Types of ANIMATION

 VICTREE MEDIA 3

SUMMARY:

     Animation is a technique that involves photographing successive drawings, models, or puppet positions to create an illusion of movement. It has been revolutionized by Pixar's Toy Story, which revolutionized the industry with realistic lighting, movement, and character emotions. 3D animation is the most common form today, using rigged controls connected to each body part. Anime, a general term for Japanese animations, is a major player in the field.

     Other animation methods include Animatronics, Realistic Cartoons, Plexus Animation, and Experimental Animation. Motion capture is used in video games, and YouTube offers various types of animation, including Story-Time Animation, Whiteboard Animation, and Rotoscope Animation. Alexander Alekseev's invention served as the basis for computer graphics and is seen in Chibi Art. Character Animation is the most popular animation style, while 360° videos are used in virtual and augmented reality. Whiteboard movies are a cost-effective option compared to stop-motion animations.

     If you want to know in detail about the types of animation, read them down below. I have an activity after every lesson at the end of the page, so kindly try that. I assure you, they are not boring, rather they will be exciting and fun.

What is ANIMATION?

     No, I do not mean me, despite me being Master Studios. You all have been watching cartoons and Anime, you click on this blog, you know what cartoons are. But are you aware that animation is not just making cartoons? Yes... What... You do! Okay, you guys know what animation is and I am a late boomer to the party. This is NOT clickbait, first of all. Nonetheless, to understand the types of animation, you need to understand what animation exactly is, and why you need to animate.

     There are so many ways to describe animation; however, the easiest and most well-defined definition that I love is, that animation is a method of photographing successive drawings, models, or positions of puppets in a sequence to create an illusion of movement. For example, if you draw four balls: on the left, right, and two in the center, it will make a jagged ball moving animation from left to right or the other way around, depending on which side the first ball is at.

IMPORTANCE of Animating?

     You animate because it makes you be able to tell stories [Story-Time Animations] and communicate your emotions, as well as convey your ideas in a unique, visual, and easy-to-perceive way that both adults and children can effortlessly understand. Animation helps you to connect with different people throughout the world in a way that writing and live-action films sometimes cannot.

5 TYPES of Animation:

1) VECTOR-BASED Animation

    2D Animation is a vector-based Animation, like the one done in ToonBoom Harmony and Adobe Animate, formerly known as Macromedia Flash. It is affordable and simple to utilize Adobe Flash (I mean Animate!). In addition to building rigs for the figures and then manipulating the body parts individually, an animator also has the option of animating traditionally, which avoids the need to repeatedly draw the same character.

2) COMPUTER Animation

      3D Animation is the most common form of animation today. Just like traditional animation used to be just called Animation 30 years ago, now 3D Animation is known as computer animation. However, 3D Animation works in a completely different way than 2D animation.

     Both of them require an understanding of the same principle of movement and compositing, but the technical skill-set is very very different for each task. In Cel animation, you had to be an amazing artist to be an animator, but with 3D animation, that is not the case. 3D animation is more similar to playing with puppets rather than drawing. An animator moves the character in a 3D program with special rigged controls: that are connected to each body part: such as elbows, hands, head, legs, lips, wrist, etc, and then, set a keyframe when all the body parts are in the right place.

     The animator proceeds to move forward in time and move all those controls again to create another keyframe. The computer, like in After Effects and Premiere, then calculates the journey the body parts are going through between each of these keyframes. 3D animators will spend most of their time, looking at curves that represent the movement of different body parts over time. Unlike in traditional animation, the character's body parts are always present and should be taken into account. In 3D animation, the motion is always smooth except for stylized pieces, which intentionally try to look different. Having a character stop completely looks like a mistake in 3D animation. Even if a character is standing still, there should always be some signs of life. This is something traditional and 2D animators can get away with much more easily.

     With the release of Toy Story, the first full-length animated 3D movie, Pixar completely changed the animation landscape. Toy Story introduced the world to more realistic animations where lighting, movement, and character emotions were more lifelike than ever before. These digitally created worlds and assets had previously been used in shorter animations: like commercials (check out the first 3D animated M&M ads from the 1990s).

