2D Animations - A Written Report PDF

Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila 2D ANIMATIONS A Written Report in Introduction to ICT Specialization 1 by Group # 3...

Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila 2D ANIMATIONS A Written Report in Introduction to ICT Specialization 1 by Group # 3 Members: Aguas, Georjette Isaiah Lerio, Jameson John Licarte, Kaye Sebastiene Nepales, Mark Yield Olalia, Justine Adelaide Pregoner, Erich Tan, Cyrill Frits Submitted to: Mrs. Ruffa Mae V. Panal  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila Overview 2D animations have dramatically changed the way we view animated movies/films. Its unique art form and storytelling has captivated the audiences for over a year, leaving a mark in our childhood, culture and the cinema. From its early beginning to eventually showing its greatness to the world, it has never failed in making an impact. The technique that has been used in this changes the world of making animations. It influences the life of its viewers by creating a great storyline that gives memorable characters and stories. It also opens the doors for creative people to show their talents in drawings and giving life to it. Although 3D animations have been dominating the recent years, 2D animations' aesthetically pleasing form has made a remarkable impact that can’t be erased. In this report, we delve deep in the world of 2D animations. It’s historical impact, the various techniques used and how the technology helps in creating this type of animation. With this, we explore the beauty of colors and drawings that fill the frames of the cinemas and dominate the heart of its viewers. I. Introduction to 2D animations 2D animation, or two-dimensional animation, is the craft of creating movement within a flat space. This style entails designing characters, backgrounds, and other elements in a two-dimensional format. By arranging individual drawings or images in sequence, animators can bring static objects to life. The creation of 2D animation typically involves methods such as traditional hand-drawing, vector-based techniques, or digital drawing with contemporary software. At its core, 2D animation relies on the illusion of movement. Each frame differs slightly from the last, and when these frames are displayed rapidly, they give the impression of fluid motion. This phenomenon, known as persistence of vision, is crucial to our experience of animation. II. Historical Timeline The history of 2D animation spans more than a century, with each stage marking important progress in both technology and artistic methods. 1. Early Beginnings (1900s-1920s) ​Early in the 20th century, animators started experimenting with a series of drawings to provide the appearance of movement, which led to the creation of the first 2D animations. Émile Cohl's "Fantasmagorie" (1908), which is regarded as one of the first animated films and is composed of straightforward line drawings, is among the first noteworthy examples. An important turning point in the development of 2D animation was reached in 1914 when Winsor McCay created  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila "Gertie the Dinosaur," a ground-breaking short with a more intricate and flowing animation technique. 2. The Golden Age of Animation (1920s-1960s) The Golden Age of Animation began in the 1920s, when Walt Disney and other studios created well-known cartoons. Synchronized sound was first used in Disney's "Steamboat Willie" (1928), which completely changed the business. With movies like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937), the first full-length animated feature picture, which used cel animation—in which characters were produced on transparent sheets and overlaid over static backgrounds—Disney pushed the limits of 2D animation throughout the 1930s. 3. The Television Era (1960s-1980s) Television animation, which placed an emphasis on quicker production to satisfy the demands of weekly programming, became popular in the middle of the 20th century. A more simplified and affordable animation style with repeating backdrops and few animation methods was made famous by shows like Hanna-Barbera's "The Flintstones" (1960). However, movies like Disney's 1967 "The Jungle Book" kept demonstrating how classic 2D animation could be employed to create everlasting tales. 4. The Digital Revolution (1990s-present) The development of computers in the final half of the 20th century altered the 2D animation environment. The development of digital tools made it possible for animators to speed up the process. With the widespread use of programs like Adobe Flash (later renamed Animate) and Toon Boom, animators were able to digitally create, modify, and assemble frames. 2D animation continued to flourish in television and independent studios during the 1990s, with movies like "The Lion King" (1994) exhibiting the finest of traditional animation, even as 3D animation also made its debut with movies like "Toy Story" (1995). 5. Modern Era (2000s-present) Due to digital platforms and streaming services, 2D animation is currently seeing a rebirth. Contemporary animators use the speed and versatility of contemporary technology to create works that preserve the attraction of vintage 2D animation while fusing conventional hand-drawn methods with digital improvements. In a world where 3D graphics are becoming more and more popular, movies like "The Princess and the Frog" (2009) and television series like "Avatar: The Last Airbender" (2005) highlight how popular 2D animation is.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila 2D animation's flexibility permits various artistic styles and genres, ranging from traditional hand-drawn cartoons to modern sleek vector animations. It continues to be a crucial aspect in different sectors, including entertainment, advertising, education, and gaming. III. Types of Animations There are different types of Animations Style that have uniqueness and aesthetic. Understanding this different style can help you grow as an animator. It can help you identify what kind of style you prefer and how you will utilize these styles in creating visually compelling animations. 1. Traditional Animations - From the word itself “Traditional” this is how animations started. It is known to be the oldest form of animation. It is meticulously hand-drawn and each cel is painted then Photographed one by one to create an animated sequence. It was used by Walt Disney in creating their early films such as The Lion King (1959), Sleeping Beauty (1959) and Cinderella (1950). 