2D Animation

In this ever-evolving digital age, where captivating visuals play a pivotal role, 2D animation has stood the test of time.

The origins of this animation method date back to the late 19th century, when visionaries like Emile Reynaud and J. Stuart Blackton first experimented with sequential images to create the illusion of movement.

Little did they know that this innovative technique would lay the foundation for a revolutionary artistic medium. Fast-forward to the present day, where animation is a powerful visual aid in every marketer’s toolbox.

From its humble beginnings of hand-drawn frames to the advent of digital technology, this dynamic medium has journeyed through various iterations.

While the rise of 3D animations and motion graphics has carved its own niche, the charm and simplicity of 2D animation continue to captivate audiences of all ages.

This post delves into 2D animation, exploring its start and evolution. We’ll evaluate what sets it apart from its counterparts, such as traditional animation and motion graphics. Using examples, we’ll showcase this medium’s versatility and creative potential.

Whether you’re a seasoned animator or a curious novice, we’ll provide insights and practical advice on embarking on your animation journey.

What’s 2D animation?

At its core, 2D animation refers to creating moving images in a two-dimensional space. This visually stimulating art form is often characterized by the illusion of movement through a sequence of individual drawings.

Unlike 3D animation, which adds depth and realism through digital modeling, 2D animation emphasizes the manipulation of flat visuals to convey motion and narrative.

2D animation is a form of design that predates the digital era. It has evolved into a dynamic and versatile medium that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

How does 2D animation work?

The two-dimensional animation process involves breathing life into still images through a structured sequence of steps.

It all begins with the concept, where ideas form the foundation of a narrative. Storyboarding lays out the visual blueprint, ensuring a coherent flow and rhythm.

Character design follows suit, meticulously crafting the appearance and personality of each animated subject.

Next, creating background layouts and settings provides context, anchoring the characters in their environment. Audio tracks and sound effects enhance the experience, while timing dictates the pace and impact of each illusion of motion.

Integrating traditional techniques with digital tools streamlines the process, allowing animators to refine their creations efficiently.

This visual narrative captivates and engages audiences while conveying stories effectively.

Why does 2D animation matter?

1. Timeless appeal and nostalgia

2D animation holds a cherished place in the hearts of all generations. It evokes nostalgia and a sense of familiarity, reminding us of classic animations like Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937).

This enduring charm makes 2D animation a powerful medium for invoking emotions and relaying marketing messages with a touch of sentiment.

2. Versatility and expression

From light-hearted children’s tales to thought-provoking narratives for adults, animated characters effortlessly span multiple genres.

Two-dimensional animation enables creators to explore various themes, from comedy to fantasy. Its adaptability empowers storytellers to convey complex ideas with simplicity and visual elegance.

3. Accessible learning and artistic growth

Learning 2D animation is an excellent entry point for aspiring animators. The process introduces fundamental principles of motion and timing, nurturing skills that can be applied across various creative endeavors.

The journey from basic techniques to more intricate animations is a stepping stone to enhanced artistic expression. Attending animation classes and reaching out to other animation artists can help you gain a better understanding of the industry.

Ready to create brand assets that pack a punch?

Visit our Academy for free marketing design courses.

Get started

4. Marketing storytelling that resonates

2D animation is a potent storytelling tool in marketing. Using marketing design and animation software tools like Linearity Move, 2D animation enables brands to convey complex narratives.

Through characters and settings, 2D animations create relatable scenarios that resonate deeply. Animations create a lasting impact by tugging at emotions and creating a memorable moment that consumers take away with them.

5. Versatility across platforms

From social media to websites and presentations, 2D animation seamlessly adapts to various marketing platforms. This versatility maximizes the reach of marketing campaigns, catering to diverse audience preferences.

Short animations work well on social media, where attention spans are fleeting, while longer narratives find a home in presentations and websites.

The ability to tailor animations to specific platforms optimizes engagement, making 2D animation an indispensable tool for modern marketers.

