TRADITIONAL ANIMATION Meaning and
Definition
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Traditional animation refers to a method of creating animated sequences by hand-drawing each frame on celluloid sheets or paper. It is a time-honored technique that predates the invention of computers and continues to be appreciated for its unique handcrafted aesthetic.
In traditional animation, artists would sketch out the key poses of a character or scene, known as keyframes, which would establish the key actions and movement. These keyframes would then be distributed to in-betweeners, who would create drawings that filled in the gaps, helping to create smooth and seamless motion. Once complete, all the drawings would be photographed individually and transferred onto transparent celluloid sheets called cels. Background artwork, also hand-drawn, would often be completed separately on another cel. The cels would then be stacked together, aligned, and photographed again to create the final frame.
The resulting series of frames would be played in quick succession, providing the illusion of movement. This labor-intensive process required skilled artists to diligently draw thousands of frames by hand, taking considerable time and effort.
Traditional animation provided the foundation for the development of animated films and cartoons, originating in the early 1900s. Walt Disney is renowned for popularizing traditional animation with classics such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and The Lion King. However, technological advancements have led to the adoption of digital animation techniques, rendering traditional animation less common today. Yet, its artistic charm and craftsmanship have resulted in its continued admiration and use in certain artistic circles.
Etymology of TRADITIONAL ANIMATION
The word "traditional" in the term "traditional animation" refers to the conventional or long-established method of creating animated content.
The term "animation" itself can be traced back to the Latin word "anima", meaning soul or life. In the late 16th century, the English word "animate" emerged, derived from the Latin "animatus", which means to give life. Over time, "animation" came to refer to the process of bringing inanimate objects or illustrations to life through sequential images.
"Traditional animation" refers to animation produced using traditional techniques, such as hand-drawing or painting individual frames on transparent celluloid sheets, then capturing them in succession to create the illusion of motion. This method was the primary approach to animation until the advent of digital techniques.