2. 2D Animations - It is about creating movement in a 2-dimensional space. As technology progresses, the production of Animation also progresses. Advancements in animation software have made it possible for animators to create animations without relying solely on traditional hand-drawing techniques. Walt Disney dominated the field more using 2D animations creating the most acclaimed 2d animations such as Pinnochio, Alice in wonderland, Peter Pan and many more. 3. 3D Animations - This refers to the process of creating 3-dimensional moving images in a digital environment. These animations were used to mimic a lifelike effect for the object or character to act like a real object. Toy Story was one of the first fully 3D animations to be produced. 4. Stop Motion - It is a technique that is used to capture one frame at a time. It uses physical objects or props that move between each frame. If it was played at the right amount of speed, it would produce an illusion of movement. However, it is not commonly used today as the emergence of 3D Animations came to the world of animations. 5. Motion Graphics - It refers to the type of animations that utilizes text as a major component to communicate a message.The animators add movement to static design elements like shapes, objects or text creating an engaging visual display. This is to highlight specific content for the audience to view. This different style of animation has its different impact on how we view animations of today. It also helps animators to know what kind of animations they want to do by utilizing the different techniques that have been used in these different animation styles.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila IV.. Storyline Concept and Storyboard A. STORYLINE CONCEPT A story line concept is the guide in every creative process of a production. It’s an idea for a movie or play or any visual storytelling. “The story is the most important part of any animated movie. If the animation isn’t the best but the story is great, you have a good movie; but when it’s the other way around, then the movie is worthless” - Mancera, R., Peralta, C., and Moreno L., (2014) Key Elements of Storyline concept 1. Plot- It is to keep your viewers/ readers engaged and interested in the story. 2. Setting- It is the time or location where the plot unfolds. 3. Characters - They are the main drivers of the story. The one that leaves an impact on the audience. 4. Theme- It is the central idea or the underlying message of the story. The Role of Character Development and Narrative Arc: Character Development is creating and evolving personalities, motivations and goals. Narrative Arc is the journey of the characters to achieve their goals. Together, these two elements create a powerful story that can captivate viewers for hours on end. Bringing the life of the Characters Voice acting and music are the essential elements of storytelling. It brings life to the characters, setting the atmosphere and the tone of the story. Voice actors should understand the emotions of the characters they are playing to fully convey the message and story of its characters. Music, on the other hand, should be carefully crafted to enhance the story and make the animation more engaging to the audience. Process of making storyline concept 1. Sketch out a plot outline Brainstorming ideas is the initial part in creating a good plot for your storyline. Discussions with your team or just simply mapping out your plots. Next is organizing your basic ideas into an outline. With this, It can guide in writing the storyline of your movie.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila 2. Dive right into the action The exposition of the storyline should immediately grab the attention of the viewers. Diving right into the action should be done as it creates a strong engagement from the audience. 3. Lay groundwork for climax The rising action is a crucial element in developing the plot. It should gradually build the climax of the story. 4. Create a rich narrative with subplots It supports the themes that were established in the main plot of the story. It should introduce the backstory of the characters that tells their intentions and actions in the story. 5. Writing the script After developing all the ideas, the final stage is writing the script. The success of a project relies on a good script. B. STORYBOARDING - A story boarding is the sketches that are similar to a comic book that is followed in the script that was created. It is the Visual Guide during the production of an animated film. History of Storyboarding Storyboarding was first developed by Walt Disney Studio in the 1930's. It was one of the writers named Webb Smith who was credited with drawing scenes from separate sheets of paper. Webb Smith would pin all the drawings on a bulletin board to tell a full story of the movie. The first movie storyboarded by Disney is the short film The Three Little Pigs (1938). After that, every production company followed the path of making storyboards before starting a production. The Three Little Pigs (1938) https://youtu.be/leAh00n3hno  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila TYPES OF STORYBOARDING 1. Traditional Storyboarding - The best example of Traditional Storyboarding is Comic books or strips. It was a series of sketches with dialogues of what is happening inside the scene. Imagesource; Boords.com 2. Thumbnail Storyboarding - It was a quick sketch of scenes wherein the pace is already determined by the production. There are no dialogues included in a thumbnail storyboarding because it is made just to visualize an action sequence. Image source: Storyboardart.com 3. The Digital Storyboarding - Digital Storyboarding was made using different specialized tools. It involves computer softwares which is a quicker and more efficient method.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila Image Source: Pinterest IMPORTANCE OF STORYBOARDING Helps to stay organized Storyboarding changes the way you view a project. If there are lots of ideas that come to your mind, it is easy to get sidetracked and the project will end up being a mess. That is why planning makes everything easier and that is when storyboarding helps in making animation. Visual Representation It helps the production team to visualize the storyline of the project scene by scene. It also opens the possible changes before the production begins. Saves time and Money Although storyboarding is a lot of work, the creative will still benefit from this. It already provides the visual representation of the story and how each scene will be shot. Identify issue in the storyline It's easy to see if something is missing in the plot or something is missing in the scene. With this, you can work the gaps in the storyline and will help the production in a potential mistake in the project. Ensures proper communication As the storyboard is already laid down, it ensures a proper communication between the director, cinematographer and other members of the film crew.