Cartoons and how make an idea a reality, turning the story or actions you imagine into an animated graphic representation. Exploring this industry, its main techniques and programs related to animation is very useful to choose your professional future in the world of design.
Make cartoonsFor a long time, animation was considered a secondary activity in the entertainment world. However, over time, these techniques were perfected and gained well-deserved respect in the industry. To such an extent that today there are even awards dedicated entirely to animation, and the technique is used both for advertising and to tell stories for people of all ages. Gone are the days when “cartoons” were referred to in a derogatory way.
Making cartoons and the history of the sector
Disney animated films, famous characters from the Looney Toons or the adventures of Astro Boy or Heidi These are some classic examples of animated films. More recently, there have been gems that have transcended international boundaries: Evangelion, The Lion King, Aladdin, Spirited Away. These are just a few examples of how making animated films can achieve a unique level of recognition at an international level. Like any artistic branch, it is tinged with very diverse subjectivities and creative moments, and knowing a little about its production helps to understand the current moment and the possible future of the sector.
The current process when it comes to create cartoons It is different from the 50s or 60s. Nowadays, technology allows us to create much more varied animations with resources at our fingertips. But in the past, we can trace animations made with graffiti, oil paintings or even sculptures, which, depending on the lighting, gave the sensation of moving.
Today animation It involves the combined or independent use of three main techniques: 2D, 3D and Stop Motion animation. Each of the techniques has its own level of difficulty and artistic scope, and they are often combined to achieve much more complete pieces.
2D Animation
Current examples of this type of animation are found in Family Guy, The Simpsons or Adventure Time, to name three. These are drawings with a flat appearance, which until recently were made using coloured acetates on the back. In some Japanese studios this classic technique is still used, but the costs are very high. Current 3D animation often also uses specialised software such as Toon Boom or After Effects to add effects and options for two-dimensional animation.
3D animation and the evolution of the sector
La 3D animation It is the next step in the evolution of animated cartoonOne of the first films to promote this style of animation was Toy Story, by the Pixar studio. Here, a group of toys come to life from the moment their owner leaves the room, and they live incredible adventures. 3D animation is done by computer, with specialized programs capable of converting sketches and drawings into polygonal figures that can be worked with in three dimensions.
Stop Motion
A third technique, quite old but still current, is that of Stop MotionThis animation proposal consists of the millimetric movement of objects to capture frames and then reproduce them to give the sensation of movement of the characters and elements of each scene.
Programs for making cartoons
If you want to make a cartoon from specialized software, then you need to know the tools available and which ones best meet your own needs. There are different alternatives, and each of them suits the drawing style you are looking to create. You can use Adobe Character Animator to have a wizard that converts different input data into a top-notch animation. Other options like Toon Boom Harmony will help you turn your ideas into highly professional 2D character drawings.
Each program has its own price, usage options, and alternative tools. Check out this selection to choose the one that best suits the animation project you want to start.
DigiCel FlipBook
This is a software focused on the 2D animation. It supports Windows and macOS and works using frame-by-frame animation. This allows for a classic style and greater control and an intuitive learning curve for users. You recreate each scene and moment of your character in detail, and then you can see the result moving fluidly.
Has a image import system It is very easy to use, it is compatible with XSheet layers and allows you to modify each frame individually. The only drawback is that its free version includes a watermark on our drawings. In addition, the automated frames you can select are limited.
Adobe Character Animation
A software signed by the experts in the design sector, AdobeWith Character Animator you can use facial, gesture and object recognition to create 3D animation pieces with whatever you want. It is an excellent program that detects facial expressions to incorporate them into the animation, it also captures full body motion and only requires a microphone and a webcam.
It's a bit expensive, but it's the most popular professional tool in the segment. Hollywood studios use Adobe Character Animation to bring their stories to life. It's also very easy to use and has built-in templates to offer a dynamic interface.
Toon Boom Harmony
With a career in the world of animation of more than 25 years, Toon Boom Harmony is an ally for cartoonistsIt has a design that takes into account the flexibility, fluidity and smoothness of the animation, seeking to recapture the essence of traditional animation, but aided by technological and processing advances.
It uses a brush engine to create and customize brushes, enables traditional paperless animation, and seamlessly integrates 3D and 2D elements. It's also intuitive to use for manipulating objects within each scene without too much hassle. It's a great ally for both experienced animators and new users.