Greetings everyone! I'm Raihanah Ramlee, the owner of the blog. This is my very first post in my animation journey.
MEANING OF ANIMATION
Animation is a visual medium that creates motion through static images or frames. Traditionally, it involved hand-drawing or stop-motion techniques. Computer animation has become the dominant form, using digital tools and software for 2D or 3D effects. It is used in various industries for creative storytelling and complex action depictions.
THE 12 PRINCIPLES OF ANIMATION
1. TIMING AND SPACING
Timing is important in animation and entails choosing an action's pace and rhythm to produce the intended impact or feeling. Timing refers to the number of frames between two poses, or the speed of action.
2. SQUASH AND STRETCH
These ideas give items a sense of weight and bulk by adding flexibility and exaggeration. Squash and stretch are what gives flexibility to objects. The easiest way to understand how squash and stretch work is to look at a bouncing ball. As the ball starts to fall and picks up speed, the ball will stretch out just before impact.
3. ANTICIPATION
This technique includes creating a brief buildup or anticipation before an action takes place in order to get the audience ready.
4. TAKE IT SLOWLY AND EASY
By progressively speeding an item into an activity and then reducing its speed before coming to a stop, his method
5. OVERLAPPING ACTION & FOLLOW THROUGH
Overlapping action includes the independent movement of various pieces of an item, whereas follow through occurs after the original movement has ended, including distinct body parts moving at the same time.
6. ARCS
Since most natural motions take the form of an arc, moving objects along curbed trajectories gives the motion more fluidity and authenticity.
7. EXAGGERATION
Animation that exaggerates movement features beyond what is realistically possible boosts dynamic and interesting motions while also adding impact, visual intrigue, and entertainment value. This makes the animation more expressive and exciting for the viewer.
8. SOLID DRAWING
Animation that uses solid drawing places an emphasis on form, volume, weight, and balance gives people and objects a realistic, visible feel that results in believable movements and interactions.
9. APPEAL
Visually appealing people, objects, or designs that interest and enthrall the audience and build a strong bond between them and the animated components are what animators refer to as "appeal" in their work. Successful animations require characters who are recognizable, likeable, and emotive.
10. STRAIGHT AHEAD ACTION & POSE TO POSE
Straight Ahead Action includes animating frame by frame, whereas Pose-to-Pose focuses on developing important postures and filling in gaps. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages, and they are employed differently depending on the desired result, complexity, and animator choice.
11. SECONDARY ACTION
Animation's supporting and enhancing secondary actions provide the major actions additional depth, complexity, and realism while also expressing emotions, weight, balance, timing, and detail, making them more appealing and believable.
12. STAGING
Animation staging uses composition, lighting, and timing to draw the viewer's attention to key components and clearly express the intended message and create the desired mood.
These concepts are fundamental for animators and serve as a guide for generating interesting, credible, and visually beautiful animations. While they were initially designed for conventional hand-drawn animation, they are still extremely useful for current 2D and 3D animation approaches.
TYPES OF ANIMATION & SOFTWARE USED
1. TRADITIONAL ANIMATION
Traditional animation, also known as flip book animation or stop-motion, entails hand-drawing individual frames on transparent celluloid sheets, photographing them, and playing them back in succession.
- Examples include classic Disney films like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "The Lion King."
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" was released in 1937 utilizing hand-drawn animation techniques rather than computer technologies. Artists hand-drew characters, painted them, and used a multi plane camera to add depth and substance to the video.
SOFTWARE USED:
- Disney Computer Animation Production System (CAPS)
2. 2D ANIMATION
This type of animation is generated with digital software, in which artists draw and manipulate characters and objects on a two-dimensional plane. Simple line-based animations to more elaborate and detailed styles are all possible.
- Examples include TV shows like "The Simpsons".
"The Simpsons Movie" (2007) was made with a mix of traditional 2D animation techniques and digital tools. The film was created using a combination of hand-drawn animation, digital ink & paint, and compositing.