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila CREATION OF STORYBOARD 1. Pre-production - It revolves around research and planning. It is the step where the production needs to identify the key scenes and visual elements to use. Conducting research to also gather references and inspiration to build your storyboard. Reading the script was also part of this process. 2. Sketching the storyboard - Animators will make rough sketches of each scene to use in the animation. It should be simple and is easy to read to avoid miscommunication in the story. 3. Finalizing the storyboard - This revolves around reviewing the storyboard, making changes and necessary adjustments towards the story that has been made. It is to ensure that everything is well-done for the success of the project. Example of some popular storyboards 1. Jurassic Park Storyboard by David Lowery for Steven Spielberg's Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila 2. Mickey Mouse by Walt Disney Studio 3. Transformers Storyboards by Ed Natividad for Michael Bay’s  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila 4. Gone with the wind Storyboards by William Cameron Menzies 5. Harry Potter Storyboards by Jim Cornish for David Yates’ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila The Relationship of Storyline and Storyboarding The Storyline and Storyboard work together in bringing the vision of the creators to life. The Storyline is a map of the storyboard. It contains the overall plot of the story, characters and the theme of the animation. Meanwhile, The Storyboard is the one that visualizes what was written in the storyline. It provides a visual representation of the storyline to ensure that it is coherent and engaging. V. Two-Dimensional Softwares 2D software editors or drawing programs are applications designed for creating images, diagrams, and illustrations through direct manipulation of 2D computer graphics elements using devices like a mouse or graphics tablet. 2D software enhances design productivity and can speed up project approvals by providing teams with real-time access to the latest design versions and any changes made. Whether for technical drawings or landscaping layouts, it allows for easy replication of designs, quick modifications, and instant sharing with colleagues around the globe. 2D Animation Software 1. Adobe Animate Adobe Animate, formerly called Flash Professional, has been a staple animation software for creators for many years. It continues to be a standard in 2D animation, utilized by both professional studios and enthusiastic hobbyists. Adobe Animate provides advanced features such as: Powerful rigging tools: Design expressive characters with fluid and realistic movements. Seamless integration with Adobe: Easily combine your animations with other Adobe programs like Photoshop and Premiere Pro for a smoother workflow. Interactive animations: Add elements like buttons and forms to enhance your animations, making them perfect for web, mobile, and game development. Versatile toolset: Create a wide range of animation styles, including traditional frame-by-frame, cut-out, and stop-motion animation.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila 2. Linearity Move Linearity Move helps you create 2D animations in seconds, cutting production costs without losing quality. Its intuitive interface and template designs make it easy for beginners while offering enough depth for advanced users, too. Here's what sets Linearity Move apart: Tailored for vector animation: Precise, scalable, and perfect for clean visuals Beginner-friendly interface: New animators can easily use the tool. Seamless integration: Works hand-in-hand with Linearity Curve, creating one design ecosystem for your team. Auto Animate: With a single click, you can turn static designs into animations in seconds. Import ease: Integrate with your existing design software. Supports popular tools like Adobe Illustrator, Figma, Sketch, and more. Huge asset library: 3,000+ customizable templates help you accelerate your design process. Extra support: The Pro plan offers priority support, and the Org plan includes a dedicated account manager. Always up to date: Automatic software updates ensure access to the latest features. Extensive learning resources: Video and blog tutorials guide you to achieving your animation vision. 3. Toon Boom Harmony Toon Boom Harmony 22 sets a high standard in 2D animation. Aspiring and professional animators use it for their projects. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features, from traditional frame-by-frame techniques to cut-out animation.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila Key benefits and features of the tool Industry-leading tools: Create professional-grade animations with advanced rigging, special effects, and lip-syncing features. Flexibility: Choose your preferred workflow, from traditional frame-by-frame to cut-out animation or even 2D and 3D integration. Realistic visuals: Add depth and dimension to your animations with advanced lighting, shading, and camera control options. Streamlined workflow: Improve productivity with features like vector drawing tools, automatic in-betweening (tweening), and seamless software integration. Big community of support: Toon Boom connects artists, studios, and schools through events and an active community. Their team is always available for help, offering live chat and forum support. 4. Animaker - Animaker stands out as a top contender in paid 2D animation software. Its focus on simplicity and efficiency makes it a compelling choice for creators of levels—particularly marketers with little to no creative skills. Reasons to consider Animaker animation software: Character builder: Animaker can create a billion character combinations with unique facial features and accessories. Automated lip-syncing: Animaker eliminates the tedious task of manually matching animation to audio. You can easily synchronize natural lip movements with your voiceover Large asset library: Animaker offers many backgrounds, properties, text options, and music tracks. Smart Move and Action Plus: Animaker automates repetitive tasks with features like Smart Move and Action Plus. These tools animate characters with a single click, saving you valuable time and effort. 