How has 2D animation evolved from traditional to digital techniques?

1 Traditional animation

Traditional animation, also known as hand-drawn or cel animation, involves drawing each frame of the animation by hand on a transparent sheet of plastic called a cel. The cels are then photographed over a painted background, creating a sequence of images that can be played back at a certain speed to create motion. Traditional animation is often praised for its expressive and artistic qualities, as well as its ability to convey complex emotions and gestures. However, it is also very time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive, as it requires a large team of animators, inkers, painters, and camera operators.

2 Digital animation

Digital animation, also known as computer or vector animation, involves creating and manipulating images on a computer using software programs such as Adobe Flash, Toon Boom, or After Effects. Digital animation can be done in two ways: frame-by-frame, which mimics the traditional technique by drawing each frame individually, or tweening, which uses mathematical formulas to interpolate the movement between key frames. Digital animation is often faster, cheaper, and more flexible than traditional animation, as it allows for easy editing, coloring, and compositing. However, it can also lose some of the charm and warmth of hand-drawn animation, and require more technical skills and equipment.

3 Hybrid animation

Hybrid animation, also known as mixed media or cross-media animation, involves combining different techniques and formats of animation to create a unique and diverse visual style. Hybrid animation can include elements of traditional, digital, stop-motion, cut-out, rotoscope, or live-action animation, among others. Hybrid animation can offer more creative freedom and variety, as well as appeal to different audiences and markets. However, it can also pose more challenges in terms of consistency, compatibility, and coherence, as well as require more planning and collaboration.

4 Web animation

Web animation, also known as online or internet animation, involves creating and distributing animation through the web using platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, or Newgrounds. Web animation can use any of the previous techniques, but often adapts to the specific features and limitations of the web medium, such as file size, resolution, interactivity, or streaming. Web animation can offer more accessibility and exposure, as well as more opportunities for experimentation and feedback. However, it can also face more competition and copyright issues, as well as lower quality and revenue.

5 Mobile animation

Mobile animation, also known as smartphone or tablet animation, involves creating and consuming animation on mobile devices using apps such as FlipaClip, Animation Desk, or Procreate. Mobile animation can use any of the previous techniques, but often adapts to the specific capabilities and constraints of the mobile medium, such as touch screen, motion sensor, or battery life. Mobile animation can offer more convenience and portability, as well as more possibilities for personalization and sharing. However, it can also suffer from more technical problems and limitations, as well as less professionalism and recognition.

6 Future animation

Future animation, also known as emerging or cutting-edge animation, involves exploring and developing new techniques and technologies of animation that can enhance or transform the medium. Future animation can include aspects of virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, or 3D printing, among others. Future animation can offer more immersion and innovation, as well as more potential for education and entertainment. However, it can also raise more ethical and social questions, as well as more risks and uncertainties.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?