Types of 2D animation

In visual storytelling and communication, 2D animation and motion graphic design are vibrant canvases of creativity.

From traditional animation’s classic charm to vector-based graphics’ sleek precision, each style brings its unique flair to the table.

Motion graphics, on the other hand, fuse text, images, and animation into a compelling visual symphony, conveying information and ideas with precision. Let’s delve further into the different types of 2D animation and motion graphics.

Traditional animation (cel animation)

Cel or celluloid animation is a classic animation style that involves hand-drawn frames on transparent sheets (cels) that are layered over backgrounds.

Each frame captures incremental movements, creating fluid motion when played in sequence. The labor-intensive process gives animations a charming, handmade feel.

Vector-based animation

Utilizing mathematical equations, vector graphics produce smooth and scalable animations. Ideal for logos, infographics, and simple character animations, this style maintains clarity and sharpness at any size.

Linearity Move’s vector tool features empower users to easily create, manipulate, and transform animations. Users can use gradient fills, layer management, and precise alignment options for polished designs.

Motion graphics

Motion graphics combine text, graphics, and animation to convey information or concepts succinctly.

Often used in explainer videos, presentations, and advertisements, they enhance communication with dynamic visuals and kinetic typography.

Vector-based animations have evolved from digitized traditional animation techniques. Numerous cartoon shows and animated films now utilize vector graphics.

Conversely, motion graphics have evolved from film title design, executed initially on the earliest analog computers.

Stop motion animation

Stop motion involves physical objects that are photographed and moved across a flat surface or 3-dimensional stage. It’s efficient for creating characters with consistent proportions, making it popular in television animations and web content.

Rotoscoping

Rotoscoping traces over live-action footage frame by frame, yielding realistic movement. It’s used to achieve lifelike motion or create unique visual effects.

Different fields and uses of 2D animations

Motion graphics and 2D animations have boundless creative potential across various industries and purposes—from the dynamic world of commercial marketing to the enchanting realms of anime and the evocative expressions of artistic endeavors.

These versatile visual tools bring branding concepts to life, add depth to feature films, and deliver powerful marketing messages through succinct motion graphics.

Let’s unravel how it shapes narratives, communicates ideas, and leaves an indelible impact, weaving its threads of motion through different fields and sparking the imagination of audiences worldwide.

Commercial marketing

Marketing videos are dynamic assets that infuse brands with life and personality. Motion graphics convey complex messages in an accessible, digestible format for advertisements, presentations, and digital platforms.

These animations simplify intricate product explanations, engaging potential customers and leaving a lasting impression. Marketing teams can effectively produce these assets using intuitive animation software like Linearity Move.

Anime

2D animation thrives in the anime world, captivating audiences with diverse genres. Hand-drawn animation brings characters to life, while advanced animation techniques enhance action sequences and fantastical elements.

One of anime’s key strengths is its ability to seamlessly blend traditional hand-drawn techniques with cutting-edge animation technologies.

This fusion enhances action sequences, infusing them with intensity and fluidity, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.

Animation techniques elevate fantasy elements, from magical spells to futuristic technology, creating immersive worlds that transport viewers to realms beyond imagination.

Animated illustrations

Artists push boundaries with experimental animations, crafting visual narratives that provoke thought and emotion. Short films and independent projects showcase the potential of 2D animation as a medium for personal expression and social commentary.

Many animators also use various mediums and styles when creating their artworks. Drawing inspiration from multiple sources helps to create a unique design.

These experimental works invite audiences on a journey of discovery through surreal visuals, abstract storytelling, and unconventional animation styles. Each frame is a canvas for artistic exploration, combining imagery and symbolism to create meaning.

The accessibility of modern animation tools has democratized the creative process, empowering aspiring artists to bring their visions to life and share them with the world.

This democratization has led to various voices and perspectives, bringing fresh ideas and innovative practices.

Feature films

2D animations remain integral in feature films as main attractions and supporting elements. They add depth to the storytelling and create unique visual experiences, often in tandem with other animation styles.