4K exports: Animaker allows you to export your animations in up to 4K resolution, ensuring your content looks professional.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila 5. Pencil2D Pencil2D is a free and open-source 2D animation software that allows you to create animations focusing on traditional frame-by-frame techniques. Key features to fuel your animation journey: Traditional animation: Pencil2D excels in frame-by-frame animation, allowing you to create each individual frame for ultimate creative control. Raster and vector power: This offers flexibility to create hand-drawn textures and crisp, clean lines within your animations. Built-in templates: Get a head start on your animation projects with pre-made templates that can be a starting point for your ideas. Cross-platform compatibility: Pencil2D runs smoothly on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile option. VI. Creation of 2D Digital Animations Two-dimensional or 2D animation is characterized by having its objects and characters created in a two-dimensional space. It means that they only have width and height. Image Source: Pinterest  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila It’s considered a traditional animation style, known from the 1800s. Initially, it was created by pulling together the frames in which one drawing was followed by another one that slightly differed from it. Every second included 24 frames. With the development of computer technologies, this process was also digitized through various 2D animation software with the option of drawing the characters and backgrounds directly into the computer and animating them. How 2D animation is created Planning everything before starting the production process. It is essential to organize the project and prepare everything before starting to animate. The process consists of 3 main phases: pre-production, production, and post-production. PRE-PRODUCTION The pre-production process is the first stage of creating animations. This is a preparation stage for the main process, so it needs to be properly done. 1. Delivery date - First of all, we set the release date of the movie we are going to make. The more tight it is, the less quality the movie might have because we will have less time to produce it. 2. Preliminary schedule - The producer(s) starts to plan it based on the delivery date. Making the preliminary schedule consists of organizing the number of days, weeks, months or even years that will take to create the movie. 3. Crew plan After organizing everything, producers calculate the number of stuff the studio is going to need to perform each task in order to meet the schedule. They also determine the time everyone in the crew will have to finish their task. 4. Budget - The budget is the financial construction of the estimated expenses the production of the movie might cause. It is based on the creative elements and goals, the estimated duration, the complexity of the project, etc.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila 5. Recruiting - It is the human resources department who takes care of it. They are the ones who employ all the stuff needed that has been calculated previously. The different jobs that are usually included in an animated movie production are storyboard artists, reference animators, sound readers, animation timers, lip sync specialists, voice talents (actors), casting agents, recording director, recording technicians, sound engineers, copyright clearance specialists, overseas supervisors, among others. PRODUCTION Production is the process of creating the animation by gathering all the created materials together and producing the scenes. Scriptwriting A written document that outlines a story’s plot, characters, and dialogue. It is also the foundation for the entire project, providing a roadmap for the animators, voice actors, and other creatives involved in the production process, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working towards the same vision. Designing Once all the research is done, we start designing the characters and backgrounds for the movie. Character designing When it comes to designing characters, everyone contributes with their ideas. Every animator takes a pencil and a paper and they start sketching different designs of the characters over and over again. A lot of different designs are created until we get to choose the final ones. One of them is using round forms and designs, that way characters are warmer and look more childish. Some examples of characters designed with round shapes are Mickey Mouse and Stitch, both from Disney.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila This also includes painting the backgrounds, creating the individual scenes and character activities, making the rough animation, cleaning up the animation (tracing), in-betweening, coloring, and painting the drawings with the help of computer software, compositing, and export. Main location designing Animators also have to design the backgrounds of the movie, even if it is just the bedroom of the main character, a school class or a whole village, everything must be planned. When designing backgrounds, they sometimes use photographs they had taken during the research process. Other times, they just draw from their imagination. To pull everything together, animators create an exposure sheet that includes all the instructions on how to make each scene. The exposure sheet is divided into 5 parts: Actions and timing Dialogues and music Animation layers Backgrounds View perspective Image source: Toon Boom Learn  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila Image source: Dsource Ekalpa India Once the rough 2D animation is created, it needs to be cleaned up and polished. This process is also called tracing and can be done in two ways: in a new layer or directly over the same layer with different colors. In-Betweening is used to make a smooth animation by adding additional drawings between two frames. For example, if you want to create a bouncing ball scene, you should draw transitional frames between the first scene where the ball is on the top and the second frame where the ball is on the ground. Image Source: swardson.com After the frames are fully ready, they are scanned into a computer, if they are not drawn digitally. Then, it’s time to combine all the visual elements based on the exposure sheet.