Tapping into both nostalgia and stylistic trends, animation forms the ultimate cultural currency. On the silver screen, in TV shows, video games and even marketing, animation inspires childlike wonder, helping us connect with dynamic characters while embracing new perspectives.
Our love of animation is closely tied to the media advancements of the last century, but we have long felt drawn to artistic depictions of movement. Extensive archaeological evidence shows that animation has staying power. This concept is critical to human artistry — but with room for changes sparked by evolving tools and techniques.
To shed light on this evolution, take a deep dive into the history of animation to learn how animation technology has advanced through the years as well as where the field is headed.
The Origins of Traditional Animation
Throughout history, animation has taken many forms. Britannica defines this practice as “the art of making inanimate objects appear to move,” adding that this is an “artistic impulse that long predates the movies.” Understanding its origins can help us recognize why it remains such a fixture to this day.
Early Beginnings: Hand-Drawn Animation
Animation has existed in some capacity for millennia. Many prehistoric paintings used sequential imagery to depict motion. In 2022, a team of archaeologists used 3D modeling to breathe new life into ancient cave paintings, arguing that, if observed in firelight, these images would have appeared remarkably life-like.
Another example is the Iranian archeology site Shahr-e Sukhteh, where researchers uncovered a goblet adorned with images of a jumping goat. Spin the vase, and these goats appear to move. In ancient China, craftsman Ding Huan is believed to have achieved a similar effect with a lamp featuring moving images of birds.
The desire to bring movement to works of art persisted through the Middle Ages, with numerous techniques lending the perception of movement to the creative works of the time. Medieval tapestries, for instance, depicted events in a sequential form. Meanwhile, mechanical devices known as automata began to appear, sometimes drawing on the illusion of moving images for entertainment purposes in court.
By the 1800s, innovators began experimenting with new strategies, with inventions such as the phenakistoscope and the zoetrope, which used vertical cuts within a cylindrical drum to reveal images in various stages of motion. This formed the basis for a popular toy produced by Milton Bradley in the 1860s.
Animation as we know it today took a leap forward with the development of celluloid film during the late 1800s. Allowing animators to create characters separate from their backgrounds, celluloid streamlined the animation process, limiting the need for time-consuming redrawing.
The Golden Age of Animation
Film enthusiasts consistently show fondness for the golden age of animation, which arrived with the advent of sound on the silver screen. This era’s strength derived, in part, from the introduction of compelling characters, which utilized design fundamentals such as color theory and shape language to great effect. During this time, pioneering studios took major risks, pushing the boundaries of animation and revealing how it could form the basis of memorable narratives.
No discussion of animation’s golden age would be complete without highlighting the massive contributions of Walt Disney. He brought animation to feature films revealing how animated characters and settings could promote rich and nuanced stories that touch on important themes. Disney’s animation history closely aligns with the evolution of animation itself.
Near the final days of this golden age, another powerful animator entered the scene: Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli. Known for iconic films such as My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, Miyazaki revealed the enduring value of hand-drawn design in an era of rapid technological advancement.
The Transition to Digital Animation
Animation remains a cultural touchstone as a major transition took place: a shift from strictly hand-drawn animation to 3D animation development. This not only influenced animation styles but also helped animators to streamline the animation production process. The 1990s, in particular, marked a clear shift away from CEL animation (traditional strategies involving celluloid sheets) toward computer-driven strategies.
Introduction of Computer Graphics (CG)
Computer graphics (CG) make it possible to create and render dynamic images exclusively using electronic devices. Verne Hudson and William Fetter typically receive credit for coining this term, with Fetter explaining that CG could prove “valuable so long as it is coupled with a conscious effort to shape the technology toward meeting basic human goals — including human creativity.”
In addition to expediting the typical animation workflow, CG improved versatility, even bringing the power of animation to live-action films. Movies such as Jurassic Park benefited greatly from this hybrid approach, enhancing stop-motion animation and animatronic puppets.
A retrospective in honor of Jurassic Park‘s 30th anniversary explains, “Although the CGI sections are relatively short, they have a huge impact on the overall storytelling, not to mention the believability that the event is actually happening in front of us. It’s a true representation of the power of cinema.”
This was just one of many live-action films of the era that was aided by the power of CGI. This technology also deserves credit for prompting the iconic liquid-metal effect in Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
The Emergence of 3D Animation
Drawing on computer-generated imagery to produce moving images within a three-dimensional environment, 3D animation proved a game-changer in the 1990s and 2000s. This evolution is best reflected by the rise of Pixar — especially with the release of the acclaimed film Toy Story, which was the first fully computer-animated movie.
A remarkable technological and artistic achievement, Toy Story paved the path toward a second golden age in animation, including some of today’s most cherished films (Shrek, Finding Nemo and Frozen, to name a few). By the 2000s, this was the dominant form of animation, with hand-drawn styles largely taking a backseat.
The Impact of Digital Tools on Animation
From graphics processing units (GPUs) to rendering software such as Blender and Autodesk Maya, numerous exciting developments have ushered in a new era of animation, making the process more time-efficient and even more accessible. This revolution has underscored some of the most powerful creations of the last few decades, including blockbuster Pixar films and many of today’s most beloved video games.
