How do you balance aesthetics and functionality in 2D animation?

2 Choose your tools

There are many tools and software available for 2D animation, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your goals, you may need to choose the best tool for your project, or use a combination of tools to achieve different effects. For example, you may use vector graphics for clean and scalable animations, bitmap graphics for detailed and realistic animations, or motion graphics for dynamic and abstract animations. You may also use tools like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or Blender for different stages of your animation process, such as drawing, rigging, tweening, or rendering.

3 Design your assets

The assets of your animation are the elements that make up your scenes, such as characters, backgrounds, props, and effects. You need to design your assets in a way that matches your goals, and supports your animation. For example, you may use simple and stylized assets for a cartoon or a game, or complex and realistic assets for a documentary or a simulation. You may also use color, shape, texture, and contrast to create mood, hierarchy, and harmony in your assets.

4 Animate your scenes

The scenes of your animation are the sequences that tell your story, or convey your message. You need to animate your scenes in a way that balances aesthetics and functionality. For example, you may use the principles of animation, such as timing, spacing, easing, squash and stretch, anticipation, and exaggeration, to create smooth, expressive, and natural animations. You may also use techniques such as keyframes, in-betweens, interpolation, and layers to create complex and varied animations.

5 Optimize your output

The output of your animation is the final product that you deliver to your audience, or your client. You need to optimize your output in a way that balances aesthetics and functionality. For example, you may use compression, resolution, frame rate, and file format to reduce the size and improve the performance of your animation. You may also use quality control, feedback, and testing to ensure the accuracy and usability of your animation.

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?