Introduction to 2D Animation

Concept of 2D Animation

• 2D animation involves creating moving images in a 2D environment
• It can be achieved using traditional cel animation or computerized animation software
• The process involves sequencing consecutive images or frames
• Each frame displays a gradual progression of steps to simulate motion

2D Animation Techniques

• 2D animation figures are created and/or edited on a computer
• This is done using 2D bitmap or vector graphics
• Automated computerized versions of traditional animation techniques exist
• Interpolated morphing, onion skinning, and interpolated rotoscoping are examples of traditional animation techniques

Applications of 2D Animation

• 2D animation has many applications, including analog computer animation and Flash animation
• Another application of 2D animation is PowerPoint animation

2D Animation Process

• The creation of 2D animation involves three main parts: pre-production, production, and post-production.
• Pre-production includes establishing the animation's plot and storyboarding
• It also includes taking care of the shots needed.
• Production is creating the animation through sketching, inking, coloring, and layering
• Post-production involves making the final touches
• This may include adding sound effects and final editing

Types of 2D Animation

• 2D animation can be created using bitmap images or 2D vector graphics on a computer
• It is used in video games, advertisements, and animated films
• Common types include Cel Animation, Digital Animation, and Path Animation
• Other types include Stop Motion, Sand, Cut-out, Rotoscoping, Cinema graphs, and Flip book Animations

Cel Animation

• Cel animation, known as traditional animation, uses a series of frames or cels
• The object is redrawn in each consecutive cel to depict motion, usually on celluloid sheets
• This was the most common animation technique in the early days

Digital Animation

• Digital Animation is a paperless version of traditional animation
• Drawings are made directly on the computer in digital animation
• The advancement of computer technology has allowed this technique to become popular

Path Animation

• Path-based animation is the simplest and easiest to learn
• It involves moving an object along a set path on the screen
• The path can be a straight line or include curves

Stop Motion Animation

• Stop Motion Animation involves moving real-world objects in small increments
• The objects are then photographed to create the illusion of movement
• 2D objects, such as illustrations or photographs, can be used
• It can be classified as 3D animation

Sand Animation

• Sand Animation is a technique of moving sand on a front or back-lighted piece of glass
• Animators use this to create each frame of animation, which creates an interesting effect because of the light contrast

Cut-out Animation

• Cut-out Animation is made by cutting out pieces of paper, card, fabric, etc.
• These pieces are then placed under glass
• Each frame is taken after slightly adjusting the cut-out

Rotoscoping

• Rotoscoping is a technique that traces over live video
• It is used to create realistic movement
• Each frame is traced individually
• Following the tracing, the reel footage is removed leaving only the traced drawing

Cinema Graphs

• Cinema Graphs are still photographs
• They are in the form of animated GIFs where a part is animated
• This creates the effect of a still image with a small looping animation

Flip Book

• A Flip Book consists of a series of pictures that vary gradually from one page to the next
• When the pages are turned rapidly, the pictures appear to animate
• They animate by simulating motion or some other change.
• They are a primitive form of animation that creates an illusion of motion through persistence of vision

Techniques and Tools

• The primary difference between 2D and 3D animation is the look of depth
• 2D animation is flat and its motion occurs on the x-y axes
• 3D animation has an extra dimension which is known as the z axis
• 2D animation uses onion tool kits
• 3D animation uses digital modeling

Walk Cycle in 2D Animation

• A walk cycle is a series of frames or illustrations drawn in sequence
• These frames are in a loop and are used to create the animation of a walking character
• Walk cycles can be broken up into 4 key frames: Forward Contact Point, Passing Pose 1, Back Contact Point, and Passing Pose 2
• Fine details are needed for the walk cycle to look real with details like animation timing and movement of the arms, head, and torsion of the whole body

Creating a Walk Cycle

• Many techniques are used to create walk cycles
• Walk cycles are traditionally hand-drawn
• Newer Technologies allow for the creation of walk cycles through pixel art, 2D and 3D computer graphics, stop motion, cut-out animation, and rotoscoping

Software for 2D Animation

• Pencil, Adobe Flash, Synfig, Toon Boom Studio, Creatoon, and Animate are 2D animation software options.
• Each offers a unique set of features for skill levels and types of animation projects

Flash Animation

• Cut-out animation is an older animation technique
• The arrival of computers has given new life to the cut-out technique
• Flash software enables almost anyone to become an animator with the cut-out technique
• Flash is used for banner web animations and full-feature films
• Flash Animation or Flash Cartoon is an animated film
• it is created by Adobe Flash or similar software and is often distributed in .swf files

Flash Animation and Tweening

• Flash integrates bitmaps, raster-based art, and video
• When building Flash animations, one can make each frame individually
• Alternatively, they may use Flash's built-in tweening features
• Tweening refers to the automatic rendering of graphics between key frames by Flash

Types of Tweening in Flash

• Flash has three forms of tweening: motion tweening, classic tweening, and shape tweening
• Motion tweening animates symbols moving in space
• Classic tweening connects key frames with motion tweens
• Shape tweening performs distortions on non-symbol shapes or vector graphics