These animations often complement other animation styles, such as CGI or stop motion. Whether integrated into a larger narrative or as standalone sequences, 2D animations bring artistry and charm to the screen.

Exploring the best examples of 2D animations

2D animation has left an indelible mark on both the cinematic and commercial industries, captivating audiences with its artistry and storytelling prowess.

From iconic films to engaging marketing campaigns, these examples showcase the dynamic potential of 2D animation in various contexts, demonstrating its ability to convey emotions, messages, and brand identities.

Let’s journey through some of the greatest 2D animations, where color palettes, character animation, and the expertise of the animation director converge to create unforgettable visual experiences. These exemplary works underscore 2D animation’s versatility and impact.

Coca-Cola’s Fifty Million Times A Day commercial (1958)

The timeless Fifty Million Times A Day commercial from the 1950s is just one of the many animated videos from the iconic brand that evokes cheer and nostalgia.

The Lion King (1994)

The original version of the 1994 hit The Lion King masterfully combined vibrant colors, exceptional character animation, and special effects, culminating in a box office success and an emotional and visually stunning narrative.

Spirited Away (2001)

Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away exemplifies the artistry of 2D animation, blending imaginative landscapes and meticulous character animation into a mesmerizing fantasy.

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

Disney’s The Princess and the Frog revitalized traditional 2D animation, celebrating whimsical motifs, character animation, and modern storytelling.

Nike’s The Last Game campaign (2014)

Nike’s dynamic The Last Game campaign transforms soccer stars into animated characters, effectively promoting the brand’s innovative sportsmanship.

Tips for mastering 2D animation

Embarking on a journey to master 2D animation involves dedication and practice.

By adhering to best practices and leveraging recommended software and courses, you can refine your design team’s skills and create captivating animations that resonate with audiences.

1. Follow animation best practices

Start with the basics

Begin by understanding the foundational principles of animation, such as timing, spacing, and movement. Experiment with rough animation to grasp the essence of motion before refining your work.

Hands-on practice

Regularly engage in frame-by-frame animation exercises to hone your skills. This practice builds muscle memory and a deep understanding of how motion unfolds.

Study real-life movement

Observe and study real-world movement. This keen observation helps you imbue your animations with realism and fluidity.

Embrace feedback

Share your work with peers or online communities. Constructive feedback provides fresh perspectives and insights for improvement.

Explore animation software

Choose animation software that aligns with your preferences and needs. Look for intuitive interfaces, such as Linearity Move, with features that facilitate smooth workflow, from rough animation to post-production.

Looking for comprehensive animation resources? Explore our guides on online animation courses and animation apps.

2. Take some animation courses

Animation principles in motion design by Skillshare

Immerse yourself in the fundamentals of animation principles and software techniques through this thoughtfully crafted course.

With a curriculum developed by an esteemed designer, this course equips you with a solid foundation to kickstart your animation projects, whether you’re an advanced animator or a beginner.

Animation boot camp by the School of Motion

Take your skills to the next level with this comprehensive online course that delves deep into every facet of motion animation.

From mastering rough animation to refining polished work, Animation Bootcamp covers it all, providing you with a holistic understanding of the art.

2D character animation by Udemy

An in-depth exploration of character animation techniques, equipping you with skills for dynamic storytelling.

Delve into character movement and expressions and gain the expertise to create compelling animations that resonate with audiences.

Get creative with our ready-to-use templates.

Linearity offers templates for every social media platform and various use cases like ads, announcements, posters, business cards, slides, and more.

Get started

3. Get professional 2D animation software

Selecting the right types of animation tools is essential for animators, from beginners to seasoned professionals or animation directors.

Whether you choose industry-standard options like Adobe After Effects or innovative digital tools like Linearity Move, your choice of digital animation software plays a pivotal role in seamlessly translating ideas into captivating visual narratives.

Linearity Move

If you love Linearity Curve for graphic design and illustration, we know you’ll love Linearity Move, an intuitive animation software for designers and marketers of all levels.