     Studios are now creating entirely 3D animated films, merging 3D computer-generated components into real-world situations, combining motion capture animations with 3D visuals, and using virtual production methods.

3) ANIME Style

     In a theoretical sense, anime might be categorized as a type of conventional animation. However, the term "anime" is simply a general term for all Japanese animations. Look at this passage from Akira, one of the most acclaimed anime films ever. In the field of animation, Japan has emerged as a major player, and anime has had a profound impact.

    The fact that anime frequently uses the 3s animation format, where a new image appears every three frames as opposed to the US's predominant 2s animation format, is one of its most distinguishing features.

     The need for fewer images enables Japanese animators to sketch with greater detail. Additionally, it lends anime's movement a distinctive sense. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule: some US animation is produced on threes, while some anime is produced on twos or even one.

4) MOTION CAPTURE Animation

     The realism of 3D animations is improved by motion capture. It is utilised in video games like Grand Theft Auto and LA Noire as well as films such as Avatar and the Lord of the Rings. In order to act out a scene, actors don bodysuits with unique sensors. The sensors' actions are converted into a digital representation by the motion capture animation software. Software is also available that can record facial expressions to help more accurately portray an actor's emotions and nuance.

     An animator is essential to the motion capture process because they will import the recorded data (into programs like Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, or Motion Builder), which involves re-targeting the character rig (That is linking the current character rig to the mo-cap animation), if motion capture is being used for a character, it needs to be cleaned up and improved so that it fits.

5) MOTION GRAPHICS/TYPOGRAPHY Animation

    While motion graphics animation is still regarded as a type of animation, it differs significantly from the other forms of animation on the list. mostly because it lacks the focus on characters or stories as the other types do. For example, logos, explainer videos, application commercials, television promos, or even film opening titles. It is an art form that involves imaginatively rearranging graphic components or text, usually for promotional or commercial goals.

    Since they do not necessitate an understanding of acting or body mechanics, the abilities of motion graphics do not necessarily apply to the other genres of animation. However, they do share some characteristics. Such as understanding good compositing and the importance of camera motion.

This animation technique for text first appeared in a French advertisement from 1899 that used moving letters. It took another 60 years, partly as a result of Alfred Hitchcock's efforts, before the style finally caught on.

     To present numbers or other facts in a compelling way in business, this style is frequently utilised. Instead of giving long and tedious lectures, this is a good way for staff training and e-learning.

OTHER TYPES of Animation:

1)  STORY-TIME Animation

     Story-Time Animation is one of those animation genres that absolutely everyone can access: viewers adore it, and animators find it simple to produce. It is only exclusive to YouTube right now. Story-Time Animations probably wouldn't have existed without YouTube. When it seemed that YouTube was no longer an advantageous venue for animators, this kind of animation began to develop. When YouTube made significant changes to its algorithm that required creators to upload more regularly, many gave up. Animators were unable to keep up, and many quit the site permanently. However, two animators decided to try Story-Time Animation, which had never been done before.

     This type of animation emerged from the need to continue producing on a constantly evolving platform, and it now predominates on YouTube. But what exactly is Story-Time Animation? Should independent animators criticize it, or is it just another animation fad that will vanish as swiftly as it appeared? This blog will take you back into Story-Time origin, how it differs from other forms of animation, and how independent animators can use it to advance their careers in this dynamic field. Story-time animation is largely restricted to YouTube, as many who are familiar with it are aware. Except for the fact that they are animated and don't feature real people like conventional vlogs, these animation videos are often brief and resemble vlogs. The channel's host is represented by an animated character who typically shares relatable, humorous anecdotes or experiences.

      Animation that tells stories has grown to be among the most-watched cartoons on YouTube, and that trend is not about to end any time soon. Storytime animation has millions of admirers worldwide and has helped build strong online communities by giving people entertaining experiences that they can relate to. Like the contemporary vlogs that are hugely popular on YouTube, Story-Time animation, unlike most other animation forms, is non-fictional and focused on the creator's real-life experiences. Longer films became the new moneymakers, and because many animators found it impossible to keep up with the new algorithm, many of them left YouTube.

