2D animators are the heroes behind creating some of the most memorable animations we all watched growing up. They create captivating animations on flat two-dimensional planes. 2D animation used to be one of the most popular forms of entertainment a few decades ago. Today, the genre is not as popular as it used to be in the feature animation industry, but it is still a hugely popular choice for creating animated series, commercials, and educational videos. In this article, we will explore the role of a 2D animator, and the tools and techniques used for creating 2D animation.
Types of 2D Animation
Before diving into what 2D animators do, we need to understand two major workflows in creating 2D animation that require a different skill set.
2D Hand-Drawn or Traditional Animation
Hand-drawn animation is a traditional method for creating 2D animation. In this technique, 2D animators draw the content for each frame of animation by hand. This method involves creating highly detailed drawings in each frame to create smooth and fluid animations. This type of animation is featured in movies like The Lion King, and the Tarzan.
2D Cut-Out or Puppet Animation
In this technique, 2D animators work with characters and objects made from separate parts. Instead of drawing them in each frame they move them over time to create animation. This type of animation is created using animation software and is very popular due to its efficient and faster workflow. It is suitable for creating animated TV shows that do not require highly-detailed movements. Shows like South Park and Rick and Morty are created using this technique.
Essential Skills for a 2D Animator
Creating 2D animation requires different skills based on the type of animation. The traditional animation style requires 2D animators to be very good at drawing, while a modern computer-based animation requires software skills. Let’s explore the primary skills needed for a 2D animator.
Drawing
2D animators working in a hand-drawn or traditional animation workflow should have phenomenal drawing skills. This type of animation involves creating detailed drawings of characters, objects, and effects in varying angles and motions. A traditional 2D animator should be able to create 2D drawings in a way that gives a three-dimensional illusion. A good understanding of human anatomy also helps animators draw characters with correct proportions from different angles and in various poses.
Cut-Out Animation Skills
Animators working on a 2D cut-out animation project should be familiar with the process of creating keyframe animation using animation software. Working with timelines efficiently, and editing motion using graph editors are the essential skills any 2D cut-out animator should have.
Timing and Spacing
Timing and spacing are fundamental concepts in animation that every animator, regardless of their animation technique, should master. Timing is how long it takes for an animated move to complete. Shorter timing means faster animation while longer timing means slower animation. Using varied timing for different moves helps create believable actions.
Spacing refers to how much the location of an object moves from one frame to another. Closer spacing makes animation appear slower while wide spacing speeds up movement. Mastering these fundamental concepts is crucial for every 2D animator.
12 Principles of Animation
The 12 Principles of animation are animation techniques laid out by Disney animators. These principles help animators create animation with believable motion that resembles the motions in our physical world. These are well-thought-out techniques that set apart professional animation from mediocre work.
Attention to Detail
Creating high-quality animation requires great attention to detail. 2D animators tweak and refine many details in a project to make the animation appear realistic. It is easy to create sloppy animation if some important details are neglected.
A 2D Animator’s Work Process
Understanding the Project Brief
The first step is to review the project brief and clearly understand the animation’s purpose, target audience, and creative direction. This includes noting the style, tone, duration, and location. If anything is unclear, it’s essential to discuss it with the client or team to align expectations. Gathering references and defining objectives at this stage helps build a solid foundation for the project.
Understanding Script, Storyboard, and Animatic
A 2D animator’s work process involves comprehending the script, which is the foundation for visual storytelling by outlining key events, emotions, and pacing. From there, the animator creates a storyboard, a series of rough sketches outlining the action, camera angles, and transitions scene by scene. Once the storyboard is complete, it is converted into an animatic, which is a moving version of the storyboard with essential timing, audio, and sound effects. Before delving into detailed animation work, animators can test the animation’s flow and rhythm to ensure that it is in sync with the narrative.
Keyframe Animation
Keyframes are the building blocks of animation. These critical frames capture each movement’s start, end, and essential transitions. Setting keyframes ensures the animation has a clear structure and maintains its flow and rhythm.
In-betweening (Tweening)
Tweening fills the gaps between keyframes to create smooth motion. By adding intermediate frames, animators bring life and fluidity to the animation, ensuring movements look natural and polished.
Clean-Up Animation
The rough animation is refined into clean, final drawings. Lines are sharpened, proportions corrected, and any inconsistencies removed. This step ensures the animation is ready for the next stage while staying true to the project’s style.
Coloring and Texturing
Finally, the cleaned-up animation is brought to life with colors and textures. The chosen palette reflects the project’s mood and style, while textures add depth and realism. This stage ties everything together, making the animation visually appealing and impactful. More importantly, a 2D animator would also align the lightning with the animation’s final look according to the surroundings and characters, depending on other assets involved.
Industry Applications of 2D Animation
Feature Animation
2D animation is still used by some feature animation studios. The nostalgic and cartoonish feel of this style of animation is still loved by many people. That makes it a popular choice for creating feature animation. The Boy and the Heron (2023), Suzume (2021), and The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf (2021) are examples of highly successful feature films created using traditional hand-drawn 2D animation technique.
Animated Series
2D cut-out animation is featured heavily in animated series. Cut-out animation offers a time-efficient and cost-friendly workflow that is suitable for creating substantial amounts of animation on a regular basis. Final Space and Rick and Morty are notable examples. Animated series are created using the hand-drawn technique as well. Shows like the Avatar series and Bob’s Burgers are made using frame-by-frame hand-drawn animation.
Animated Commercials
2D animation is widely used in creating advertisement videos. The short format of advertisement videos and the need for creating appealing images that grab the attention of audiences, makes 2D animation a perfect choice for animated commercials.
Educational and Explainer Videos
The simplicity of creating 2D animation has made it a popular choice for creating educational and explainer videos.
Tools and Software for 2D Animators
2D animators spend the majority of their time creating animation inside tools like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe After Effects, and Moho. These are specialized animation programs that have powerful rigging and animation tools.
Graphics tablets are also a popular tool among 2D animators, especially those working on hand-drawn animation.
Career Path of a 2D Animator
2D animators typically start their careers in a junior animator role. Getting the first job is actually the hardest part of an animator’s career. Once you have established yourself as a professional 2D animator who can produce quality animation with the correct technique, landing more senior roles is not far-fetched.
As they get experienced, 2D animators can take other roles such as a lead animator or even a director.
Lead Animators estimate how long it takes to complete a project on a daily basis. They assign other animators to complete tasks based on timelines. This makes them familiar with the project management aspects of animation. Thus, it’s not uncommon for animators to take managerial roles as well.
Final Words
2D animation is an exciting career for creative individuals who enjoy drawing and are fascinated by motion. If you like analyzing how people move, how objects fall, or how certain motions follow the laws of physics, a career in animation might suit you. Getting started in 2D animation is not that difficult nowadays. Just download a free animation program, watch some tutorials, and see where the journey takes you.
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