Hand drawn animation, also known as traditional animation or cel animation, is the art of creating the illusion of movement by drawing a series of images, each slightly different from the last, and then rapidly displaying them in sequence. Mastering this technique demands patience, practice, and a keen eye for detail, but the resulting vibrant, organic style is uniquely rewarding.
The Core Principles of Hand Drawn Animation
Hand drawn animation rests upon several fundamental principles that ensure smooth and believable movement. Before diving into the practical steps, understanding these concepts is crucial.
Timing and Spacing
Timing refers to the number of drawings you create for each action. More drawings mean slower action, fewer drawings mean faster action. Spacing refers to the distance between each drawing. Closer spacing means slower movement, wider spacing means faster movement. Manipulating these two elements allows you to create a wide range of realistic and expressive movements.
Squash and Stretch
Squash and stretch is a core principle that gives animated objects a sense of weight and flexibility. When an object impacts something, it squashes; when it moves quickly, it stretches. This exaggeration adds life and dynamism to your animations.
Anticipation
Anticipation prepares the audience for an action by showing a preparatory movement in the opposite direction. For example, before jumping, a character might crouch down, building anticipation for the leap.
Follow Through and Overlapping Action
Follow through refers to the way parts of an object continue to move after the main body has stopped. Overlapping action is when different parts of the same object move at different speeds. These principles add realism and complexity to your animations, preventing them from appearing stiff and robotic.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Drawn Animation
Let’s break down the process of creating hand drawn animation into manageable steps.
1. Storyboarding and Animatic Creation
- Visualize your story: Start by outlining your narrative and creating a storyboard – a series of sketches depicting key scenes. This will help you plan the timing and pacing of your animation.
- Develop an animatic: Next, create an animatic. This is a simplified version of your animation, using the storyboard images and basic audio (scratch dialogue and sound effects) to get a feel for the overall flow and timing.
2. Creating Keyframes
- Define the extreme poses: Keyframes are the most important drawings in your animation. They define the start and end points of major actions. Focus on capturing the essence of each pose and conveying the character’s emotions and intentions.
- Use registration marks: Include registration marks (small crosses or circles) on each drawing. These will help you align the drawings accurately when you scan or photograph them, preventing the animation from wobbling.
3. In-Betweening
- Fill in the gaps: In-betweening is the process of creating the drawings that connect the keyframes. These drawings smooth out the movement and add detail. Pay close attention to the principles of timing and spacing to ensure the animation looks natural.
- Use a light table (or alternative): A light table makes it easier to see the previous and subsequent drawings, allowing you to accurately position the in-between frames. If you don’t have a light table, you can use a brightly lit window or a glass surface with a lamp underneath.
4. Line Art and Clean Up
- Refine your drawings: Once the animation is smooth, you’ll need to clean up the line art. This involves refining the sketches, adding details, and ensuring the lines are consistent and clear. You can do this traditionally with ink pens or digitally using animation software.
5. Coloring and Compositing
- Add color and depth: Coloring brings your animation to life. You can color traditionally with paints or digitally using animation software. Consider the color palette and how it contributes to the overall mood and storytelling.
- Composite the elements: Compositing involves combining the different elements of your animation (backgrounds, characters, effects) into a final sequence. This can be done digitally using animation software.
6. Adding Sound and Music
- Enhance the experience: Sound effects, dialogue, and music can greatly enhance the emotional impact of your animation. Choose sounds that complement the visuals and create a cohesive and engaging experience.
7. Rendering and Exporting
- Prepare for sharing: Finally, you’ll need to render and export your animation into a video format that can be shared online or shown on television. Choose the appropriate resolution and frame rate for your intended audience.
Software and Tools
While traditional animation can be done with just paper, pencils, and a light table, digital tools can streamline the process. Some popular software options include:
- Toon Boom Harmony: Industry-standard animation software with powerful features for traditional and cut-out animation.
- TVPaint Animation: Offers a wide range of tools for creating hand-drawn animation with a focus on traditional techniques.
- Adobe Animate (formerly Flash): Versatile software that can be used for both traditional and vector-based animation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about hand drawn animation:
FAQ 1: What’s the difference between traditional animation and digital animation?
Traditional animation, or hand drawn animation, involves drawing each frame by hand on paper or cels. Digital animation uses computer software to create and manipulate the images. While both techniques can achieve similar results, traditional animation has a distinct organic feel.
FAQ 2: How many frames per second (FPS) should I use?
The standard frame rate for animation is 24 FPS. However, you can often get away with using 12 FPS, especially for simpler animations, which can save time and effort.
FAQ 3: What is “onion skinning”?
Onion skinning is a feature in animation software that allows you to see faint outlines of the previous and next frames. This helps you position the drawings accurately and create smooth transitions.
FAQ 4: What kind of paper should I use for hand drawn animation?
Use a smooth, lightweight paper like bond paper or animation paper. This will make it easier to see through the paper when using a light table.
FAQ 5: How do I prevent my animation from looking shaky?
Use registration marks on each drawing and align them carefully when scanning or photographing the images. Use a tripod for consistent camera positioning.
FAQ 6: What is “tie-down”?
A tie-down is a rough sketch that serves as a guide for the final line art. It helps to maintain consistency and prevent errors in the animation.
FAQ 7: How can I improve my drawing skills for animation?
Practice drawing regularly. Focus on anatomy, perspective, and gesture drawing. Study the work of master animators and try to emulate their style.
FAQ 8: What are “cycles” in animation?
A cycle is a series of drawings that loops seamlessly, creating a repeating action like walking or running. This saves time and effort compared to drawing each frame individually.
FAQ 9: How long does it take to create a hand drawn animation?
The time it takes to create a hand drawn animation depends on the complexity of the animation, the number of frames, and the skill level of the animator. A short animation can take days or weeks to complete, while a longer animation can take months or even years.
FAQ 10: Can I use tracing paper for animation?
Yes, tracing paper can be helpful for creating in-between frames or refining existing drawings. However, it’s not ideal for the final line art, as it can be flimsy and difficult to ink on.
FAQ 11: What’s the best way to learn hand drawn animation?
Start with the basics and practice regularly. There are many online tutorials, courses, and books available that can teach you the fundamentals of hand drawn animation. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you.
FAQ 12: Where can I find inspiration for my animations?
Look to the world around you for inspiration. Observe people’s movements, study animal behavior, and watch animated films and TV shows. Don’t be afraid to experiment and develop your own unique style.
Conclusion
Hand drawn animation is a rewarding and challenging art form that allows you to bring your imagination to life. By understanding the core principles, mastering the techniques, and practicing consistently, you can create captivating animations that will entertain and inspire audiences for years to come. Embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process of creating something truly unique.