What is Animation - it’s history and types

28 Nov 2023 | by Radhika Dhiman | Explore the history of animation

What is animation?

Animation is the process of creating the illusion of movement by displaying a sequence of still images in rapid succession. The images may be hand-drawn, computer-generated, or a combination of both of them. The illusion of movement is formed because the human eye maintains an image for a fraction of a second after it has been seen. When a series of images are displayed quickly, the brain combines them to create the illusion of continuous movement.

Animation is a broad and effective medium which is most commonly used for entertainment, education, and information. Cinema, Television, Video games, and Web animation make use of it. Animation can make worlds that are real or fantastic, and it can tell stories that are easy or complicated.

There are several types of animation, each with its own set of techniques and style. In this blog, you will explore some of the most common types of animation include traditional animation, 2D animation, 3D animation, stop-motion animation, and motion graphics.

Here are some of the different types of animation:

1

Traditional Animation:

Traditional animation is the oldest type of animation, and some of the most well-known and loved animated characters and movies are still made with it today. Each frame of animation in traditional animation is hand-drawn. But it is also a time-consuming process. Traditional animation is often used to create characters and storylines with personality and emotion.

2

2D Animation:

2D animation is a form of animation that creates the illusion of motion using two-dimensional images. There are various methods to create 2D animation, such as hand-drawn animation, vector animation, and computer-generated animation. Cartoons, anime, and video games all use 2D graphics a lot.

3

3D Animation:

3D animation is a style of animation that creates the illusion of movement by using three-dimensional pictures. Computer software is used to generate 3D animation, which allows animators to create realistic characters, environments, and special effects. Technique of 3D animation is frequently used in the production of feature films, video games, and commercials.

4

Stop Motion Animation:

Stop motion animation is a form of animation in which objects are physically moved and photographed in one frame at a time. It can be used to make many effects, such as claymation, pixilation, and characters. Stop motion animation is often used to create short films, commercials, and music videos.

5

Motion Graphics:

Motion graphics is a type of animation that is used to create moving graphics, such as logos, titles, and infographics. Motion graphics is often used to create explainer videos, presentations, and websites. Software like Adobe After Effects, Apple Motion, and Blender can all be used for creating motion graphics.

History of Animation

Animation's origins may be traced to the 19th century, when innovators started experimenting with methods to simulate moving pictures. Émile Cohl was one of the first successful animators. His picture "Fantasmagorie," which came out in 1908, was the first animated movie. Animation instantly became a popular form of entertainment, and it has been utilized to create some of history's most iconic films and characters. Some of the most famous animators include Walt Disney, Ub Iwerks, Max Fleischer, Chuck Jones, and Hayao Miyazaki.

Uses of Animation

Animation is used in a wide range of industries, including film, television, video games, advertising, and education. It is possible to enlighten, educate, entertain, and convince people via animation.

Future of Animation

Animation is a constantly developing art form, and new techniques are always being developed. The animation industry has a bright future, and it will no doubt continue to entertain and excite viewers for many years and so on.

Conclusion

Animation is an interesting and ever-changing art form with a long history and an exciting future. Whether you're a future animator, a curious reader, or just a fan of animation, we hope this guide has helped you learn more about this amazing medium. Now that you know more about animation, we encourage you to explore it further. Watch animated films and TV shows, read books and articles about animation, and even try your hand at creating your own animations. There's a whole world of animation out there waiting to be discovered. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring the world of animation today!

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About Author

Radhika has been the lead content writer at Best Animation Studios. Her passion for helping people in all aspects of animation video production flows through in the expert industry coverage she provides.