The Role of Hybrid Techniques in Modern Animation
Digital technologies have opened a world of possibilities, but hand-drawn enthusiasts fear that something has been lost; traditional animation feels warm and personable, giving way to organic shapes and nuanced textures that remain difficult to recreate even with the most advanced tools and technologies.
It can be possible to achieve the best of both worlds, however. Hybrid techniques harness the nostalgia and intricate artistry of hand-drawn animation while also leveraging the enhanced animation workflows made possible by today’s top software solutions.
Blending Traditional and Digital Techniques
While traditional and digital animation are both quite versatile, their reach expands considerably when animators blend elements from various strategies. This could be the answer to the debate surrounding 2D versus 3D animation: There is room for both.
Often, the process begins with traditional techniques, with animators drawing characters by hand. Traditional sketching allows for greater spontaneity, while ink or acrylics can enhance the depth of the designs. Major movements known as keyframes can be drawn by hand, but CGI tools may be used to create 3D environments. Post-production adjustments ensure that hand-drawn 2D animation fits seamlessly with 3D elements.
Stop-Motion and Motion Capture
Hand-drawn and computer animation are just two of many animation techniques. Stop-motion animation relies on the physical manipulation of models or puppets, with animators taking photos and making small adjustments, eventually playing frames back to achieve the perception of smooth motion. Claymation comes to mind, with Wallace and Gromit, in particular, demonstrating stop-motion’s creative potential.
Motion capture animation is similar but begins with real actors and then transforms their motions into digital data. This technique can produce surprisingly lifelike movements, as seen in Gollum from the Lord of the Rings franchise.
What This Evolution Means for Aspiring Animators
As we move into the next era in animation, there will be room for both hand-drawn and strictly digital techniques — and plenty of opportunities to blend elements of each. Going forward, however, animators will also be expected to excel in both areas.
Skills Required in Modern Animation
Today’s animators enjoy opportunities to leverage both traditional and digital animation, but with a caveat: They are also expected to develop robust skill sets in both arenas. Those who focus exclusively on artistic or technological skills may struggle to produce well-rounded creations or may be less appealing to employers or freelance clients. As such, it is increasingly important to develop these competencies:
- Foundational drawing skills, including composition and character design.
- Visual storyboarding to reveal the sequence of events within an animation’s narrative.
- 3D modeling to create digital representations and rigging to determine how those models will move.
- Rendering techniques to boost output quality and prepare.
As always, soft skills such as creativity and communication remain paramount. Animation projects often call for extensive collaboration, so animators should also be capable of working productively within teams that may also include sound designers or directors.
The Importance of Understanding Animation History
Effective animation draws on foundational artistic techniques, which, although streamlined through digital technologies, remain crucial for creating compelling characters and evocative settings.
The most impactful creators show reverence for the animators of yesteryear, drawing from their most trusted techniques to influence modern animation processes. Insights into animation history can provide powerful inspiration, too, forming the basis for new concepts and characters that feel both fresh and timeless.
Career Opportunities in the Animation Industry
Although many aspiring animators and special effects artists hope to work in film or television, this is just one of several compelling pathways available to skilled creators. Their artistic and technical abilities are also sought after in these industries:
- Game design
- Advertising and PR
- Education and e-learning
- Product design
- VR and AR
Career pathways may also reflect preferred specialties within the larger realm of animation. For example, some creators prefer to home in on character design, drawing on shape language and color theory to create characters that resonate. Others may focus on storyboarding to help drive narratives — or even move into leadership roles such as art director or creative director.
Learning and Mastering Animation Techniques
There are numerous ways to develop the skills highlighted above. Experimentation forms the basis of many successful animation careers, with passionate animators constantly honing their craft as they play with unique ideas and techniques.
However, given the increasing demands within this industry, many aspiring animators prefer to enhance their skills through structured degree programs that provide thorough exposure to both the artistic and technological sides of animation.
Educational Resources for Aspiring Animators
In addition to developing skills through an animation degree program, you can leverage a variety of resources to further enhance your understanding of animation and uncover fascinating ideas. For example, industry publications highlight the latest trends and developments in animation (such as Animation Magazine and Keyframe from The Animation Guild).
Many animators also enjoy listening to podcasts or following industry leaders on social media. Scott Wiser’s Directing Animation Livecast is especially intriguing, as it features conversations with the industry’s top producers and creators. Organizations like the Society for Animation Studies provide a wealth of insights, along with opportunities to learn and connect during professional conferences.
Building a Diverse Portfolio
While degrees and other credentials can attract attention from top clients or employers, a strong portfolio is just as essential. This provides an instant snapshot of your accomplishments as an animator, revealing your style, artistic process and growth over time.
Emphasize quality over quantity, yet strive to include a diverse array of pieces that convey your versatility as a creator. Depending on which types of jobs or clients you hope to score, this may include character sketches or demo reels.
Elevate Your Artistic Vision With RMCAD’s Animation Degree Programs
If you want to carve a place in animation history, you can benefit greatly from pursuing a well-rounded animation education at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD). Our animation degree programs cover artistic fundamentals and cutting-edge animation technologies, all while drawing heavily on the history of animation to build a greater appreciation for this art form. Get in touch today to uncover opportunities for learning animation online or on campus.
