Animation is a type of art that has been around for quite some time. It involves creating the illusion of motion and bringing drawings or characters to life. Over the years, there have been numerous changes and advancements in the animation industry, and one of the most notable is the change from hand-drawn to digital or computer-generated animation, also known as CGI (Computer Generated Imagery). In this article, we will take a look at the evolution of animation from hand-drawn to CGI.
Hand-drawn animation (Traditional Animation)
Hand-drawn animation, also called traditional animation, involves creating images on paper, which are then photographed onto film. This art form was first introduced in the 1900s by Walt Disney, and it quickly became popular. In this type of animation, each frame is created by hand, and the animators used pencils and paper to draw the sketches. These sketches were then transferred to acetate sheets, inked, and then painted. The completed frames were placed on top of each other in sequence, and when played rapidly, it creates the illusion of motion.
Hand-drawn animation was the norm in the industry for many years, and it was used in several popular animated television shows and movies like Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, Snow White, and The Lion King.
The introduction of CGI animation
The first CGI animation was developed in 1973 by a computer scientist named Ed Catmull. His animation was titled “A Computer Animated Hand.” However, the real breakthrough for CGI animation occurred in 1995, with the release of Toy Story, the first full-length animated film to use CGI.
Computer-generated animation involves creating animations on digital platforms using computer software. The process involves the use of 3D modeling and rendering software to create a digital model or character, software such as Maya and Blender, which has a wide range of tools that help create complex digital models quickly to match traditional animation. The computer program then manipulates the model to create a series of frames, which when played simultaneously, creates the illusion of motion.
Advantages of CGI Animation over Hand-drawn Animation
One of the significant advantages of CGI animation over hand-drawn animation is the level of detail that can be achieved with CGI animation. 3D models can be highly detailed and realistic, allowing for more accurate depictions of objects, people, and landscapes. This level of detail is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve with traditional animation.
Another significant advantage of CGI animation is efficiency. Computer programs are used to make the process of creating animation much faster compared to hand-drawn animation. 3D software tools like Maya and Blender also allows animators to make changes and adjustments to models easily.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evolution of animation from hand-drawn to digital or computer-generated animation has revolutionized the animation world. While traditional animation will always be a significant part of the industry’s history, CGI animation has opened up new possibilities and opportunities in animation. With advancements in technology, we can only expect more developments in the field of animation and related industries.
