Friday, June 11, 2010

Little difference between computer animation and traditional animation.

You have no doubt heard the term "animation" and the technical definition is the filming of a sequence of positions or drawings to create an illusion of motion. With the advent of computers, animation evolved from hand drawings to perhaps the most recognized forms of computer 2D animations and 3D computer animation. While the entertainment industry continues to create amazing computer generated 3D animations, what used to take a great deal of manpower, not to mention pencils, cels, etc. can now be accomplished by a single individual.

The most familiar form of 2D animations can be found by watching Saturday morning cartoons, or even simpler animations every day when you surf the web. It takes on the forms of advertisements, e-cards, etc. The basic starting point for all animations is a storyboard that lays out the basic script in a visual format, much like an extra large comic strip.

Actually, there is very little difference between computer animation and what is called traditional animation. 

The main difference is the tools that are used to create animations, the effort and the price. Traditional 3D animations was more like claymations, and was done by using stop-motion filming techniques. Essentially, the true concept of 3D animations did not really catch on until the use of computers for animation became more cost effective and practical.

Although the entertainment industry is largely responsible for the advances in 3D computer animation, they make up only a small part of the market that uses 3D animations. Animation designs sell products; it is also used as a teaching aide because it presents information in a more understandable way.

Many animations can be created completely on a computer, but depending on the type of animation desired, such as cartoon animations, there may be the need for some hand-penciling work to be done.


-N.Abhishek .


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1 comment:

  1. 3D animation can be done in a traditional way too. One can use stop motion with clay, puppet, flexible toys, lego toys etc to create 3d animation without using any CG. But there are some subtle differences between the principles of 2d and 3d animation. Anticipation and exaggeration don't work in the same way in 2d and 3d. This is mainly because of the presence of an extra dimension in 3d animation. While doing 3d animation one has to take care of it in every aspect.

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