SOFTWARE USED:
1. TOON BOOM HARMONY: Toon Boom Harmony is a popular 2D animation software for traditional hand-drawn, digital ink, paint, rigging, and compositing.
2. ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS: After Effects is a versatile software for visual effects, motion graphics, and compositing animation elements.
3. ADOBE PHOTOSHOP: Photoshop is used for digital artwork, image editing, and creating backgrounds and textures in "The Simpsons" production.
4. ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR: Illustrator is a vector-based software used for creating artwork, characters, backgrounds, and props in "The Simpsons."
5. AUTO DESK MAYA: "The Simpsons" utilized 2D animation, 3D software like Maya for 3D elements and camera movements.
3. 3D ANIMATION
CGI uses modelling, rigging, and animation software to create 3D characters, environments, and objects.
- Examples include movies like "Frozen."
The film "Frozen" was made with a variety of software tools and workflows. Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind "Frozen," relies heavily on Auto desk's Maya 3D animation tools. Maya is a popular animation software noted for its powerful 3D modelling, rigging, and animation capabilities.
4. STOP MOTION
Stop motion involves capturing a series of still photographs, with physical objects or models being slightly adjusted between each frame. When played back in sequence, it creates the illusion of movement.
- Examples include films like "Caroline".
"Coraline" is a Laika Entertainment stop-motion animated film directed by Henry Selick. The film made use of both traditional stop-motion animation and computer-generated imagery (CGI). For the stop-motion animation, physical puppets and settings were employed, with each frame photographed and the puppets moved incrementally. CGI was used for visual effects as well as post-production work. The software utilized in the project is not publicly available, however common stop-motion animation and CGI technologies include Dragon frame, Stop Motion Pro, and Adobe After Effects.
- DRAGON FRAME STOP
- STOP MOTION PRO
5. TYPOGRAPHY ANIMATION
Typography animation engages viewers by animating individual letters, words, or phrases to convey information, provide visual interest, and enhance design or video appeal. Typography animation software like Adobe After Effects, Apple Motion, Maxon Cinema 4D, and Blender offer 3D modeling and animation capabilities.
- APPLE MOTION
- MAXON CINEMA 4D
- 3D BLENDER
ANIMATION USED IN DIFFERENT CREATIVE MEDIA PRODUCTION:
1) IN FILM ANIMATION
using a combination of diverse methods and equipment developed over time, animation in cinema generates movement illusions using quick static pictures or frames.
Here's a brief overview of how animation is used in film:
1. TRADITIONAL HAND-DRAWN ANIMATION
Traditional hand-drawn animation involves artists creating individual frames, which are then photographed or scanned onto film, creating the illusion of motion when played in sequence.
2. STOP MOTION ANIMATION
Stop-motion animation involves manipulating objects or characters in small increments, capturing a frame for each movement, and playing back at the desired frame rate, creating motion.
3. COMPUTER GENERATED ANIMATION (CGI)
CGI animation utilizes computer software to create and manipulate three-dimensional models, characters, and environments, with specialized software used by animators to design, rig, and animate these elements.
4. 2D DIGITAL ANIMATION
2D digital animation is a creative process that utilizes computer software to create two-dimensional characters and backgrounds, with artists using digital drawing tools to create animation frames.
5. CUTOUT ANIMATION
Cutout animation is a technique that creates characters and objects from paper or other materials, then moves and films them frame by frame, similar to stop-motion.
The style and budget of the movie, as well as the directors' creative vision, influence the choice of animation technology. Technology advancements are always pushing the limits of what is possible in animation, resulting in visually stunning movie experiences.
2) VIDEO GAMES
Animation is a vital element in video games, enhancing immersion, interactivity, and storytelling, and is utilized in various ways.
1. CHARACTER ANIMATION
Animation in video games enhances character life through various motions like walking, running, jumping, attacking, and reacting to in-game events, making them more realistic and responsive to player input.