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila Concept art It is the visual development department who takes charge of this step. This is when we start planning the look of the film. The department has to develop the style, tone, color and overall artistic approach to each and every sequence. Recording the dialogues When the concept art is already finished, it is time to record the voices of the characters. This process can be divided in three steps: casting, character presentation and recording. Casting When casting the voice actors, it is not their looks that are important, but their voices. Recording To record the dialogues, they put on a microphone and read the script phrase by phrase multiple times. The recording director(s) gives indications on how they have to pronounce everything, how they have to emphasize every word they say differently. Actors have to express emotion through their voice. They are the ones that give personality to the characters, they have to capture their spirit. Composing During the composing process, the specialists add the backgrounds, frames, sounds, and any other effects that are required. This part of the process consists of composing the songs that are going to be sung by the characters. This step is only applicable when talking about a musical film, not every animated movie has singing in it. It is through songs that the viewers get to know the characters more, the way they think, their dreams and hopes, etc. They are sometimes used to explain a part of a story or just as a simple presentation for the movie This is mostly achieved through different animation software. When the composing process is over, the animated scenes are rendered as videos or movies.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila POST-PRODUCTION Post-production is the final editing process of 2D animation. During this phase, the animation is enhanced with additional sound effects or recordings which increase the emotional impact of the animation. Once the final version is ready, it’s rendered and exported to different formats. 1. Inking and coloring When all the scenes have been animated, they are taken to the inking department. That is where they pass the pencil sketches into celluloid. Celluloid is a thin, clear sheet of transparent plastic. 2. Computer Effects Animators use the computer when they need to animate a scene with a huge crowd or with some kind of magic effect or fire on them. By animating the background characters with a computer, we are able to save extra work and time. Using the computer, animators change the angle of the camera, edit possible mistakes, correct the lightning, the speed of movement, the atmosphere of scenes, etc. They give the final look to the movie. They also use the computer to add the initial and ending credits. 3. Sound This is the last part of the animation process. The sound designers create and record sound effects and ambience (footsteps, clothes rustling, doors opening,...) to create the textures and layers of sound that enrich the story. Nowadays they are created digitally but at the beginning of animation, sound designers had to make the sounds they needed themselves. 4. Release day Once all the previous steps are finished, our movie is ready to be shown to the world. We distribute the film worldwide and, depending on the country, it will come out sooner or later. When a movie premieres for the first time, the casting, producers and me, the director, go together to watch it in the cinema and see the public’s reaction. If the movie we have done is good enough, it will have good reviews from the critics and experts The 12 Principles of Animation A group of key teachings for the professional animator. While technology and industries have evolved with new and different ideas being integrated into animation, the principles can still be seen in movies and web design today. 1. Squash and stretch The Squash and Stretch technique is used by animators to convey an object's weight, flexibility, and hardness.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila For example, when there is an animation of an object falling, it gets flattened when it touches the ground and stretches out to maintain its volume. This shows that the object is flexible. 2. Anticipation Anticipation in animation prepares the audience for what will happen next. It involves a small movement or action that precedes a larger one. For instance, before a character jumps, they will often squat momentarily. This squatting motion is an example of anticipation in animation, as it signals to the audience that a jump is coming up. In this example, Tarzan creates an anticipation effect by squatting and jumping around high branches and vines. 3. Staging Staging in Animation involves arranging characters, props, background, and camera perspective. 4. Straight-ahead action and pose-to-pose Drawing animations can be done in 2 ways - Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose. Straight ahead action involves drawing an action frame by frame, creating a smooth flow of movement. This method requires starting with a drawing and then proceeding to draw sequentially, most of the time not knowing the last frame. 5. Follow through and overlapping action Follow Through and Overlapping action are two important techniques used in animation to create realistic and fluid motion. These techniques involve parts of the character in motion even after the character has stopped. For example, when a character wearing a cape runs and comes to a halt, the cape and the character’s hair continue to sway for a moment before they get pulled back to the character. Here, the cape follows through with the character’s motion. The tendency of the cape and hair to move at a different rate from the character depicts the overlapping action. 6. Slow in and slow out To achieve this effect, animators draw more frames near the action's beginning and end to create the impression of slow movement. They draw fewer frames in between to highlight speed. 7. Arc Arcs refers to the movement of an object or a character in curves rather than a straight line. We humans move in curves. Even a simple movement, like turning our head, follows a curved path. Imagine turning your head in a straight line. It almost feels robotic and creepy.