Wave goodbye to the complexities of manual animation and welcome hassle-free, professional motion graphics that captivate your audience.

Linearity Move is designed for ease of use. It boasts templates and presets that empower teams to create animated content with just a single click. No prior training is required.

Its streamlined approach to motion design ensures you spend less time grappling with intricate software and more time bringing your brand’s vision to life.

With powerful features like Auto Animate, you can instantly transform static designs into captivating motion graphics, making animation accessible to graphic designers and marketers.

Toon Boom Harmony

Toon Boom Harmony is professional-grade software used in feature films and TV shows. It enables intricate frame animation and post-production effects.

It stands as a pinnacle of sophistication, catering to the demands of feature films and professional animation studios.

It excels in frame-by-frame and rigging-based animation, accommodating a range of animation styles.

Its advanced tool set, which features everything from character design to post-production effects, empowers animators to create visually stunning and dynamic animations.

The software’s robust rigging capabilities streamline the animation process, making it a valuable asset for complex character-driven narratives.

Adobe Animate

A stalwart in the animation realm, Adobe Animate seamlessly blends the art of animation with cutting-edge technology.

With a rich set of tools, it’s ideal for creating various animations, from character-driven stories to interactive web content.

Its frame-by-frame animation capabilities allow for intricate detailing and smooth movement.

Beyond animation, Adobe Animate’s integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud software enables seamless post-production enhancements, ensuring a polished final product.

Pencil2D

A free and user-friendly option for frame animation, suitable for learners and hobbyists. Pencil2D is an accessible and user-friendly option, making it an excellent starting point for those new to animation.

While it might lack some of the advanced features of its counterparts, it provides a straightforward platform for frame-by-frame animation.

Its simplicity makes it a great choice for hobbyists and beginners looking to grasp the basics of animation without feeling overwhelmed.

Ready to create your own 2D animation?

The evolution of 2D animation is a testament to human ingenuity and creative prowess.

From its origins in the late 19th century to its modern-day manifestation, 2D animation has proven its enduring significance.

Despite digital innovation, this medium’s timeless charm and adaptability have secured its place as a cornerstone of visual storytelling.

So, whether you’re a seasoned designer wanting to animate assets or a marketing professional seeking to captivate your audience, 2D animation can be your medium of choice. Embrace its potential for creative work.

Linearity Move makes it easy to take your animation ideas from storyboard to timeline in just a few simple steps. The cost-effective software’s main features include:

Auto Animate: A functionality that allows users to import a file from Linearity Curve or Figma and automatically generate animations with the click of a button.
Animation presets: Pre-built animations and effects that can be easily applied to elements within any project.
Design Mode and Animate Mode: Create in Design Mode. Switch to Animate Mode and move your objects across the canvas. You can change their properties as you go, and Move automatically populates the timeline.
Linearity Curve and Linearity Move Integration: Seamlessly work between your two favorite design platforms. Your files and libraries automatically sync across devices.

If you’re interested in new 2D design software and haven’t tried Linearity Move yet, download the platform on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone.

Ever watched a classic Disney movie? The ones brimming with dancing animals, enchanting transforming dresses, and glittering fairies, not to mention the iconic transforming pumpkins?

If so, you’ve encountered one of the oldest and most beloved animation techniques, known as frame-by-frame animation.

Then you’ve come across one of the oldest and most popular animation techniques: frame-by-frame.

The style’s freedom, creativity, flexibility and artistry mean that it’s used in film, TV and commercials all over the world. It’s used in many different industries as a result of its long standing heritage as one of the oldest (read: tried and true!) animation styles. The first feature length animated film – Snow White and the Seven Dwarves? Yep, hand drawn, frame-by-frame animation.

In this post, we’ll define what it is, show a few examples of how it’s used today, identify what the benefits and drawbacks are, and talk about what types of videos it’s best suited to so you can get started with the animation technique in your marketing efforts.

What is Frame-by-frame Animation?

