2D Animation: The Animator's Role in the Action
By Kelly Richardson
kelly.richardson@animationschoolreview.com
Animation School Review Columnist
To be a top 2D animator, you need to understand the role that you play in the interpretation of the action. Here are some helpful hints from the Animation Arena on how to make your cartoon animations believable and credible, as well as some resources that will make you a better artist.
One of the basic mantras of the 2D animation profession is that “an animator is an actor with a pencil.” The concept is not as simple as it sounds. As with actors, the goal is to become the character. But animation pros have to do it through another medium. The animator needs to master this visual transfer to the animated character in order to accomplish the goal.
2D Animation Pizzazz
More often than not, a movie or television show suffers from excellent animation and shallow characters. But there are some things you can do to survive this common pitfall.
- Audience Identification. The primary goal of the 2D animator is to make the audience identify with the character. If the audience members can put themselves in the shoes of the character, they will feel the dialogue and action more deeply.
- Character’s Motives. The elements that connect action to motive are: feeling, thought, reaction, consistency, personality, and mood. Develop drawings to express them, and you have a great chance at capturing the audience’s imagination.
- Become the Character. The animation pro’s duty is to actually get into the essence of the character. Imagine from the character’s perspective and react as the character would. This gives depth to 2D animation.
2D Animation Resources
There are several professional resources that can help you to develop these vital animation skills. Although they are primarily intended for 3D animation, the instruction can also be applied to 2D animation techniques as well. Pick up one or all of these essential manuals.
- Acting for Animators. The authors of this book draw on a rich acting background to explain the transfer to 2D animation techniques.
- The Animator’s Workbook. This text focuses on actual exercises that will increase your ability to produce meaningful 2D animations.
If you want to distinguish yourself from your competition, create 2D animations that make people feel. A couple of project samples that include these principles could land you that next big assignment.
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About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.
Posted on February 19, 2007 at 11:58 AM
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