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila 8. Secondary action Secondary action enhances the main action and provides more detail to the primary action. These secondary actions can be used to create a character's personality trait or to depict the character’s emotions. 9. Timing The term “Timing” refers to the speed of the scene, which is determined by the number of frames used. If more frames are used, the scene will appear to be slower. On the other hand, fewer frames will make the scene look quicker. It is important to establish timing properly for each object in the animation with respect to the object’s size and weight. For instance, if a character is shown rolling a large ball, the timing will vary depending on the ball's weight. 10. Exaggeration Exaggeration animation is used to create a dramatic effect and enhance the storytelling. This technique is applied to actions, expressions, and even poses to make them more impactful. By exaggerating certain elements, animators can also add a comical effect to the animation. For example, extreme facial expressions after a character accidentally walks into a pole make the scene hilarious. 11. Solid drawing Solid Drawing is an essential technique in the animation industry. It involves giving characters weight and volume by drawing them in a proper shape as they would appear in a 3-dimensional space. To achieve this, animators draw the character in several poses and angles, ensuring that the proportions remain consistent throughout the scenes. 12. Appeal Creating an appealing character is crucial to make it memorable and exciting to the audience. The term “appeal” doesn’t only refer to physical attractiveness but also to the character’s intriguing and charming traits. The appeal is necessary for all characters that are vital to the video or movie. It is not just limited to heroes, as even villains deserve a strong appeal to add weight to their character. Sample of Creating Animation: The Animation Process from 1983: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2ORkIrHUbg  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila VII. Creating Animation Concept If you could create your own 2D Animation, What would be the concept and story? Our Animation Concept would be titled “The Closet Performer”. Storyline Concept Melody is a girl with a magical voice who turns music into something the world has never heard. Her voice is a soothing melody that can captivate everyone’s heart. However, she always restrains herself due to some experiences. Her world doesn’t know music. She was blessed by this amazing talent but her world can’t seem to hear. One magical night, her mirror suddenly grants her a way to a magical world. A world full of music and was only driven by melodies and harmonies. There she got to perform and build confidence in herself. Where she will also face challenges as the magical world is experiencing some drawbacks. Will she stay in this magical world of music or go back to the isolated land? The animation would be a vibrant mix of fantasy and musical , with a focus on colorful, expressive character designs. The music would be a key element of this 2D animation. The story would explore themes of hope, togetherness and the power of music in changing the lives of every person. A constant reminder to trust yourself and you can always change the world. Visual Style: Color Palette: Vibrant colors like yellow, red and blue with the accents of pink and purple to depict the magical world and the joy of music with the contrasting colors of gray and black to depict the isolation of characters. Character Design: Melody should be a charming and unique girl with a hint of isolation and loneliness in her. A type of character that feels driven by happiness but has a hidden story inside. Music: Emotional Impact: As it is a fantasy-musical animation, music should drive the audience's emotion to feel what the story or the characters itself wanted to tell. It is the main part of the show. Music suggestions to be used are:  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila When you are believed by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston- It tells about believing in miracles, having faith in yourself and to never lose hope. Which is perfect for the character of Melody. Live my life by AESPA- it is about going out of the box and showing the world. It is good in the storyline where Melody wants to show to her world what music is. Fix you by Coldplay- A song about assurance and comfort. It can be used in the difficult moments in the life of our character Melody. Dancing Queen by ABBA- A song for celebration and having freedom. With its upbeat tempo, it can be used as the ending song in which the character solve all the challenges faced in the story. Overall, "The Closet Performer” hopes to show the potential of a beautiful and moving animation. It's a story that reminds us of the importance of hope, perseverance, and the power of music to bring people together. Conclusion In conclusion, 2D animation has progressed from simple hand-drawn approaches to complex digital procedures, demonstrating the ideal combination of artistry and technology. From early motion experiments to recognizable classics that helped define the genre, its historical timeline highlights significant developments. 2D animation continues to be an important medium of expression as animators continue to innovate, exciting audiences with its charm and creativity. The development of 2D animation demonstrates both its aesthetic value and its long-lasting influence on visual narrative. Furthermore, 2D animation encourages imagination and stories, encouraging artists to explore a wide range of subjects and styles. It has created a rich cultural heritage by influencing a variety of methods, such as video games, television, and movies. The future of 2D animation holds even more potential as new technologies appear, combining traditional techniques with state-of-the-art equipment to maintain its relevance in a constantly changing environment. In the end, 2D animation never fails to captivate and motivate, demonstrating the boundless power of motion in a flat environment.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila VIII. Appendices Appendix A: Famous 2D Animators and Studios I. Notable 2D Animators 1. Hayao Miyazaki Co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki is renowned for his imaginative storytelling and beautifully crafted animations. His works, such as “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro,” have set a high standard in the animation industry. 