Definitions
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Definitions of Animation

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Ever wonder how a bunch of flat drawings or digital models actually start moving? Welcome! This site is a simple, no-nonsense guide to the language of animation. We’ve broken down everything from basic sketching and 2D loops to the technical magic of 3D worlds into plain English. Whether you’re just starting out or just curious how your favorite movies are made, we’re here to help you make sense of the "how-to" behind the motion.

Important Animation Definitions

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Traditional (CEL) Animation
Traditional animation is the "classic" hand-drawn style. Every individual frame is a separate drawing, originally done on paper and then traced onto transparent acetate sheets (cels).
2D Digital (Vector-Based) Animation
This is the modern evolution of traditional animation. Instead of drawing every frame by hand, animators use software to manipulate 2D characters and environments.
3D Computer Animation
Currently the most popular form, 3D animation creates digital objects that exist in a three-dimensional space with depth, height, and width.
Stop Motion Animation
Stop motion involves physically manipulating real-world objects in small increments and photographing them one frame at a time.
Motion Graphics
Unlike the other types that often focus on character storytelling, motion graphics primarily deal with moving text, logos, and abstract shapes.
Animation
Animation is the process of creating the illusion of motion and life by displaying a sequence of static images, drawings, or models in rapid succession.
Drawing
Drawing is primarily defined as the act or art of producing a picture or diagram by making lines and marks on a surface, typically using a tool like a pencil or pen.
Art
Art is a diverse range of human activities and the products of those activities, usually involving imaginative or technical skill intended to be appreciated for their beauty, emotional power, or conceptual depth.
Story Board
A series of drawings in panels that act as a visual script for the film.
3D
The quality of having three spatial measurements: length, width, and depth.
Animation expresses feelings in a different way than normal art.