2. ENVIRONMENTAL ANIMATION
Video games often feature dynamic environments with animated elements like water, trees, and lights, enhancing the sense of a living and dynamic game world.
3. LIP SYNC AND FACIAL ANIMATION
In voice acting games, lip sync and face animation are used to match character motions with spoken phrases, increasing the immersion and realism of discussions.
4. COMBAT ANIMATION
Fluid and responsive combat animations are crucial in action and combat games to make attacks, dodges, and counter-moves feel natural and satisfying to the player.
5. RAG-DOLL PHYSICS
Rag-doll physics accurately simulates the behavior of characters or objects when influenced by forces, enhancing realism in character deaths and reactions to explosions, impacts, or falls.
Animation in video games serves a variety of purposes, including informational purposes, gameplay enhancement, and player immersion. Depending on the complexity and requirements of the game, game developers utilize a combination of classic animation techniques, motion capture, and generative animation to accomplish these aims.
3) WEBSITE AND APPLICATION
Websites and applications employ animation to improve user experiences, give visual feedback, and engage users. Here are some examples of how animation is used in online and app design:
1. LOADING ANIMATION
Loading animations, such as spinners or progress bars, notify users about content loading by giving visual feedback on the app's or website's functionality.
2. HOVER EFFECTS
Hover animations enhance user interaction by altering colors, scaling elements, or revealing additional information, thereby enhancing interactivity and making the user interface more intuitive.
3. SCROLLING EFFECTS
Parallax scrolling is a technique that creates depth by varying the speed of background and foreground elements as the user scrolls down a page.
4. FEEDBACK AND NOTIFICATIONS
Animations provide user feedback, such as confirming successful actions or alerting them to new messages or updates through subtle animations.
5. DATA VISUALIZATION
Animated charts and graphs enhance data presentation by providing an engaging and understandable way for users to comprehend changes and trends over time.
In websites and applications, it's vital to strike a balance between user experience and minimum animations. The option should be in line with the goals of the app and the preferences of the user, and animations should be performance optimized for fluid interactions across devices and connection speeds.
4) ADVERTISEMENT
1. EXPLAINER VIDEO
Explainer films commonly use animation to demystify difficult ideas or goods, using animated characters, graphs, and text to inform viewers about their features or advantages.
2. PRODUCT DEMONSTRATIONS
Advertisers may use animation to demonstrate a product's characteristics and operation in a way that is both aesthetically appealing and simple to comprehend. This may entail showcasing a product's functionality, distinctive selling proposition, or future applications.
3. BRAND STORY TELLING
A brand's history or origin story may be told using animation. Advertisers may create compelling story lines that connect with viewers and develop brand identity by utilizing animated characters or images.
4. INFO GRAPHICS
The visual appeal of facts and statistics is increased through animated infographics. Infographics may be made more interactive by adding animations that draw attention to important details and make transitions between data elements.
5. HUMOR AND ENTERTAINMENT
Key messages may be highlighted and made more visually attractive with the use of dynamic text and font animations. Title sequences and text-based commercials frequently employ this.
6. TEXT AND TYPOGRAPHY ANIMATION
Ads may be made funnier and more entertaining by using animated characters and situations. This makes the advertisement more memorable and aids in grabbing viewers' attention.
Animation in advertising is a creative and effective way to engage audiences, communicate messages, and leave a lasting impression. The choice of animation style depends on the target audience, product, and brand image. Successful animated ads use storytelling, emotion, and visual appeal.
5) EDUCATION
Animation is a useful educational technique that improves learning by engaging pupils, making difficult topics more understandable, and promoting improved understanding. Here are a few examples of how animation is applied in classrooms:
1. INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS
Students may actively investigate and experiment with numerous subjects thanks to interactive animations and simulations. These seminars promote experiential learning and can aid students in understanding challenging subjects like physics or chemistry.