2. Chuck Jones A legendary animator known for his work with Warner Bros., Jones created iconic characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. His unique style and comedic timing have influenced generations of animators. 3. Don Bluth An influential figure in animation, Bluth directed classics like “The Land Before Time” and “An American Tail.” He is known for his detailed animation style and emotional storytelling. 4. Genndy Tartakovsky Creator of popular series such as “Samurai Jack” and “Dexter’s Laboratory,” Tartakovsky is celebrated for his innovative approach to animation, blending action with humor. 5. Rebecca Sugar The creator of “Steven Universe,” Sugar has made significant contributions to modern animation, particularly in terms of representation and emotional depth in storytelling. II. Leading 2D Animation Studios Studio Ghibli Based in Japan, this studio is famous for its high-quality animated films that often explore themes of nature, love, and adventure. Their attention to detail and artistic integrity have earned them numerous awards.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila Disney Animation Studios A pioneer in the field of animation, Disney has produced countless classic animated films such as “The Lion King” and “Aladdin.” Their blend of music, storytelling, and character development has set benchmarks in the industry. Cartoon Network Studios Known for its diverse range of animated series including “Adventure Time” and “The Powerpuff Girls,” Cartoon Network has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of creativity in television animation. Nickelodeon Animation Studio This studio has produced beloved shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Rugrats.” Nickelodeon’s focus on humor and relatable characters has made it a staple in children’s entertainment. Laika Studios While primarily known for stop-motion animation, Laika also incorporates 2D elements into their films. They are recognized for their unique visual style seen in movies like “Coraline” and “Kubo and the Two Strings.” In conclusion, these animators and studios have significantly shaped the landscape of 2D animation through their creativity, innovation, and dedication to storytelling Appendix B: Appendix B: 2D Animation Softwares and Features Purpose: This part of the appendix explains various animation tools that can create 2D animations Outline: Onion skin- a function that shows images from multiple frames at once. You can display the images before and after the current frame in semi-transparency to use them as reference when drawing. Digital coloring- With the flat fill tool, you can fill closed areas with just one click. This helps to fill in small gaps without any problems. If you want to fill multiple closed areas with the same color, simply drag the area to fill them all at once.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila Variety of layer effects- Layer effects let you apply color effects to your scene. Color effects are an important element in creating the atmosphere of a scene. Tonal correction layers allow you to apply color effects without changing the original layer. Layer management- Animation production involves a lot of images and frames, so the number of layers often increases to more than a thousand in no time. Inexpensive digital art apps, such as those used for creating simple GIF animations, may limit the number of layers you can use, so you may not be able to express your animation fully. Camera movement- The 2D camera folder allows you to set camera movements with keyframes. There are multiple interpolation options, so you can make sharp or smooth movements and while checking the movement in the camera path display. You can add effects such as moving the camera frame, panning horizontally, zooming in or out, and so on. Audio- Add background music, dialog, and sound effects to your animation. Playback audio tracks on the timeline to match animation and sound and also set the playback volume using keyframes. Appendix C: 2D Animation Glossary Purpose: The concept of this appendix explains the terms in 2D animation. Every industry has its own "language" or everyday terminology. Outline: 2d- 2-Dimensional, and refers to any image that is created in only two dimensions or axes (X and Y), 3d- 3-Dimensional, and refers to any image that is created in three dimensions or axes (X, Y and Z). 3D camera- Similar to the multiplane camera but works in a true 3 dimensional environment. Anti-aliasing- This refers to a technique which reduces or smoothes the edges of an object if it appears too pixelated (i.e. when you are able to see the square pixels) Bar sheet- Used by an editor to mark out dialogue and audio timing. Bar sheets are rarely used these days since almost everything is digital and the accuracy is far superior and faster.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila Blue screen- The “chroma key” technique of filming live action actors and footage against a blue screen in order to remove the blue and replace it with a different background. Chroma Key- The special effects technique of compositing two or more images together based on their color hues or chroma range. Most commonly known as “blue screen” or “green screen”. Drawing tablet- Also known as a graphics tablet or “digitizer”, the modern drawing tablet has begun to take the place of the traditional light box for 2d animation production, as it allows the animator to draw directly into the animation software for a totally paperless production. Exposure sheet- An exposure sheet (also known variously as “dope sheet”, “camera instruction sheet”, or “X-sheet”) is a sheet of paper used primarily in traditional animation to mark out the timing of various actions and dialogue. Field Chart- A field chart is basically a grid designed to split the screen space or camera view into small squares or “fields”. Field Of View (FOV)- The amount of the observable world or environment that can be seen through the camera at any one moment. FK (Forward Kinematics)- An animation system where each joint in a chain has to be animated individually and depends wholly on the position of the parent joint. FPS (Frames per second)- This is the rate or speed at which the frames in a sequence are played back. IK (Inverse Kinematics)- An animation system that allows a chain of multiple joints to be moved by using only one effector or control. Mask- A mask or matte is a shape that is used to cover up certain areas of an image using in live action or real photography. Pegbar- A small strip of plastic or metal with a few pins or pegs sticking out, to which an animator fixes their paper, and helps to keep each frame or drawing in the same position. Pose-to-pose- An animation technique where you draw the key poses of a scene first and then fill in the gaps or inbetweens.