How to make 2D animation and what it means (Guide for Dummies)

Nowadays, many people need to pay more attention to the power of modern 2D animation. They prefer hyperrealistic 3D games, cartoons, and advertisements, completely forgetting that 2D gave rise to 3D animation. 

Classic 2D animation has been used for decades everywhere. Of course, 3D animation adds depth to characters and scenes. However, creating movement in a two-dimensional artistic space also has its advantages.

The roots of 2D animation go back to the early days of hand-drawn animation. Artists created each frame by hand, and the animations were often simple and limited by the technology of the time. But then the Disney era rose to power. Characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck became iconic. Also, the use of Technicolor brought vibrant colors to animations, completely changing the visual experience for people.

The mid-20th century saw a golden age of animation with the creation of beloved characters of millions of people such as Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry. 

 

The late 20th century was marked by a digital revolution in animation. Traditional hand-drawn animation began to transition to digital platforms. Digital 2D animation started flourishing.

Today, 2D computer animation often combines traditional hand-drawn elements with digital technology. Software like Adobe Animate allows animators to create outstanding characters and objects while maintaining the charm of classic 2D style. 

And of course, so many game outsourcing studios started to provide excellent 2D animation services that even Wolt Disney might be envious 😉

Drawing and Sketching Techniques, where can you go without software? 

Do you want to start creating 2D animation with classic sketching techniques?
Or prefer to adopt the good aspects of modernity and use digital drawing tools?
In any case, it’s your choice. I can just help you to make a decision. 

Pencil Sketching

For the high-quality hand-drawn animation, use a range of pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, etc.) for varied tones and lines. If you want to add depth and texture, master shading techniques like hatching and cross-hatching. What helps you to create something unique is the exploration of different styles from realistic to abstract. Listen to your heart, and you’ll find the preferred approach. 

Digital Drawing Tools and 2D Animation Software

• Adobe Photoshop

Widely used for digital art and illustration with advanced features. A monthly subscription starts at $20.99.

• Procreate

An iPad app known for its powerful yet intuitive drawing and painting tools. One-time purchase of $9.99.

• Clip Studio Paint

Popular among manga and comic artists, it combines drawing and 2D animation effects features. A monthly subscription at $8.99 or a one-time purchase starting at $49.99.

• Toon Boom Harmony

Professional animation software with advanced features for both frame-by-frame and rig-based animation. A monthly subscription starting at $25.

• Adobe Animate

Allows for both 2D animation basics and interactive content creation, supporting various formats. A monthly subscription starts at $20.99.

For your help, I’ve also created a comparison of several computer animation tools:

• Adobe Animate vs. Toon Boom Harmony
  

Adobe Animate: great for web-based and interactive animations.

Toon Boom Harmony: perfect for more complex and professional 2D animations.

• Clip Studio Paint vs. Procreate

Clip Studio Paint: extensive features for comic creation and animation.

Procreate: simplicity and power on the iPad, favored for sketching and illustration.

2D animation steps, WHERE to start for beginners 

What instruments and technologies to use for the 2D animation process, we already know. Now, let’s look at the step-by-step guide on how to create an unforgettable modern 2D animation.

• Concept and Storyboard

Start with an idea and answer yourself a question: ‘What story or message do I want to convey?’. After that, sketch a series of frames that represent the key scenes and actions in your animation. 

• Character Design

Develop characters with interesting appearances and unique personalities that fit your story. To refine the look of your character, don’t forget to use sketches.

• Background Design

After developing the characters, decide on the settings for your animation. Develop background elements with a lot of details that perfectly complement the characters and story.

• Choose Animation Software

You can use some of the tools with various 2D animation effects from the list in this article. Or you may search and choose a 2D animation software by yourself.

• Frame-by-Frame Animation

Outline the major poses and actions in your animation. If you want to create smooth motion between keyframes, it’s important to add in-between frames.

• Timing and Spacing

Consider the speed of your animation. To achieve the desired pace, you should adjust the timing between frames.

• Add Details and Polish

Add secondary movements, facial expressions, and other details to make your animation more dynamic.

That’s all! After all these steps, you should just select the appropriate file format, export your animation, and enjoy the results!

TOP 3 Advanced Techniques for Character Animation

Make yur shots look natural by simplifying them

My advice: don’t put too much unnecessary information into shots. Have you ever seen this in reality? Of course not! People don’t do something every moment of their life, so your characters shouldn’t move 24/7 either. Remember: the moments of stillness in combination with the movement create unforgettable synergy. 

Don’t start animating from a rig’s neutral pose

But you may ask: ‘What? How can I start not from the default pose? This is the most obvious thing ever!’. And I’ll answer you: it makes your character generic and static. In return, it’s better to create a ‘neutral pose’ that perfectly showcases the character as an individual with a unique personality. This approach will help you to capture the character’s personality much more quickly and easily that way.