2. DIGITAL TEXTBOOKS
To augment text-based material, several online learning systems and digital textbooks include animations. By assisting students in visualizing material, these animations make studying more dynamic and interesting.
3. LANGUAGE LEARNING
In language instruction, animation is frequently used to illustrate proper pronunciation, grammatical use, and vocabulary. Language learning may be made more interesting and relevant by using animated characters or situations.
4. PHYSICS SIMULATIONS
Students may study ideas like motion, forces, and electricity through physics simulations and animations. Students may experiment with different factors and track the outcomes through interactive simulations.
5. GEOGRAPHY AND MAPS
Students can better learn concepts like geographic characteristics, population distribution, and historical changes in boundaries and territories by using animated maps and geographic visualizations.
6. COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
In order to graphically illustrate coding principles, algorithms, and debugging procedures, animation is utilized in computer programming and coding education. It enables pupils to understand how code execution operates.
There are many different disciplines and educational levels where animation is used in education; it is not restricted to any one level or topic. Animation enables educators to adapt their teaching strategies to a variety of learning styles, increasing the effectiveness and engagement of the learning process.
6) ENTERTAINMENT
Animation is a vital tool in the entertainment industry, enhancing storytelling, creating captivating visuals, and allowing the creation of fantastical worlds and characters.
1. FILM AND CINEMA
Animation is a film making sub genre that includes a variety of aesthetics and production methods, from hand-drawn to computer-generated (CGI) animation. Worldwide, audiences of all ages adore the animated movies and shorts made by studios like Disney, Pixar, Dream Works, and Studio Ghibli.
2. VIDEO GAMES
A key element of video game design is animation. It gives a sense of immersion and engagement by bringing people, settings, and gaming aspects to life.
3. VIRTUAL REALITY AND AUGMENTED REALITY
Animation is essential to creating immersive and engaging worlds for users of VR and AR. Animation is used in VR simulations, games, and educational apps to generate 3D environments and lifelike interactions.
4. LIVE CONCERTS AND EVENTS
Animation is frequently used during live events and concerts in the form of images projected onto screens, LED displays, or holographic technologies. These dynamic components improve visitors' overall experience.
7) MARKETING
Animation is a strong and adaptable marketing tool, with multiple advantages for brands and enterprises trying to engage audiences, effectively deliver messages, and stand out in a crowded industry. Here are some examples of how animation is utilized in marketing:
1. SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Short animated movies, GIF, and motion graphics are easily shared on social media. In the fast-paced world of social media, animated material may attract users' attention, making it an efficient marketing tool.
2. EMAIL MARKETING
Email advertisements with animated components can boost engagement and click-through rates. Animated GIF, for example, may be used to promote new items, emphasize crucial themes, and so on.
3.BANNER ADS AND DIGITAL ADVERTISING
Animated banner advertising can better capture consumers' attention and deliver a message than static graphics. Animation can be used to highlight items, enhance sales, or stimulate website click-through.
4. WEB DESIGN
Website animation components, such as subtle hover effects, loading animations, and interactive images, improve the user experience and increase visitor engagement.
8) SIMULATIONS
The use of animation in simulations improves their usefulness by showing complicated processes, settings, and interactions. Animation, whether employed in training simulations, scientific modeling, or educational simulations, aids users in comprehending and engaging with the simulated world. In simulations, animation is utilized as follows:
1. VISUAL PRESENTATIONS
The visual depiction of the simulated system or scenario is provided via animation. This visual input aids users in understanding abstract ideas like scientific occurrences, historical events, or mechanical processes.
2. INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK
3. PROCESS DEMONSTRATION
Step-by-step animations may demonstrate complicated processes. This is very beneficial in educational simulations, where students may watch processes such as chemical reactions, geological occurrences, and historical events.