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila References: 2D Animation Software Guide. (2020, January 27). 2D Animation Glossary - A What’s this and what’s that of animation | 2D Animation Software Guide. https://www.2danimationsoftwareguide.com/2d-animation-glossary/ Autodesk (2024) 2D CAD Software | Drawing & Drafting https://www.autodesk.com/asean/solutions/2d-cad-drafting-drawing Carlton, T. (n.d.). Bottle Rocket Media: Creating a script for animation. Bottle Rocket Media. https://bottlerocketmedia.net/creating-a-script-for-animation/ Carys Thomas (2021, December 9). Top 5 animation styles. UAL,. https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/short-courses/stories/top-5-types-of-animation-styles Exposure Sheet, Timeline and timing | Toon Boom Learn. (n.d.). Exposure Sheet, Timeline and Timing | Toon Boom Learn. https://learn.toonboom.com/modules/basic-concepts/topic/exposure-sheet-timeline-and-timing Filmbaker. (2023, August 22). The importance of storyboarding in digital films: Filmbaker. RSS. https://www.filmbaker.com/blog/the-importance-of-storyboarding#:~:text=The%20Different%20 Types%20of%20Storyboarding&text=Traditional%20Storyboarding%3A%20This%20involves %20creating,quicker%20and%20more%20efficient%20method. How to master the art of Plot Development - 2024. MasterClass. (n.d.). https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-master-the-art-of-plot-development Lannom, S. (2024, September 3). 46 best storyboard examples in film. StudioBinder. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/storyboard-examples-film/ Mancera, R,. Peralta, C., & Moreno, L. (2014). THE CREATION PROCESS OF 2D ANIMATED MOVIES https://www.edubcn.cat/rcs_gene/treballs_recerca/2014-2015-02-4-TR_baixa.pdf  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila Opitous (2024, September 18). The Disney animator that invented the storyboard. Optious. https://www.optious.com/the-disney-animator-that-invented-the-storyboard/ Renderforest. (2024, October 3). 2D Animation: Everything You Should Know About it. Renderforest LLC. https://www.renderforest.com/blog/2d-animation Shreshta. (2024, February 16). 12 Principles of Animation Explained! [With examples]. Animaker. https://www.animaker.com/hub/12-principles-of-animation/#1 SWSOFT (2021, June 6) 2D CAD Software https://www.zwsoft.com/news/zwschool/what-is-a-2d-cad-software-and-what-are-its-strengths Taggart, E. (2024, February 2). A comprehensive guide to storyboarding in Animation. Linearity blog. https://www.linearity.io/blog/storyboarding-in-animation/ The 12 Principles of Animation | Lesley University. (n.d.). https://lesley.edu/article/the-12-principles-of-animation Tools & Techniques in Digital animation - Clip Studio paint. (n.d.). Tools & Techniques in Digital Animation - Clip Studio Paint. https://www.clipstudio.net/en/animation/tools-techniques/  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila SHORT QUIZ 1. 2D Animation- Is the craft of creating movement within a flat space, by arranging individual drawings or images in sequence, animators can bring static objects to life. 2. Modern Era- Due to digital platforms and streaming services, 2D animation is currently seeing a rebirth. Contemporary animators use the speed and versatility of contemporary technology to create works that preserve the attraction of vintage 2D animation while fusing conventional hand-drawn methods with digital improvements. 3. The Television Era- It placed an emphasis on quicker production to satisfy the demands of weekly programming, and became popular in the middle of the 20th century. 4. The Digital Revolution- The development of computers in the final half of the 20th century altered the 2D animation environment. The development of digital tools made it possible for animators to speed up the process. 5. Stop Motion- It is a technique that is used to capture one frame at a time. It uses physical objects or props that move between each frame. If it was played at the right amount of speed, it would produce an illusion of movement. 6. 3D Animations- This refers to the process of creating 3-dimensional moving images in a digital environment. These animations were used to mimic a lifelike effect for the object or character to act like a real object. 7. Motion Graphics- It refers to the type of animations that utilizes text as a major component to communicate a message.The animators add movement to static design elements like shapes, objects or text creating an engaging visual display. 8. Traditional Animations- It is known to be the oldest form of animation. It is meticulously hand-drawn and each cel is painted then Photographed one by one to create an animated sequence. 9. Storyline Concept- It is the guide in every creative process of a production. It’s an idea for a movie or play or any visual storytelling. 10. 5- How many is the Key Elements of Storyline Concept 11. Storyboarding- It is the sketches that are similar to a comic book that is followed in the script that was created. It is the Visual Guide during the production of an animated film. 12. Traditional Storyboarding- The best example of __________ is Comic books or strips. It was a series of sketches with dialogues of what is happening inside the scene.  Republic of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education Sta. Mesa, Manila 13. Thumbnail Storyboarding- It was a quick sketch of scenes wherein the pace is already determined by the production. 14. Digital Storyboarding- Was made using different specialized tools. It involves computer softwares which is a quicker and more efficient method. 15. Adobe Animate- Formerly called Flash Professional, has been a staple animation software for creators for many years. It continues to be a standard in 2D animation, utilized by both professional studios and enthusiastic hobbyists. 16-20. Based on what we discussed, give 5 famous 2D Animators or Studios. Notable 2D Animators Hayao Miyazaki Chuck Jones Don Bluth Genndy Tartakovsky Rebecca Sugar Studio Ghibli Disney Animation Studios Cartoon Network Studios Nickelodeon Animation Studio Laika Studios