     When two animators decided to try something completely different, Story-Time Animation was formed, just as it appeared that all was lost. At a time when it seemed like animation had no longer a home on YouTube, you can credit sWooZie and Domics, 2 YouTube animators and makers, for thinking beyond the box. They were inspired by the vlog movement, which gained popularity soon after YouTube changed its algorithm. The first advantage of Story-Time Animation is that it enables producers to constantly upload and make money. Second, the vlogging-like storytelling technique used in Storytime animation appeals to viewers and has the potential to be lucrative. TheOdd1sOut, Let Me Explain Studios, and Jaiden Animations were three particularly successful YouTube channels in 2016. This was mainly because they could tell relatable stories with interesting animation. During that time, Story-Time Animation, sometimes known as "the second wave of YouTube animation," began to be adopted by lesser YouTube channels.

2) WHITEBOARD Animation

     Exactly as the name suggests, whiteboard animation is what it says it is. In this video, something is drawn using a pencil, and a voiceover describes each phase of the drawing. In order to easily and effectively explain how your product or service operates, this animation style is perfect for explainer videos.

     In 2009, this fashion trend first surfaced. Its popularity peaked in 2012–2013 at a time when it was still just an experimental marketing strategy. now its price is practically equal to the significantly more vibrant and adaptable motion graphics animation approach, it has now lost a lot of its attractiveness.

3) ROTOSCOPING Animation

     In order to create the realistic-looking animation known as a rotoscope, live-action videos are traced and then drawn over. On a glass panel, live-action photographs were typically projected, and the topic was then traced and altered to fit the scenario. The primary application for rotoscope animation is in live-action movies, where a character's matte or outline can be taken from one scene and used in another with a different background. The Star Wars movie serves as a good illustration of rotoscope animation.

4) GIF Animation

     A word that nobody knows how to spell. It is an animated graphic image on a webpage.

5) EXPLAINER Videos

     Explainer Videos are mostly used for story-telling and brand awareness.

6) AUDIO-ANIMATRONICS and AUTOMATIONS Animation

     Animatronics can take the form of an android, an animal, or any other imaginary creature and are, in their most basic definition, artificially controlled devices. The fundamental concept is that they may be remotely operated to give the appearance of a "living being".

     Walt Disney has contributed significantly to the development of this technique, as he has done with many others. How Disneyland's animatronics entertain his fans. Regarding its employment in movies, this strategy is used when it is required to invent a fictional character or to reduce the cost of production.

7) MECHANICAL Animation

     How a complicated apparatus functions from the inside out is demonstrated through mechanical animation. How a complicated apparatus functions from the inside out is demonstrated through mechanical animation. The machinery and all of the specifics are depicted with exactitude. To obtain the best visualization, this approach is most frequently combined with 3D animation.

     This method is widely used in the manufacturing of technological equipment since it enables you to make adjustments to the as-yet-undeveloped product, considerably lowering the risk of error and lowering the cost of its development. Look at it the way it is. An excellent explainer video can be created using mechanical animation and voiceover.

8) PLEXUS Animation

   Plexus Animation is an animation that is created with flat images from dots and lines. The simplest example is the textbook image of the solar system. Most often, this approach is used in After Effects: for example, after the end of a game, the end of the movie, or if a program switches to standby mode. This technology is simple but allows you to create fascinating patterns that can make a good addition to the main product.

9) AUGMENTED REALITY Animation

   When animated items are used to enhance an Augmented Reality {AR} experience, this is called augmented reality animation. A mustache or cat ears can be added to your selfie using Snapchat's picture effects. This is the most basic example. Animation in augmented reality has other uses as well.

     In addition to frequently utilizing 3D technologies, it is widely utilized in game creation. Because 3D models and characters appear more realistic, they pair best with augmented reality. To give consumers a feeling of total immersion, augmented reality animation is mostly used in the creation of AR games. It is impossible to construct an Augmented Reality application without augmented reality animation, which is another use for the technology. For example, virtual fitting room applications for eCommerce and retail are created with Augmented Reality animation. It is also a great solution for furniture sellers since customers may immediately see how something will fit their interior.

10) EXPERIMENTAL Animation

    In some ways, experimental animation is like abstract art in that each viewer interprets it differently and feels differently. This style of animation's primary purpose is to achieve this. The artist in this genre frequently devises novel ways to convey crucial ideas. Many contrary painters have since contributed to the evolution of this tendency, which has roots in the early twentieth century.

