How is a 2D animation created, step by step
Discover the step-by-step process of creating 2D animation, from concept to final production. This page offers a clear breakdown of each stage, perfect for anyone curious about the 2D animation workflow.
Animation terms
Animatic
An animatic is like a rough draft of a movie made from simple drawings. It shows how the scenes will look and move, helping to plan the timing and flow before the final animation is created.
Rigging
Character animation rigging is like putting a skeleton inside a character, so it can move. The rigging process sets up controls for the animator, allowing them to move and pose the character's body and face smoothly, just like a puppet.
Key animation poses
Key poses in animation are the main positions a character takes during a movement. They show the important steps in an action, like the start, middle, and end of a jump. These poses help guide the overall motion before filling in the details.
Inbetweening
Animation inbetweening is the process of filling in the gaps between key poses. If you have the main positions of a movement, inbetweening creates the smooth transitions between them, making the animation look fluid and natural.
VFX
VFX, or visual effects, in animation are special effects added to make things look more exciting or realistic. They can include things like explosions, magical effects, or weather, and they help bring animations to life by adding extra details and impact.
Compositing
Animation compositing is like putting together pieces of a puzzle. It combines different layers of animation, backgrounds, and effects to create the final scene. This process ensures everything looks seamless and works together to tell the story.
Editing
Animation editing is the process of refining and arranging animated scenes. It involves cutting, rearranging, and adjusting the timing of the animation to make sure everything flows smoothly and looks just right.
Sound design
Sound design is creating and adding sound effects and music to make a video or animation feel more lively and engaging. It’s like adding the finishing touches that bring the visuals to life, such as footsteps, background noise, or dramatic music.