Course Notes
1. Introduction
Animation is the process of creating the illusion of movement by displaying a sequence of
images, drawings, or computer-generated frames in rapid succession.
2. Types of Animation
1. Traditional Animation: Creating movement through a series of hand-drawn images.
2. 2D Animation: Creating movement using two-dimensional characters and backgrounds.
3. 3D Animation: Creating movement using three-dimensional digital models.
4. Stop-Motion Animation: Making objects appear to move by photographing them in small
steps.
5. Motion Graphics: Animating text, shapes, symbols, and graphic elements.
6. Computer Animation: Using software and computers to create animated scenes and
characters.
3. Main Principles of Animation
1. Squash and Stretch: Showing flexibility, weight, and impact.
2. Anticipation: Preparing the audience for an action.
3. Staging: Presenting an action clearly to the audience.
4. Timing: Controlling the speed and duration of an action.
5. Follow-Through: Showing how parts continue moving after the main action stops.
6. Arcs: Making movements follow natural curved paths.
7. Exaggeration: Emphasising actions to make them more expressive.
8. Appeal: Making characters and designs interesting to watch.
4. Animation Production Process
1. Concept Development: Deciding the idea and purpose of the animation.
2. Scriptwriting: Writing the story, dialogue, and actions.
3. Storyboarding: Planning scenes through a sequence of drawings.
4. Character Design: Creating the appearance and personality of characters.
5. Modelling or Drawing: Creating the visual elements needed for the animation.
6. Animation: Making characters and objects move.
7. Sound Design: Adding dialogue, music, and sound effects.
8. Editing: Arranging scenes and adjusting timing.
9. Rendering and Exporting: Producing the final video file.
5. Popular Animation Software
- Blender: Free, open-source software for 3D modelling and animation.
- Adobe Animate: Software used for 2D animation.
- Toon Boom Harmony: Professional software for 2D animation.