What are the benefits and challenges of animating on twos or threes?

1 What are twos and threes?

Animating on twos or threes refers to the number of frames that each drawing is held for in a sequence. For example, if you animate on twos, you draw one image for every two frames, which means you need 12 drawings for one second of animation at 24 frames per second (fps). If you animate on threes, you draw one image for every three frames, which means you need eight drawings for one second of animation at 24 fps.

2 Why use twos and threes?

The main reason to use twos and threes is to save time and resources. Drawing fewer images means less work and less cost, especially for traditional animation that requires paper, ink, and scanning. Another reason is to create a certain style or mood for your animation. For instance, some animators use twos and threes to create a more stylized, choppy, or expressive movement, while others use them to emphasize the contrast between fast and slow actions.

3 What are the benefits of twos and threes?

One of the benefits of animating on twos and threes is that you can focus more on the key poses and the timing of your animation. You can also use twos and threes to create a more dynamic and fluid motion, as the eye tends to fill in the gaps between the drawings. Moreover, animating on twos and threes can give your animation a more natural and organic feel, as it mimics the way the human eye perceives motion in real life.

4 What are the challenges of twos and threes?

One of the challenges of animating on twos and threes is that you have to be careful with the spacing and the consistency of your drawings. If the spacing is too even or too uneven, your animation may look stiff or jittery. If the drawings are too different or too similar, your animation may lose clarity or continuity. Therefore, you have to pay attention to the arcs, the overlaps, and the ease in and out of your movements.

5 How to choose between twos and threes?

When deciding between twos or threes for your animation, it depends on your personal preference, artistic vision, and project requirements. Generally speaking, twos are used for faster or smoother actions such as running or jumping, and threes are used for slower or rougher actions like walking or talking. Complex or varied actions like dancing or fighting may require a mix of twos and threes. Experiment with different combinations to find the best balance for your animation.

6 What are some examples of twos and threes?

If you want to see some examples of animating on twos and threes, you can check out some of the classic works of traditional animation, such as Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes, or Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away. You can also watch some of the modern works of traditional animation, such as Cartoon Saloon's Wolfwalkers, Netflix's Klaus, or Sony's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

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?