9) ARCHITECTURE
Animation is a powerful tool in architecture that may be used for a variety of reasons, including visualizing and presenting architectural concepts as well as imitating real-world settings. Here are some examples of how animation is employed in architecture:
1. DESIGN VISUALIZATION
Architects utilize animation to make their design ideas come to life. 3D animations depict architectural plans in a realistic manner, helping clients and stakeholders to imagine the proposed structure or space. This allows for more informed judgments to be made throughout the design process.
2. VIRTUAL WALK THROUGH
Architectural animations allow for virtual tours of structures and places. Users may move about the animated environment as if they were there in person, acquiring a thorough grasp of the structure and spatial relationships.
3. INTERIOR DESIGN
Interior designers frequently employ animations to demonstrate how furniture, lighting, and color schemes will work together to create a coherent interior environment.
4. CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCING
Construction animations depict the whole construction process, from foundation work to final touches. These animations assist contractors and builders in efficiently planning and carrying out building projects.
10) MANUFACTURING
In manufacturing, animation is utilized for a range of objectives, including process improvement, training, and communication. It aids in the streamlining of production, the improvement of safety, and the facilitation of decision-making. Here are some examples of how animation is used in manufacturing:
1. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Step-by-step assembly instructions for complicated goods are created using animation. These graphic instructions are easier to follow for assembly line employees, decreasing mistakes and increasing productivity.
2. TRAINING AND ON BOARDING
Animation is used in employee and worker training programmers. Interactive animations provide students hands-on experience while teaching them how to operate machines, follow safety regulations, and fix problems.
3. SAFETY TRAINING
Safety training programmers that replicate dangerous circumstances and illustrate safety measures are created using animation. This lowers the likelihood of accidents and injuries on the production floor.
Animation is a powerful technique in manufacturing that supports in process development, safety improvements, and effective communication. It is utilized throughout the manufacturing process to simplify processes and provide the greatest quality and efficiency.
PRE-PLANNING PROCESS
The assignment was required to create a 2 to 5 minutes Animation about "A Day in My Life". The inspiration is based from my own idea. The animation I'm creating is 2D Hand Drawn Animation. Here are the storyboard:
The film I am making is an entertainment Film.
ANIMATION STYLE
1. CHARACTER DESIGN
I am using 2D Character which was Hand-drawn. Example:
This is from Scene 1 where the character is waking up from sleep and yawn.
2. BACKGROUND
I have a used vector image as my background, example:
3. VOICE OVER
I recorded my voice over by using Cap cut because it is easy to edit there for me.
4. SOUND EFFECTS
Below are the sound effects that was used in my Final Animation:
5. BACKGROUND MUSIC
The Intro:
For the introduction music, I am using this:
The Outro:
While for the outro music, I am using:
6. COLOR PALETTE
TEST ANIMATION
TEST ANIMATION AUDIENCE FEEDBACK:
The Methodology I am using is Primary Research. I am creating my survey by using Microsoft Forms. Below are the audience feedback for the test animation:
- For the first question, I have inserted a 'Google Drive Link' to my Test Animation of A Day in My Life Video so everyone that answered my survey can watch my test animation video.
- So here are the results:
PEOPLE COMMENTS:
Person 1: Person 1, love my animation and find the animate moving car is cute.
Person 2: Person 2 said the animatics is cute.
Person 3: Person 3 said it was a very cute drawing and creative idea.
Person 4: Person 4 said it was okay and it do cover all the key point of the day of my life however staying as one character might be much better in the animation video.
Person 5: Person 5 said it was well hand drawn and creative.
- Second question will be 'Rating my Test Animation Video' and 3 people voted 4 stars while 2 people voted for 5 stars.
- Third questions is asking 'What do they like about my animation', which they had stated its very well hand drawn and creative.
Person 1: They love the hand drawn backgrounds and the use of vibrant colors.
Person 2: They like when the car moves from left to right.
Person 3: The hand drawn is good.
