Year 11 Information Technology ACT-T/IB- DS/PNGUS Digital Animation

Five (5) Types of Animation

Success Criteria
 Develop a theory comprehension on 5 types of animations.

Instructions:
Use the 5 Types of Animation PowerPoint and the related notes and complete the following questions.
This must be completed in class, print and submit today.

Question 1
Discuss the features of a traditional Animation.

The features of traditional animation include:

1. Frame-by-Frame Animation: In traditional animation, each frame is drawn by hand, creating the
illusion of movement when the frames are played in sequence. This process requires a lot of
time and effort but can produce very smooth and detailed animations.
2. Limited Colors: Because traditional animation was often done by hand, using paint and ink, the
number of colors used was limited. This led to a distinct style of animation, with bold outlines
and flat, bright colors.
3. Key frames: Key frames are the most important frames in an animation sequence. They define
the major poses or movements of the characters or objects being animated, and the frames in
between the key frames are then filled in to create the illusion of motion.
4. Inbetweening: Inbetweening is the process of filling in the frames between the key frames. This
is done to create a smooth transition between poses and movements, and to create the illusion
of motion.
5. Squash and Stretch: Squash and stretch is a technique used in traditional animation to give the
illusion of weight and flexibility. It involves exaggerating the shape of an object or character as it
moves, making it appear to compress or stretch.
6. Exaggeration: Exaggeration is another technique used in traditional animation to make
movements and expressions more dramatic and expressive. This can make the animation more
entertaining and engaging for the audience.
7. Timing: Timing is critical in traditional animation, as it determines the speed and rhythm of the
animation. The timing of the movements and actions needs to be carefully planned and
executed to create a believable and engaging animation.

Question 2
Analyze this statement .
Each drawing in the traditional animation is slightly different than the one before it and the one.
following it. Give an example.

The statement "Each drawing in traditional animation is slightly different than the one before it and the
one following it" is a fundamental characteristic of traditional animation. This concept is known as
frame-by-frame animation or "key frame animation." Each individual drawing, or frame, captures a
Year 11 Information Technology ACT-T/IB- DS/PNGUS Digital Animation

slightly different pose or position of the characters or objects in the animation sequence, giving the
illusion of motion when played in rapid succession.

For example, let's consider the animation of a bouncing ball. The first frame may show the ball at the
top of its bounce, while the second frame shows the ball slightly lower, as it begins to fall back to the
ground. The third frame shows the ball even lower, as it reaches the apex of its descent, and the fourth
frame shows the ball hitting the ground. Each frame captures a slightly different position of the ball,
creating the illusion of motion as the frames are played in sequence.

Question 3

Explain the difference between the 2D and 3D animations.

2D animation, also known as traditional or hand-drawn animation, is created by drawing a series of

In contrast, 3D animation involves creating a series of digital models and environments that are
rendered in three dimensions, with height, width, and depth. These models can be rotated and viewed
from any angle, giving the animation a greater sense of depth and realism. 3D animation is typically
created using computer software, which allows animators to manipulate objects in a virtual space, apply
textures and lighting, and control camera angles and movements.

Another key difference between 2D and 3D animation is the level of control and precision that can be
achieved. With 2D animation, each frame must be drawn by hand, which can be time-consuming and
labour-intensive. However, this also allows for a high degree of artistic control over the final product, as
each frame can be crafted to perfection. 3D animation, on the other hand, relies on computer
algorithms to generate the final images, which can sometimes result in less precise or less realistic
results. However, the use of computer software also allows for greater flexibility and speed in the
animation process, as changes can be made quickly and easily.

Question 4
Vector and Bitmap are two different types of graphics. What are their differences?

Here are some of the key differences between vector and bitmap graphics:

 Scalability: Vector graphics can be scaled up or down without losing quality or resolution, while
bitmap graphics can become pixelated or blurry when enlarged.
 File size: Vector graphics are typically smaller in file size than bitmap graphics, as they only need
to store mathematical equations rather than individual pixel values.
 Editing flexibility: Vector graphics can be edited more easily than bitmap graphics, as each
element can be manipulated individually using the mathematical equations that define it.
Bitmap graphics, on the other hand, can be more difficult to edit without affecting the overall
image quality.
Year 11 Information Technology ACT-T/IB- DS/PNGUS Digital Animation

 Color flexibility: Vector graphics can be filled with solid colors or gradients, while bitmap
graphics can be highly detailed and include a wide range of color values.
 Output formats: Vector graphics can be exported in a variety of formats, including SVG, EPS, and
PDF, while bitmap graphics are typically exported as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF files.

Question 5
Stop motion animation is an animation that is captured one frame at a time, with physical objects that
are moved between frames. What is the process of stop motion animation?

The process of creating a stop motion animation typically involves the following steps:

1. Concept and Planning: This is the stage where the story and the characters are developed. The
animator creates a storyboard or a script and designs the characters and the sets.
2. Set Up: The animator sets up the physical set, characters, and props. Depending on the style of
animation, the sets may be built from scratch, or real-world locations can be used.
3. Camera and Lighting: The animator sets up the camera, which is usually mounted on a tripod or
rig. Lighting is also crucial to create the desired mood and atmosphere in the animation.
4. Capturing Frames: The animator begins capturing individual frames of the animation, moving
the objects or characters slightly between each frame. The frame rate and the number of frames
required depend on the desired motion and the length of the animation.
5. Post-Production: Once all the frames are captured, they are edited and compiled to create the
final animation. This involves processes such as color correction, sound design, and adding visual
effects.
6. Distribution: Finally, the completed animation can be distributed through various channels, such
as film festivals, television, or online platforms.

Question 6
Give the definition of the motion graphics.

Motion graphics refer to the use of animation and digital visual effects to create the illusion of motion
and enhance the visual presentation of multimedia content. Motion graphics can be used in a variety of
contexts, such as film and television production, advertising, marketing, and web design. Unlike
traditional animation, which involves creating characters and backgrounds from scratch, motion
graphics often involve the use of pre-existing graphic elements, such as typography, icons, and logos,
that are animated and combined to create a cohesive visual narrative. The animation can range from
simple movements, such as text flying in and out of the screen, to more complex and dynamic visual
effects, such as 3D modelling and compositing. The goal of motion graphics is to create engaging and
visually appealing content that communicates a message or tells a story.