Animation is a form of storytelling. It is a technique that creates the illusion of movement by displaying a sequence of images in rapid succession. Each image is slightly different from the last. Traditional animation involved drawing or painting on transparent celluloid sheets, while modern animation primarily uses computer-generated imagery (CGI). The smoothness of motion depends on the frame rate, with 12 frames per second appearing somewhat choppy and 24 frames per second commonly used in films for fluid motion. Typically, moving characters are animated “on twos,” meaning each image is displayed for two frames to balance efficiency and movement realism. [1] [2]
Traditional Animation
There are different types of animations. Animation started with the traditional animation, also called cel animation and slowly transformed into newer types, with the help of technology.
As already mentioned, traditional animation is the oldest type. The objects are drawn on celluloid transparent paper, that’s why it is also called cel animation. Each frame has to be drawn on a new piece of paper. Background, characters and other elements are separated, and have their own layers. Animators have to create first the line art and later add color. Background artists create the background scenes. Once all the frames are finished, they are photographed using special animated cameras. The final film is then sent for development and processing. [3] [4][5]
2D Vector Animations
Traditional animations are also 2D animations, but they were at first hand drawn and later drawn with the help of digital tools. These images are pixel images, for example JPG, PNG, GIF. The vector animation process is based on vector images, which means the images always stay sharp. This was not the case with pixel images, where the images couldn’t be enlarged without using the image quality. As vector-based animations use mathematical values, the graphics can be changed, instead of redrawing each element over and over again, making the process faster and easier. Since vector graphics are resolution-independent, they maintain high quality at any size, making them ideal for mobile apps, interactive media, and online content. They are very popular for explainer animations, web animations, advertisements, and motion graphics. [6]
3D Animations
3D animation is the process of creating three-dimensional images in a digital context. These visuals are made by using 3D software, which allows animators to create objects, sets, and characters in 3D space. These make the image appear 3D in a 2D space. Unlike traditional 2D animation, where movement is created by drawing frame by frame, 3D animation relies on digital models that can be rigged with skeletons and manipulated to move fluidly. This process involves several stages, including modelling, texturing, rigging, animating, lighting, and rendering. Animators use keyframes and motion capture techniques to bring characters to life with realistic movements and expressions.
Beyond entertainment, 3D animation is widely used in gaming, virtual reality, architecture, medicine, and education. It enhances visual storytelling, making complex ideas more engaging and accessible. Advancements in technology, such as real-time rendering and artificial intelligence, continue to push the limits of what is possible, making 3D animation an essential tool in digital media. [7] [8]
Motion Graphics
Motion graphics refers to animated graphic design. A motion graphics artist uses text, images, and animation to convey information in a visually engaging way that complements the video’s style. The key element is „motion“ — if it doesn’t move, it’s not motion graphics. Unlike traditional animation, which focuses on character-driven storytelling, motion graphics primarily emphasize dynamic visuals and typography to enhance communication.
Motion graphics are widely used in advertising, explainer videos, social media content, and broadcast design. They help simplify complex ideas through visually appealing animations, making information more digestible and engaging. With advancements in software like Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D, motion graphics continue to evolve, blending seamlessly with 3D elements, visual effects, and interactive media to create compelling digital experiences. [9] [10] [11] [12]
Stop Motion
Stop motion encompasses various techniques, including claymation, pixelation, and object-motion. This type of animation is not done with drawing or using digital modelling tools, it is typically made with physical objects, which are being rearranged or remodelled for every frame. While the styles may differ, the fundamental mechanics are similar to traditional animation, like a flipbook. Each frame is being photographed to create the illusion of movement.[13]
Bibliography
Adobe. “Motion graphics explained: definition, history and examples.” Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/animation/discover/motion-graphics.html.
Bianat. “Traditional Animation.” Baianat. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.baianat.com/books/animation-revolution/traditional-animation.
Ellis, Matt. “Motion graphics vs. animation: what’s the difference?” 99designs (blog), 2019. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://99designs.com/blog/video-animation/motion-graphics-vs-animation/.
Into Film. “Animation: Hand Drawn.” Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.intofilm.org/films/filmlist/91.
Katatikarn, Jasmine. “What Is 3D Animation? The Complete Guide (2024).” Academy of Animated Art, January 11, 2024. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://academyofanimatedart.com/what-is-3d-animation/.
Maio, Alyssa. “What Is Animation — Definition, History and Types of Animation.” StudioBinder, January 28, 2025. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-animation-definition/.
Museum of Science Boston. “Animation.” The Science Behind Pixar. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://sciencebehindpixar.org/pipeline/animation.
Provost, Rex. “What Is Motion Graphics — Definition, Examples & Types.” StudioBinder, September 3, 2023. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-motion-graphics-definition/.
Silveira, Felippe. “What Is Motion Graphics?” Mowe, August 3, 2023. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://mowe.studio/what-is-motion-graphics/.
Toonboom. “Traditional Animation.” Accessed February 7, 2025. https://learn.toonboom.com/modules/animation-techniques/topic/traditional-animation.
Unity. “What is 3D animation?” Accessed February 7, 2025. https://unity.com/topics/what-3d-animation.
This blog content was translated by artificial intelligence.
[1] Maio, Alyssa. “What Is Animation — Definition, History and Types of Animation.” StudioBinder, January 28, 2025. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-animation-definition/.
[2] Museum of Science Boston. “Animation.” The Science Behind Pixar. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://sciencebehindpixar.org/pipeline/animation.
[3] Maio, “What Is Animation — Definition, History and Types of Animation.”
[4] Toonboom. “Traditional Animation.” Accessed February 7, 2025. https://learn.toonboom.com/modules/animation-techniques/topic/traditional-animation.
[5] Into Film. “Animation: Hand Drawn.” Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.intofilm.org/films/filmlist/91.
[6] Maio, “What Is Animation — Definition, History and Types of Animation.”
[7] Unity. “What is 3D animation?” Accessed February 7, 2025. https://unity.com/topics/what-3d-animation.
[8] Katatikarn, Jasmine. “What Is 3D Animation? The Complete Guide (2024).” Academy of Animated Art, January 11, 2024. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://academyofanimatedart.com/what-is-3d-animation/.
[9] Provost, Rex. “What Is Motion Graphics — Definition, Examples & Types.” StudioBinder, September 3, 2023. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-motion-graphics-definition/.
[10] Ellis, Matt. “Motion graphics vs. animation: what’s the difference?” 99designs (blog), 2019. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://99designs.com/blog/video-animation/motion-graphics-vs-animation/.
[11] Silveira, Felippe. “What Is Motion Graphics?” Mowe, August 3, 2023. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://mowe.studio/what-is-motion-graphics/.
[12] Adobe. “Motion graphics explained: definition, history and examples.” Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/animation/discover/motion-graphics.html.
[13] Maio, “What Is Animation — Definition, History and Types of Animation.”