3D CGI Animation

                     3D CGI ANIMATION

3D CGI Animation is the process of  generating animated images using computers. 3D computer animation is considered too be the digital successor to stop motion animation, which is more controllable than physical objects. To create the illusion of movement an image is presented on the monitor and is repeatedly replaced by a new image that is similar too it with slight changes. Animators using this technique could use the "Tween" method which is used during a process called keyframing which puts control in too the animators hands and is closely related too traditional animation. There is also a more recent method of this which uses motion capture technology which makes use of live action footage.

Here we have a trailer for futureworld a film made in 1976 which was the first mainstream film created too involve 3D wire frame animation. The 3D animation was produced by two individuals named John Whitney, jr, and Gary Demos.

Here is a picture from Kung-fu panda a 3D animated film from the 21st century. 

Disadvantages: Can be disastrous if done incorrectly, can require advanced graphical systems in order too produce the images you want, Time consuming but still faster than previous versions of animation.

Advantages: Can be extremely fun, Allows access too creativity, easy too save and go back on any mistakes present.

2D Computer Graphic Animation

                           2D Computer Graphic Animation

 2D Computer Graphic animation is the generation of animation which is based digitally on computers. This consists of two dimensional geometric models such as text and digital images. It was mainly used for applications which were originally developed from traditional printing and drawing technologies. A good example of a computer application that makes use of this method is Macromedia Flash 8. With this application the user can simply draw what they want using either a mouse or a touch sensitive external drawing device and add key frames where needed too create the animation.

                                                

Here is a picture from the popular children's cartoon "Adventure Time", This was created using 2D Computer animated graphics.

The possible inventor of this method could be linked too a man named Russel Kirsch. With his team they created the first programmable digital computer called the SEAC ( the Standards Eastern Automatic Computer ) in the 1950's.

Here we have an image from the classic TV show the Simpsons which now uses computers for their animation style.

And here we have a short 10 second animation of someone who has used some form of 2D animation application.

Disadvantages: It can be time consuming if done by hand, not as realistic and atmospheric as some types of 3D animation, requires some artistic talent

Advantages: If done right it can look exceptionally good! Not as time consuming as previous styles of animation, can be saved with the click of a button and erasing mistakes is not as big an issue as it was before.

Cel Animation

                            Cel Animation

A "Cel" which is short for celluloid is a type of animation style that uses transparent sheets for a typically traditional style animation. The characters are drawn on one of the cel sheets and then others are used to copy the previously drawn animation with slightly different details ( too give the effect of animation of course) The outline of the images are drawn on the front of the cel while colours are painted on black to eliminate brushstrokes. They were normally hand-inked but were "Xerographed" on instead by the 1960's. Although it was highly flammable this type of Animation was still used by Disney up until 1990 when the introduction of computer animation emerged. 

The credited inventor of this style of animation was a man named Earl Hurd an American animator and film director. The year this technique was believed too have been invented was 1914 which was the same year that the idea was patented.

Here is a Animation created using the technique of Cel Animation.

Here is a video of the history of Cel Animation.

Advantages: Enjoyable and maybe satisfying on completion, has a unique style of traditional animation, was innovative at the time.

Disadvantages: Highly flammable, time consuming, lots of correcting small mistakes, costly.

Stop-Motion

                              Stop Motion

What is stop motion and how does it work?

Stop-Motion animation is an animation technique that manipulates the object physically too give it the appearance of motion. The object is moved minimally each time between each picture creating the illusion of movement when all the frames (Pictures) taken are combined as a continuous sequence. Dolls or Clay characters are often used in Stop-Motion due too their ability too move responsively and accurately. When using clay characters the animation style is generally called Clay Animation or "Clay-mation". Stop-animation is not restricted too just dolls and clay characters but can be used on just about anything from plastic bottles and fridge magnets too people and maybe even buildings.. but would require a lot of time and effort.

The inventor of stop motion is a man named J. Stuart Blackton an Anglo-American film producer from Sheffield. He is most notable for creating the first silent film with animated sequences named "the Enchanted Drawing" and has been praised as the father of American Animation.

The first appearance of Stop-motion animation appeared in 1898 when J. Stuart Blackton and Albert E. Smith created "The Humpty Dumpty Circus".

Advantages: Innovative and unique, anything can be animated with this method, can be realistic and lifelike.
Disadvantages: Time consuming, difficult to get correct speed and desired animation.

Flipbook

                                 Flip book

What is a Flip book and how does it work?

A Flip book or "Flick Book" is a book with a series of pictures that change slightly through each page, so when then pages are turned rapidly it gives the appearance of animation this is another form of animation which uses "persistence of vision". All you need too create this "Device" is a simple fresh book and a pen/pencil or any other writing tool.

Here we have a video showing a flip book in motion but without drawings and holes punched into the flip book instead giving it the effect of an optical illusion.

The first flip book appeared in 1868, when it was patented by John Barnes Linnett (left) a lithograph printer who named the device kineograph, however  Pierre Hubert Desvignes has been generally credited with inventing the flip book.




Advantages: Cheap, easy too use. can provide fun and may be a great way too get kids into animation.

Disadvantages: May prove boring after a while, may use a lot of paper in the process of creating.

Zoetrope

Zoetrope

What is a Zoetrope?

The Zoetrope is one of many pre-film animation tools that can produce an illusion using images and drawings showing "progressive phases" of that particular motion. This is what is known as "persistence of vision" the same effect we get from the thaumatrope. The Zoetrope consists of a cylinder with slits cut vertically on the sides and on the inside you  would be able too find a sequence of pictures. As the cylinder spins the user looks through and can see the animation take place.

Who invented this device?

The inventor of the Zoetrope was a man named William George Horner a British Mathematician; Schoolmaster, headmaster and schoolkeeper. The basic drum-like form of the Zoetrope was created roughly between 1833-1834 and the inventor WGH was aware of the recently invented and closely related Phenakistoscope.

Advantages: Cheap and easy too craft, interesting, provided insight in to future forms of animation.

Disadvantages: May not be as entertaining as present day animation.

The Thaumatrope

Thaumatrope

What is a Thaumatrope?

The Thaumatrope was the first tool ever invented that was capable of tricking the persistence of vision, “ Persistence of vision is the eye's ability to retain an image for roughly 1/20 of a second after the object is gone.” It can be made by using a small disc (or any other small shapes of paper for that matter) and two pieces of string at either ends. Once the strings have been attached at either end and you have images on either side that relate to each other, you can simply twirl each side of your string and it will give the effect of something being animated. This is the earliest form of optical illusions that we know of.

Here is a video of a Thaumatrope in action.

What does the name “Thaumatrope” mean, and who invented this device?

The name Thaumatrope is said to mean “Turning Marvel” or “Wonder Turner” and has been related too Greek roots as “Thauma” means magic in Greek and “Trope” refers too something that can turn. Many have referenced  the Astronomer Sir John Herschel as the original creator, however Dr John Ayton Paris a English Physician is the most common name people would be able to think of when asked who created the Thaumatrope, as he brought it too light in 1824 as a presentation to demonstrate persistence of vision during the Victorian era where it gained popularity. Another person named William Henry Fitton an Irish Physician and amateur geologist has been claimed by certain sources as the true original creator over Paris. A man named Charles Babbage A mathematician , philosopher , inventor and mechanical engineer claims that he was introduced to the idea of a Thaumatrope by Fitton and Herschel.

Dr John Ayton Paris