Animate thoughts > animate words

So many things to remember while working on the 2D animation process, right? One more tip for you: open up the door to the character’s thoughts for your audience. This is the best thing ever to make your character realistic and lively!

Resources for Continuous Learning

Maybe, you already feel motivated enough to create your own 2D game even without the help of a 2D animation outsourcing studio. Honestly, I appreciate your zeal. However, I recommend you to hold your horses. You need to finish at least 1 digital 2D animation course and read at least 1 book about 2D animation basics to create your first project. Here is a small list of useful resources you may find useful at the start of your journey.

• Coursera – Game Design and Development Specialization
  

This specialization by Michigan State University covers various aspects of game design, including animation.

• Udemy – Complete C# Unity Game Developer 2D: Learn to Code Making Games

A comprehensive course covering Unity game development with a focus on 2D games.

• RetroStyle Games blog
  

Sometimes to learn practical advice on 2d animations, it is better to contact the developers directly or studios that develop them directly.

• “Character Animation Crash Course!” by Eric Goldberg

Written by a Disney animator, this book focuses on character animation principles with a 2D animation perspective.

Why are characters important in a story?

You’ve already heard a lot about 2D characters today. So, you may be very interested in the importance of this significant part of any game. Let me explain to you. 

First, they are very important for emotional connection. They serve as the emotional anchor for the audience. So, when players see relatable characters in the game, they connect with the story on a personal level. 

Second, without interesting characters, you can’t boost players’ engagement. In return, with memorable characters, gamers will be invested in the narrative.

Third, some of the characters are reflecting real life. Realistic characters reflect the complexities of real people which makes a game more authentic.

When you travel with the character through the game, even computer animation feels realistic. You start with their goals and flows, and face obstacles and challenges that force characters to confront their weaknesses. Sometimes we even experience internal and external conflicts with characters. In the end, we feel sad when their arc concludes. All of these make characters the heart of any game. 

So, quality 2D character design for games is very significant. With what responsibility, creativity, and dedication you’ll work on your characters, such successful or unsuccessful will be your results. 

It’s just a business, baby

So, imagine the situation where you are a successful animator with a lot of skills in creating 2D animation. Your next step is to decide whether will you work with studios or be a freelancer. I know, it’s a tough decision. But I can help you to make it. However, the first thing is to correctly market your animation skills.

Tip №1: create a compelling online portfolio showcasing your best work in modern 2D animation.

Tip №2: share your work on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn to build an online presence.

Tip №3: attend industry events, workshops, and conferences to meet potential clients.

Tip №4: maintain a consistent brand across your portfolio, social media, and communication.

Tip №5: Create case studies of successful projects, detailing your role and the impact of your work.

And after beginning your promotion journey, you start looking for a job you’re interested in:

• Freelancing:
• freelancing offers flexibility in terms of work hours, projects, and clients.
• you can work on various projects, gaining exposure to different styles and industries.
• you have more control over your work and business decisions.
• Working with studios:
• studios often provide a stable income and benefits like health insurance.
• working in a studio allows for collaboration with a team, fostering creative exchange.
• studios offer a structured work environment with clear roles and responsibilities.

One more path in 2D digital animation you can choose is 2D animation outsourcing. Outsourcing is very popular because studios prefer dealing with other tasks while professionals are working with animation. If you’re highly skilled, a lot of game companies will be interested in your expertise, not available in-house.

Tips from Industry Experts

Right now, I can’t just miss the opportunity to quote some legends in the world of 2D animation. 

If you’re an aspiring animator who is trying to break the industry, here’s advice for you from Walt Disney Animation Studios animator Aaron Blaise: “Try forcing yourself to draw by just laying single lines down. No searching lines. This will force you to think about every line”. 

And the last advice for you is from Ashley Postlewaite, the founder of Renegade Animation, don’t give up! “If you call a small studio and there is no work available there, mark your calendar and in six months’ time call again. My current assistant called for months before we had a position available for her. At that stage, she was the first person to come to mind because she had been so interested and thorough in following up with us. You should not stalk people, but there is an appropriate every-couple-of-months check-in time. Find somewhere that will hire you at any level. Keep your eyes and ears open and work your way up. I would encourage people not to give up”.

Recap and Final Thoughts about 2D Animation

2D animation always will be a vibrant art form with a rich history, from Disney classics to modern digital creations. Its appeal lies in the emotional connection achieved through relatable characters and engaging storytelling. As technology advances, the integration of AI may streamline processes, but the essence of creativity and human expression in 2D animation will win. With its adaptability and the ever-growing demand for diverse content, 2D animation is poised to thrive and captivate audiences for years to come.