Person 4: They said it covers up variety of key points of the main topic which is a day in my life and adding various of location is good.
Person 5: They said that the characters is cute and the creative.
- Fourth question, the question is 'Is my animation style is good enough?' and 5 people voted 'Yes'.
- Last question, 'Do you believe the animatics will be much better in the Final Animation?' and 5 people voted 'Yes'.
CONCLUSION
Personally for my perspective is that I need to improve my hand drawn which I was not very good at drawing especially digital and hand drawn drawing. Although, I am very impressed with the answers for the audience feedback.
PRODUCTION PROCESS
SOFTWARE USED TO CREATE THE ANIMATION
1. Adobe Premiere Pro 2021
Adobe Premiere Pro 2021 was used to edit the scenes, images and background music of my video. Here are the Evidence:
2. Paint
Paint was used for my drawing scenes and sketching the images. Here are the evidence:
3. Cap Cut
Capcut was used to do my voice over and edit a little bit of the video timeline. Here are the evidence:
POST-PRODUCTION
The video was exported on 20th September 2023. Click the LINK below to watch my Final Animation or just watch from my Presentation Slides:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JWhoGKAtcM9AoCo1rY_RgGC5doIVi78R/view?usp=sharing
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK FOR THE FINAL ANIMATION
I made a survey form for my audience to inform me about their view of my presentation and the final animation I gave during my presentation in order to get feedback for the final animation. During my recent presentation, I used a QR CODE to ask the audience for input on the finished animation, and here are the questions I asked in the forms:
1. Rate my Final Animation:
I received 5 responses to my feedback questions. Four people voted 5 stars and one person chose 3 stars for the first question regarding rating the finished animation. I asked them to assess my final animation so that I could learn what they thought of it during my presentation.
In conclusion, I rated myself four stars because of my poor hand sketching skills, but I was pleasantly pleased by my audience's reaction to my finished animation film. I learned about their thoughts on my finished animation film, which I displayed in my presentation slides, by completing the feedback rating.
2. Rate my presentation
Two individuals gave my presentation four stars, while three people gave it five stars. I asked this question since I'm curious about their thoughts on my presentation slides and performance.
In conclusion, I felt my confidence was great during my presentation, and I was able to effectively convey all that needed to be presented in my presentation for my audience to understand it. In my presentation, I covered the following topics: introduction to animation, animation format, target audience required, assets used, final audience response, and my finished animation. My audience is now satisfied with my presentation.
3. What should I improve for my video?
Everyone felt it was a nice concept with nothing to improve on, although one person suggested adding one frame in between. I posed this question because I want to hear what they think about how I can enhance my final animation. The 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th person said there was nothing to improve and even said that 'Everything is perfect' and 'All Good' which basically they were very satisfied with my work or my final animation video.
In conclusion, the audience criticism was ineffective for my progress since I still believe there are many improvements I need do based on my animation, particularly my hand sketching and the flow of the plot. Someone even mentioned inserting extra frames between the video, which I saw as well. Nonetheless, I am extremely satisfied with my final animation job.
SELF REFLECTION
My own improvement, I believe, is dependent on my hand drawing, which I need to work on more than my A Day in My Life Final Animation Video. I'm having trouble with hand sketching, which I'm not very good at, therefore I need to better them by drawing every day.
CONCLUSION
Animation is a narrative, instruction, simulation, and entertainment approach that uses 2D, 3D, stop motion, motion graphics, Visual Effects, and interactive components. The "12 Principles of Animation" by Disney aid animators in generating realistic, fluid motions and appealing characters in a variety of animation techniques, resulting in captivating and visually appealing pictures. My animation was made by Paint and edited using Adobe Premiere Pro while the voice over was using Cap cut.
NAME: NUR RAIHANAH AQILAH BINTI HAJI RAMLEE
COURSE: LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE MEDIA
INTAKE: 13
DATE SUBMISSION: 20th SEPTEMBER 2023
END.
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