Exploring the Magic of 2D Animation
Do you remember those awesome cartoons you loved watching as a kid? Or those cool videos that made complicated stuff super easy to understand? Well, guess what? They were all made using something called 2D Animation!
But have you ever thought about how those doodles on paper become moving pictures? That’s where 2D animation companies play their part!
And here’s something interesting 2D Animation was invented in the late 1800s! Yes, animation is that old. 2D Animation is a trending topic nowadays. The demand for 2D animations and animators has increased in the last decade.
That’s why companies with the best 2D animation services in the UK/USA create more content for YouTube, video games, TV shows, feature films, mobile apps, and websites.
Snapchat and other social media platforms are introducing short, 1-3-minute episodes of 2D animated series. Also, there’s been a recent upsurge in 2D platform video games like Cuphead. As an experienced 2D animator, I’ve explained everything you need to know in this blog. Read on to learn the complete 2D animation production process using the best 2D animation software.
Difference Between 2D and 3D Animation?
First, let me explain to you the difference between 2D and 3D Animation in simple words: In 2D Animation, we first create different images. Then, individual drawings are combined in sequence over time to create an illusion of motion in two-dimensional space. Twenty-four frames make up one second; generally, the traditional animation process, known as ‘2s animation,’ involves a drawing every two frames (12 frames per second). 2D Animation is much more straightforward and cost-effective.
Example: The Lion King, The Jungle Book In 3D Animation, special software, such as Blender, designs 3D models of characters, objects, and environments. These 3D models are rigged, animated, and rendered to create the final product. This type of Animation is costly and takes more time than 2D Animation. Example: Toy Story, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Story: Toy Story, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Why it's called 2D Animation?
Because the only two variables and dimensional elements are height and width. The movement of characters, objects, and background is limited to up, down, left, and right, giving the appearance of length and breadth but no depth.
2D Animation Types and Techniques
There are various technical genres of 2D Animation that I’ll cover in detail here:
Stop-motion animation technique
In stop-motion animation, the claymation technique is used, and we physically manipulate objects in front of a camera to create the illusion of motion.
Example: Wallace and Gromit
Frame-by-frame Animation
Frame-by-frame Animation is based on drawing each frame of an animation separately. These frames are played back rapidly to create the illusion of movement.
Example: Disney film “The Lion King”
Cutout animation
This technique involves removing and replacing different pieces of an animated character or object to create the illusion of movement. This allows for a high degree of control over the shape, color, and size of the 2D animated characters.
Example: South Park
Rotoscoping
This animating technique involves tracing over a live-action video or frame to create an animated version.
It is also used to create realistic movement and more stylish animation effects.
Example: Early cinematic animation films, which were hand-drawn over live-action footage.
Computer animation
Computer animation allows animators to create digital versions of hand-drawn or 3D models and then manipulate them on the computer.
Example: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Best 2D animation Software
There are a wide variety of 2D animation software and tools to choose from. However, if you want to learn animating professionally, you should become proficient in industry-standard animation software such as that used in 2D animation studios in the UK.
Paid 2D animation software/tools:
- Adobe Animate
- Toon Boom Harmony
- Clip paint studio
- Vyond
Free 2D animation software:
Animaker
Pencil2D
Krita
How do you make free 2D animation videos using Animaker?
Do you find animation production challenging? Here’s how you can draw an animated video using Animaker in simple steps:
Choose a pre-designed template
Customize your 2D animated video or objects with 2d backgrounds, art, characters, and animated texts, or upload your collection.
Animate the background scenes, main character, and illustrations to produce a visual storytelling
Then, add music or sound effects from the music library
Download and share your videos
2D Advanced Animations Production Pipeline (Step-By-Step Process)
Here are the three parts of the workflow for the animation production pipeline technique:
Pre-production
Production
Post-productions
2D animation pre-production phase
First, look for inspiration and think of a story. How will you do that? Just look around and observe. Inspiration can come from anywhere—a song, film, person, etc. Create a story in your head.
Then, it’s time for the producer and director to discuss all the necessary changes to make the story/film more appealing to the audience.
Now, you’re going to start your animation project. Organize your script and make preparations such as budget, data, crew plan, and recruiting.
2D animation production phase
Once you schedule everything, the animator plans the design. It includes two categories: character designing and location/background designing.
2D animators and artists spent hours sketching the project’s characters. They drew images that the team agreed upon.
Sometimes, this process is outsourced to 2D animation companies and studios, where they deliver fast and high-quality work.
Animators are also responsible for drawing backgrounds, scenes, and storyboards for every character. Sometimes, they use photographed art, and other times; they do it through imagination skills.
The next process is composing songs (if it’s a musical film), and then animators plan the storyboard. After that, concept art is created, including color, style, tone, and all that. Finally, this stage ends with voice recording and Animation.
The 2D animation post-production phase
After animating all the scenes, pencil drawings are passed to the inking department in the post-production phase. Then, computers set backgrounds, and animated sequences are created.
Animators use computer effects to create visual effects such as changing angles, color correction, editing, speed, and correct lighting.
The last part is sound design, where sound effects, dialogue, and background music are composed to enhance the story.
Best 2D Animation Services/Studio
Were you struggling? Do you need help finding the best 2d animation services for your project? Luckily, you landed at the right place.
With a vast pool of 2D animation companies in the USA and UK, finding a correct partner that matches all your needs is quite challenging. But worry not!
Tech Craft Solution is one of the best 2D animation companies I’ve been working with.
And why is it worth choosing? Because they understand your needs and turn your vision into reality! Wait, not only this.
Want a free consultation on your 2D animation project? Visit the website here! Then, schedule a consultation call, and experts will be at your service within a couple of minutes.
They have a super talented team of professional artists and 2D animators who work together to create high-quality 2D Animation across various mediums.
They can make your project stand out. From creating fun characters to telling a story, they can literally handle everything!
Why You Should Start Learning 2D Animation Today!
Get Ahead: Discover the Exciting World of 2D Animation!
Think 2D Animation Isn’t Cool? Think Again!
Now you’ve learned all about 2D Animation. While we all know 3D is not going away. At the same time, it is not wrong to say that the world is shifting more towards 2D.
Rick, Morty, and Mary Poppins Returns have won awards, so there’s still room for 2D.
The demand for 2D animators is increasing daily, and there are many career opportunities for them. Although it can be a bit technical for beginners, it is something worth learning.
Hopefully, this article provided you with all the information you were looking for! If you have any questions, drop them in the comment section below!