Frame-by-frame animation is where each incremental frame (or image) of an animation is drawn individually creating the illusion of fluid movement.

This method stands in stark contrast to computer-generated or motion graphics animation, which relies on computers to produce images autonomously within the animator’s set parameters.

That’s not to say we don’t use computers for frame-by-frame animation. Back in the day, frame-by-frame was hand-drawn (on paper), so at least now our animators can save time (and trees) by using computer applications.

Above: A re-creation of a scene from Disney’s 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs made using traditional ink and paint cel techniques along with some modern processes. This re-creation is by Brandon Kouri, artist and YouTube content creator.

Cel Animation

Cel animation, developed in the early 20th century, involves drawing images on transparent sheets (cels) and photographing them frame by frame. This technique, popularised by Walt Disney with films like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” allowed for fluid animations by layering cels over backgrounds. Despite digital advancements, cel animation remains a foundational element of animation history.

Traditional Frame-by-frame Animation

There are a couple of different sub-categories of animation techniques that all fall under the frame-by-frame umbrella. But today, let’s focus on what is most commonly associated with frame-by-frame: traditional, hand-drawn animation. That is, each frame is drawn by hand.

Traditional frame-by-frame is exactly what it sounds like; it’s traditional (which means it’s an oldie and a goodie!). Back in the day before computers, animators would draw one frame on a big piece of paper and then flip the page up and down while drawing the second image (flipping the page would help them gauge the motion). Then rinse and repeat the process until the whole scene is complete. Nowadays, we can integrate that process onto a computer, where you’re still drawing each image by hand but have left the physical paper behind and draw the images digitally instead.

Above: This video does not have a thumbnail, so it looks like a broken link. Click play and see the magic of traditional hand-drawn animation.

Where is Frame-by-frame Animation Used?

Whenever you’re captivated by a two-dimensional (2D) animated film, there’s a high chance it’s been meticulously crafted through hand-drawn, frame-by-frame animation. From the enchanting realms of Disney princess movies to beloved children’s series like Arthur, and even the heart-warming narratives of John Lewis commercials, frame-by-frame animation breathes life into these visual wonders, creating unforgettable experiences.

Above: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the 2013 John Lewis advert, set to ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ by Lily Allen.

This style is widely used all over the world, even with the progress of modern computers, and for many different projects.

So that begs the question – in what cases would you want to use frame-by-frame in your animation project?

How to Know if Frame-by-frame is Right for Your Animation

There are some types of projects where frame-by-frame can maximise your message and impact.

We encourage you to consider frame-by-frame if your animation will be:

Narrative-heavy:

In animations that are led by a story or narrative, frame-by-frame shines. This is most commonly seen with animations having a hero protagonist character, and they’re taking the viewer through a journey. Or even following multiple characters through multiple journeys! Often these animations rely more on conveying emotion, rather than information. Having a narrative-heavy animation is very effective at drawing a viewer in and making them emotionally invest in the messaging being conveyed.

It’s why almost all 2D animated, narrative-led films are made using frame-by-frame; all the subtleties of a character can be shown. Crying in anguish, jumping for jubilant joy, and explosive rage can all be beautifully captured because of frame-by-frame’s room for nuanced expressiveness.

Include metaphorical aspects:

Have you got a tough subject matter, with few ideas on how to accurately but succinctly convey your messaging? Using metaphors can be a great way to communicate complex (or perhaps more typically uninspiring) ideas to audiences in easy to understand and interesting forms.

Using metaphors can be easily understood when in writing, but it can become a bit tricker when utilising visual metaphors. Often there needs to be a degree of flexibility in how you portray those images, with having to capture enough artistry in their imagery that it is obvious they are metaphors and not literal. Frame by frame is therefore a great solution to illustrating metaphorical ideas because of its flexibility in how it can treat its imagery. For example, you could be wanting to metaphorically convey how a tax return can be frightening. Frame by frame could effectively have a document bubble, boil, catch fire, and transform into a dragon (something motion graphics would not be able to do in such a fluid manner).

