This guide invites you to discover different animation techniques, revealing how images gain movement and tell stories. Each technique is presented with a brief explanation and examples from films that help you recognize its characteristics in practice. A resource for exploring and looking at animated cinema with more attention, curiosity, and creativity.
Techniques
2D Computer
2D (two-dimensional) animation is created by assembling a sequence of drawings, normally at a rate of 12 or 24 frames per second (fps). When these images are reproduced in sequence, they create the illusion of movement. These drawings can be made by hand or using a computer program. Traditionally, hand-drawn animation is created using paper and light tables, or by inking and painting on clear acetate sheets. Digital animation, which is more commonly used nowadays, is created using digital drawing tablets on apps or programs. The sequence of images, whether traditional or digital, is then compiled digitally. For example, if a frame rate of 12 fps is used, each drawing will be shown for only 0.08 seconds.
Example Films - Recommended Age
Under 9yo
Snow Bear by Aaron Blaise | USA | 2024
9 to 14yo
Duet by Glen Keane | USA / 2014
Over 14yo
Afternoon Class by OSRO – Seoro Oh | 2015 | South Korea
Example Films
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3:47
3:50
3D Computer
3D animation is used to create moving images in a three-dimensional environment. Objects (such as characters, scenery and props) are usually sculpted in 3D modelling programs (such as Blender, which is free and open source); once the exterior shape has been created, the volumetric sculpture can be rigged with a skeleton to allow articulation and movement (e.g. defining the placement and bending/twisting capabilities of the neck, elbows and knees). Once all the elements are ready, a virtual camera can be moved and animated within the 3D scenery to capture the animation from whatever angle is desired.
Example Films - Recommended Age
Under 9yo
Coquille by Justine Aubert, Cassandra Bouton, Grégoire Callies, Maud Chesneau, Anna Danton, Loïc Girault, Gatien Peyrude, Justine Raux | France | 2024
9 to 14yo
Dinosaurs: The true story by Paul-Louis Aeberhardt | France | 2020
Over 14yo
Canned by Ivan Joy, Nate Hatton, Tanya Zaman | USA | 2015
Example Films
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4:22
3:02
Stop Motion
Stop motion differs from 3D animation in that the images are photos of physical objects. Any object can be animated, but puppets (known as “puppet animation”), clay figures (known as “claymation”) and everyday objects are the most commonly used. Other types of stop motion use live actors (“pixilation”) or paper and other flat objects (“cut-out animation”).
Example Films - Recommended Age
Under 9yo
The Kite by Martin Smatana | Slovakia | 2019
9 to 14yo
Fresh Guacamole by PES – Adam Pesapane | USA | 2013
Over 14yo
Utopia by Guldies – Alexander Unger | Sweden | 2019
Example Films
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1:40
1:50
Mixed Media Animation
Many – or even most – animation films and series are made using a variety of techniques, either to achieve a distinctive aesthetic or to overcome technical or narrative challenges through alternative animation methods. For instance, you could create an animation in which the characters are stop motion puppets and the sets are modelled in 3D, with 2D paintings and hand-drawn animations added on top.
Example Films - Recommended Age
Under 9yo
Cat and Moth by India Barnardo | Canada | 2022
9 to 14yo
Tales of the Multiverse by Magnus Møller, Mette Tange, Peter Smith | Denmark | 2020
Over 14yo
Fish Boy by Anita Bruvere | UK | 2018
Example Films
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7:00
