What Animation Software Should I Use?

What Is Animation Anyway?

Before we dive into how modern animation was created, it's a good idea to ask the question: "What's animation?". The animation process involves taking still images and adding them together to make them appear to be moving.

Animations can be created by hand or using computer-generated imagery (CGI). This allows you to bring still objects and characters to life.

You create an illusion that movement occurs by repeatedly drawing the same picture, but with the smallest difference between each image. When these images are combined into a sequence, tiny differences trick our minds into believing the image is moving.

Animations are often either two-dimensional (2D), (3D), or both. 2D was traditional until 3D technology made it possible. But, 2D animations can still be used in commercials, marketing, or entertainment as a stylistic choice.

Types Animation

Let's clarify that "animation" refers to a number of techniques used to add movement or movement to images, or inanimate objects. While there are many other methods, these are four that designers find the most useful.

Traditional hand-drawn animating

1. Traditional animation--Each frame in traditional animation is created independently and then run sequentially to create the illusion of movement. This is animation's historical roots. But animators found more efficient ways to create animation.

2. 2D vector animation -- This software is more advanced and lends itself to traditional animation. However, Flash and vector-based animation tools allow for many individual frames to be generated based on animators’ input.

3. 3D animation is (CGI) - A new method of animation. CGI uses computers to generate the imagery while animators control the movement and angles. CGI animation has been compared to traditional animation. Traditional animation relies on puppetry to create the images, while CGI animation focuses more on controlling the movement of the animators and leaving the visuals to them.

4. Stop motion - Individual frames are created by manipulating real objects and photographing them. Also known as claymation. Although this is more time-consuming than traditional animation it often produces unique and expensive results.

Design by Agnes design

Your goals, brand personality, as well as your budget, will dictate the style you choose. Perhaps a stop motion explainer will help your video stand out amongst the many others. But, creating a stop-motion interface to your website... maybe not.

At this point, you should have a better idea of what animation can do for your business. You can learn more by reading our ultimate guide on video marketing!

But just having animation isn’t enough. You need good types of animation. Disney animators of the golden age can provide advice on how you can make high-quality animation.