Be experimental:

Lastly, frame-by-frame is the true hero of experimental animations. Want to combine metaphors, narratives, and push the boundary? Want to seamlessly shift between multiple art styles, or emulate something very cinematic? Frame-by-frame lends itself to experimentalism because of its room for artistic freedom and creativity. If you have an animation you’d want to push boundaries with, using frame-by-frame animation would be a perfect way to do that.

Mixing Motion Graphics and Frame-By-Frame

Even though frame-by-frame has the capability to do anything, compromises can be made where it’s worth it. So it’s worth touching on how you can mix animation styles, like DreamWorks did in the Prince of Egypt.

The expense of frame-by-frame can be daunting; there are some ways you can get the best of both worlds with adding some more economical motion graphics to the mix. Combining motion graphics with frame-by-frame is very popular nowadays and can create some stunning effects. For example, you may have a main character animated via frame-by-frame as they take us through their narrative journey. But all the supplementary things like scenery, items they interact with, and background characters could be animated via motion graphics.

The Benefits of Using Frame-by-frame in Your Animation

So, artistic freedom is the main benefit of frame-by-frame animation.

But freedom to do what? While motion graphics can still be artistic, creative and nuanced, it takes a bit more strategic thinking to fulfil those traits with the technical constraints and parameters that go along with motion graphics. By contrast, frame-by-frame has the freedom to be as experimental as you want, emulate an infinite amount of drawing styles and character designs, and capture a whole range of tones ranging from sombre to wacky.

You can have fantastical yet sophisticated elements like in Fantasia where brooms grow and morphed into monstrous items, or you can be completely cartoonish and have Wile E Coyote get squashed into a pancake shape in any Looney Tunes short.

Your video can be extremely metaphorical and abstract, with shapes barely resembling real life and more akin to a dream. Or you can have a very realistic portrayal of a character and all their subtleties like in the Prince of Egypt, which used a combination of animation styles.

The world really is your oyster with frame-by-frame in your animator’s toolkit. And while the unlimited options of it may be overwhelming, the potential of frame-by-frame is ultimately exciting – and allows your video to stand out against the thousands of computer-generated videos.

The Drawbacks of Using Frame-by-frame in Your Animation

Unlimited artistic freedom sounds too good to be true right? Well, you’d be half right. The biggest drawback of creating with frame-by-frame is its time and cost. Having a real life person painstakingly draw each frame is very time consuming, which means a frame-by-frame project will ultimately be more expensive than a motion graphics one.
Frame by frame animation also requires a different set of skills from the animator, in that the process is a very different one from motion graphics. Here at Startfire, we have animators that are multi-disciplined in that they work with both motion graphics and frame-by-frame, but that won’t always be the case.

Three Examples of Frame-by-frame Animation from Leading Brands

#1: We the People | Official Trailer for Netflix

The Netflix trailer for a series of ten animated music videos on civics showcases lots of examples of frame-by-frame animation.

#2: Chobani’s ‘Eat today, feed tomorrow’ advertisement

This beautiful frame-by-frame animated commercial from Chobani yoghurts is a love letter from a grandmother to a granddaughter with an optimistic vision of the future of farming.

#3: Airbnb’s anti-discrimation explainer video

This video explaining Airbnb’s new initiative Project Lighthouse is a great example of how frame-by-frame animation can be used to take a simple video to the next level through gorgeous artwork and animation.

The Key Thing to Remember with Frame-by-frame Animation

There you have it! A guide on frame-by-frame animation and when to use it. The key takeaway? Frame-by-frame is peak flexible creativity, in our humble opinion. We’d love to see more brands taking a bit of a leap of faith to see where their animation projects go frame-by-frame. As we know it’s not as popular as other mediums, we wrote a post about our production pipeline for frame-by-frame animation.

SINCE 2009 WERE CREATED OVER 300 VIDEOS

Vladimir

Amazing 2D Animation Styles and why they work!

Bring motion in-house