In this motion design module, we learned about the twelve principles of animation and viewed some examples for inspiration. We also learned the skills and techniques needed to create our own logo animation.
Reading and Writing
In Chapter 9 of Animated Storytelling by Liz Blazer, techniques in animation are described as a blend of style and narrative. It’s important to choose the right technique to not only tell the story but also to enhance it. Also, consider format or how it will be viewed, and choose your technique based on the format you believe it will be viewed on by most people. Incorrect formatting might result in audience disengagement due to overlooked details or errors. Furthermore, selecting the right tools is essential in capturing the essence of the story while also maintaining the message and tone. Blazer provides a variety of techniques and styles to enrich the storytelling aspect of your animated piece. The techniques are outlined below:
- Hand-drawn animation uses traditional materials like pencil, ink, or charcoal, and ranges from cel animation to expressive, free-form styles.
- Stop motion animation can be either in 2D or 3D and involves capturing the incremental movements of objects frame-by-frame to create a sequence.
- 2D CGI is animation created within a flat software environment, either independently or in conjunction with traditional methods.
- 3D CGI is animation that utilizes a three-dimensional digital space for modeling and rigging as well as the actual animation process.
The visual styles are outlined below:
- Fluid transitions are animated transitions that smoothly connect scenes and ideas without cuts. This style is an essential characteristic of the animation medium.
- 2D vectors or flat designs with highly scalable solid colors. They are used for broadcast graphics, web, and info graphics.
- Handmade designs use real materials and are used when trying to achieve a vintage or innocent look and feel.
- Collages combine mixed media drawing with photos and video footage and are used for animated documentary and title sequences.
- Film and type combine video footage (montage) with kinetic type and is used for non-linear title sequences.
- 3D is when “real” light, shadows, and gravity indicate to the audience to associate the environment with reality.
Once you have chosen your technique, it’s important to research it. Determine how you plan to use it to tell your narrative. Then, explore compatible tools and useful resources to achieve your vision. If you can’t find a suitable hybrid solution within your program, alternatives such as importing still images, incorporating live-action footage, or hiring additional help can become viable workarounds.
Research to Inform
The 12 principles of animation, introduced by Disney animators Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas, are fundamental guidelines for creating dynamic and engaging animations. These principles cover aspects such as movement, timing, and character design, providing animators with essential tools to bring their creations to life. From techniques like squash and stretch to concepts like appeal and staging, each principle contributes to the realism, fluidity, and appeal of animated scenes. Together, they form the foundation for creating both captivating and believable animations that resonate with audiences. Here are some examples that showcase these principles in action:
The iconic title sequence of Stranger Things masterfully incorporates the principles of animation, notably timing and staging. The slow emergence of the “Stranger Things” logo from darkness, accompanied by flickering lights, uses timing to build suspense, create a sense of anticipation and mystery. Additionally, the carefully designed staging of the text against the dark background enhances its prominence, drawing the viewer’s focus and setting the tone for the series. These principles contribute to the overall impact of the sequence, captivating audiences from the moment it begins.
The classic opening sequence of SpongeBob SquarePants skillfully employs many of the principles of animation. Squash and stretch is a notable one when SpongeBob bounces on the words “SpongeBob SquarePants” towards the end. This technique exaggerates his movements, adding energy and whimsy to the sequence, while also enhancing the comedic effect, making the character feel dynamic and lively.
In this clip from Pixar’s Inside Out, the principle of “Appeal” shines through in the character designs and expressions, particularly in the depiction of the main emotions of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust. Each character’s unique personality traits are visually communicated through their distinct appearances and movements, enhancing their appeal to the audience.
The Season 7 Opening Credits of Rick and Morty incorporate several of the animation principles to create a unique and visually captivating sequence. Squash and stretch are evident in the exaggerated movements of the characters and objects as they traverse through the various dimensions, adding a sense of fluidity and energy to the animation. Anticipation is used as the sequence builds anticipation for the upcoming episode by teasing glimpses of characters and scenarios. Also, timing and staging play a crucial role in the pacing and composition of the opening sequence to ensure that each scene flows seamlessly into the next while maintaining visual interest and comedic impact.
The opening cinematic for Persona 5 Royal showcases a fun display of animation principles to immerse viewers in the game’s stylish and dynamic world. The squash and stretch principles are evident in the exaggerated movements of the characters to enhance their expressiveness and add a sense of fluidity to the animation. Anticipation is used to build suspense and excitement as it introduces key characters and teases action-packed sequences. Also, the staging and timing principles play a crucial role in the composition and pacing to ensure that each scene is visually impactful and contributes to the overall narrative experience.
Create
This logo was designed by my friend Arianna, a small artist, who let me create a logo animation for her. I recreated her logo as a vector and then animated it using Adobe.
The ae.doodles logo illustrates her simple and silly hand-drawn art style. Because of this, I wanted to make the logo animation appear as if it was being drawn and then colored in.