very broad genre that can include everything from hand-drawn cartoons to computer-animated films. For instance, some cartoons are made with cel animation (or traditional paper cel) and have elements such as hand-drawn backgrounds or textures. Others use CG elements to create 3D environments rather than 2D ones (for example Disney’s hit Frozen). An example of cel animation. Paper cels are move over an animation background to create the illusion of movement and character interaction.

• CGI

Recent movies have used a mix of both 2D and 3D animation techniques, which is referred to as Computer-generated imagery - computer-generated images are made using computing power instead of physical things. These can include CGI characters (such as in Disney’s The Little Mermaid) or digital versions of puppets. An example of how 3D models can be used to create a realistic-looking environment for a character to interact with (for example in Pixar's Brave).

• Stop Motion

Stop motion animation is similar to traditional animation, with the exception that clay models and a set are use instead of drawings to create animation. Puppets, cutouts, silhouettes, and even action figures can all be used in stop motion animation. Stop-motion animation was formerly a popular special effect technique for live-action movies. But 3D animation and visual effects have mostly taken its place. Some animated films are created using stop motion, which means that objects are move frame by frame in order to create a sense of movement. These can include clay puppets (like in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas). Or even plastic toys (like the Lego characters in Toy Story). Studio Ghibli's Kiki's Delivery Service was create using stop motion.

Take Away

Animation is one of the fastest-growing industries. And it is one of the most sought-after careers. Reputed institutes are providing animation courses in Kolkata.