Animation is the process that involves a VFX artist turning a series of inanimate objects into live objects or characters for a movie or game. In recent times, animation has moved from the less complicated photographing of images to full-time VFX. Real-life people can be integrated and pictured as 3D objects, animals, or characters, which are much different from what they are in real life.
So, it is grounded that animation is a branch of VFX. But how straightforward is animation? Two people could be animators, but they still need to work in the same department or do the same thing. Not only are there many types of animation produced, but the techniques used for each type are also different. Here are the types of animation and how they are produced in VFX.
Traditional Animation
Not only is this method old and outdated, but it is also very complicated to work with. Also known as cell animation, it requires drawing each animated character and component on a different sheet. So, if you were making a movie with a thousand animated components, you’d have to draw all those components a thousand times.
Also, don’t assume this method was used for short films alone; it was, in fact, the adopted method for animation in making two popular old-time Disney animations: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “Sleeping Beauty”. However, because of how difficult, complicated, and time-consuming the method was, many people abandoned the style when another method of animation was developed.
2D Animation
Though the first adoption of 2D animation was not so different from traditional animation, it was less stressful. Instead of drawing the entire character or component over and over, 2D animation involves creating movement through image sequencing in a two-dimensional space. That is, the process was more digital and less stressful.
There is also a process known as digital rigging that allows the creation of a skeleton for the character. Instead of drawing everything again, the 2D skeleton can be tweaked to show animations.
3D Animation
This is more real-life than the other two. In 3D Animation, digital characters, real-life scenes, props, and even vehicles are displayed. Then it allows you to take the ‘digital rigging’ concept from the 2D animation process and make it a lot better. By working with 3D animation software, you can manipulate your virtual scene even further. You are also not limited to the 2D POV of the camera, where you can only see the area, the camera sees. In 3D, you can edit and customize the 3D character rig and the world.
Motion Capture
Motion capture is exactly what its name says – the capture of motion. Many animators prefer this method to achieve a very life-like reaction and animated result — because the results are based on motions made by real human beings. Actors would need to wear bodysuits with special sensors. Then they would be required to act out the animated movie scene as if they were cast for the role. In addition, the sensors record their movements on motion capture animation software, converting them into digital images. All that’s left is for the VFX artist to translate and finalize the data into the finished product.
Motion capture sensors also capture facial expressions and emotions.
Stop Motion
While motion capture requires actors to move, there is no need to move at all in stop motion. It involves capturing multiple series of still images in a frozen state until they stimulate action when played in motion. Stop motion is better possible with clay figurines, toys, or props than with humans. If you are wondering what movies use stop motion, movies like Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas and the classic Burl Ives’ Rudolph the Red‐Nosed Reindeer animated cartoon were created through this type of animation.
Conclusion
It is almost impossible to know all about VFX from reading this one blog post. Our blog is dedicated to VFX, motion graphics, animations, and illustrations. Be sure to check out more of our blogs if you want to read more like this. We’d love to hear your thoughts on our posts.