What are the careers in animation?

 What is Animation?

Before we get into the details of how modern animation came to be, it is important to answer the question, "What is animation?". At its basic, the animation is the process that takes still images and adds them together to create a sequence that makes it seem like they are moving.

Animation graphics can be either hand-drawn or computer-generated imagery (CGI), which allows for animated objects and characters to come to life using animation software.

Drawing the same image repeatedly with only the smallest differences between them creates the illusion of movement. These tiny differences trick the brain into believing that the images are moving when they are combined as a sequence.

Animations can be either two-dimensional (2D), or three-dimensional (3D). Traditional 2D animations were used before 3D technology was available. However, 2D animations are still used in marketing and commercials as well as entertainment.

Animation types

Let's explain that animation is a broad term for many different methods of adding movement or motion to images (or inanimate objects). There are many more options, but these are the main ones that designers use most often.

Traditional hand-drawn animation

1. Traditional animation--Each frame of animation is created separately and then run in sequence to create the illusion that movement. This is the traditional root of animation types. However, animators have developed better methods due to the time and cost involved.

2. 2D vector-based animated--More advanced software supports traditional animation. It works the same way, except Flash and other vector-based animation software generate many frames based upon animator input.

3. 3. CGI animation is closer to traditional animation and puppetry. The animators are more focused on the movement and the computer handles the visuals.

4. Stop motion--Individual frames can be captured by manipulating and photographing real objects. This is commonly called claymation. However, it can also be used with other materials, as you will see below. While it is as time-consuming and costly as traditional animation, the final results can often be unique and valuable.

Design by Agnes design

Your brand personality and budget will determine the style you choose. A stop-motion explainer video may help your brand stand out among the crowd, but a stop motion interface for your website might not.

You should now have a good idea of the benefits animation can bring to your business and some ideas on how to use it. To learn more, check out our Ultimate Guide to Video Marketing.

Animation is not enough. It must be great animation. For advice on making quality animation, you can ask Disney animators from the golden age of the company.