     Regarding its use in video marketing, it is important to keep in mind that there is always a potential that doing something new can produce an unexpected result. But making GIFs and displaying them to consumers is the quickest and the most cost-effective approach to test out this style.

11) ERASURE Animation

     Using white paper, a regular pencil, and a rubber, the author can construct stories in this manner. Erasure Animation is a unique style that can be a fun addition to your video marketing plan.

12) CHIBI ART Animation

     The traditional manga sub-genre of Chibi Art. The characters' illustrations are the only aspect that differs. The protagonists in this story are small-framed, with round eyes, and a round face to make them appear as innocent as possible.
 

     Chibi has a greater reach than manga in terms of application because it isn't as closely associated with Japan. Heroes created in this manner can be utilized in any promotional and instructional videos, particularly for companies whose target audience is children.

13) CHARACTER Animation

     Character Animation is the one in which you first model or draw a character, and then, you animate it. This is my favorite and most preferred animation.

14) MINIMALISTIC STYLE Animation

    Modern online design is on the minimalistic style, and this tendency has spread to video marketing as well. This fashion seeks to be as straightforward as possible, as the name suggests.

     This is perfect for explainer videos, for the reason that it is frequently a true art to explain something complex with straightforward words and graphics. Videos with a little production value can be effective for software, applications, and internet services. The more clearly you can explain a complicated service or product, the better your outcome will be.

15) 360° Animation

    360° videos are much more than just computer Animation. This kind of video is employed in virtual and augmented reality, providing limitless opportunities for video marketing. For instance, merchants may utilize this kind of video in their online fitting rooms or furniture vendors could use it to show buyers how a certain piece will blend in with their interior design. Even if they are still in the planning phase, home builders can create virtual tours of their blueprints. A fantastic chance to display the product in settings as close to reality as possible is through this form of video.

16) HUD Animation

     Generally speaking, creating HUD Animation is a step in the process of making video games. You are generally given information and instructions within the game, as is standard practice. As an additional layer of information, it is also employed in advertising and cinematography.

17) SIMULATION

     The simulation presents any scientific and biological phenomenon visually.

18) LOGO Animation

     Logo Animation is an animation or animated promotion of a logo of any company, organization, NGO, state or non-state and academic institution.

19) PRODUCT Animation

     Product Animation presents products of any national or multi-national company, featuring all specifications of that product.

20) SUBJECTIVE Animation

     Subjective animation is any public service message: cultural, health-based, religious, and alert message.

21) FORENSIC Animation

     Forensic Animation is done based on a real event, crime, or any other happenings, and then, the animation is represented in court.

22) ARCHITECTURAL WALKTHROUGHS Animation

     Architectural Walkthroughs are animated presentations, in which contract builders and architects conceive and visualize their project before it has started physically. They present this to their clients and successfully sell their designs.

Takzi's Opinion

     To put it mildly, the animation industry is incredibly diversified. The 38 types I have shown here; by combining these styles, you can create even more varieties. Which ones pique your interest? Tell us which are your favorites in the comment below! The first eight animations have limitless abilities. Animation can create stories of all sizes and shapes, to internationally acclaimed feature films. The following advice will help you choose the appropriate style of animation for your YouTube video when you set out to make one.

1. Think about your brand: Each of these forms of animation has a distinct vibe, so think about whether the animation style you select appropriately represents your brand. For example, A stop motion or complex 2D animation video can be appropriate for your company if it has a highly creative brand. For a high-tech or scientific company, a futuristic 3D design would be appropriate.

2. Take into account your rivals. If you want to stand out from the crowd, research what your rivals are doing and adopt an animation strategy that is superior to (and distinct from) theirs. You will stand out from the competition thanks to this differentiation, which will also help you attract more clients' interest and business.

3. Take into account your financial situation: The cost of each of these kinds of animation varies. Whiteboard movies can be a more cost-effective option than stop-motion animations, despite their visually attractive nature. Before choosing a style, be sure to have a firm grasp on your budget.

ACTIVITY 1:

     I will share a video of 5 Types of Animation and the advantages of Animation below, which you have to watch.

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