2d animation service

2D Animation service refers to animations created by manipulating individual images or objects, often drawings, that are photographed or scanned on a frame-by-frame basis to simulate movement. This technique allows animators to handcraft vibrant worlds and bring characters to life through motion.

The origins of 2D Animation can be traced back to the late 1800s and early experiments with the aumatropes and phenakistoscopes. However, it was not until the 1920s that the medium began to take shape. Notable early pioneers included Canadian-French animator Émile Cohl, who is considered the first person to create animated drawings, as well as American cartoonist Winsor McCay.

Throughout the 20th century, the popularity of 2D Animation skyrocketed. In 1928, Walt Disney introduced the world to Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie, which was one of the first animated films to feature synchronized sound. This helped usher in the Golden Age of American Animation during the 1930s-1950s. Iconic films from Disney, Warner Bros., and other studios during this era cemented 2D Animation as a mainstream art form.

In the 1990s, the success of shows like The Simpsons on Fox brought renewed interest in 2D Animation basic for television. Independent studios like Studio Ghibli in Japan also produced critically acclaimed films using traditional hand-drawn techniques. While 3D computer animation has become more prevalent in recent decades, 2D Animation remains an important part of visual storytelling.

According to surveys, the global 2D animation market was valued at $27.21 billion in 2022. Experts project this to grow to $37.56 billion by 2024 as streaming services invest in high-quality cartoons and anime. 2D continues thriving both digitally and in hybrid forms that combine with other mediums. This beginner’s guide will prepare you to join this vibrant creative industry.

Fundamental Concepts and Terminology

The foundational elements that make 2D Animation basic possible include individual frames that compose a visual scene or shot. These frames play back sequentially at a rate known as the frame rate, usually 24-30 frames per second (fps), to simulate the illusion of continuous movement.

Within an animated sequence or scene, certain drawings mark important key points of action, known as keyframes. All other frames drawn in between keyframes, which gradually morph the in-between poses, are called “in-betweens.” ‘Onion skinning’ is an animation technique where previous and subsequent frames can be overlaid and made partially transparent to aid drawing accuracy and smooth transitions between drawings. It acts akin to tracing layers of an onion.

Most animations are looped or cyclical in nature. For example, a walking cycle may consist of 8 drawings that continuously repeat to portray a character strolling.

Software and Tools

A variety of basic 2D animation services software is available to help bring drawings to life. Popular free options for beginners include Krita and OpenToonz, while paid industry standards include Toon Boom Harmony and TVPaint. All have digital canvases for drawing using selection, painting, and erasing basic 2d animation tools.

Additionally, most packages feature layers for organizing elements, onion skinning views, tweening to generate in-betweens automatically, and timeline panels for animating sequentially over durations. 3D apps like Blender also enable 2D workflows. It’s worthwhile experimenting to determine the best tool for your needs based on the available budget and intended use.

Krita: Krita is a highly versatile free and open-source drawing program that is well-suited for 2D Animation. It provides an extensive array of painting tools along with animation-assist features like onion skinning, keyframes, and basic tweening. Being free makes it an excellent starting option.
OpenToonz: Developed by Digital Video S.p.A., OpenToonz is open-source basic 2D animation service software that has been adopted by many professional studios. It boasts basic 2d animation tools, including exposure sheets, pegboarding for character rigging, advanced tweening systems, digital ink & paint, and more.
Toon Boom Harmony: Used widely in productions, Harmony is an industry leader with support for 2D workflows as well as cut-out, paperless, and stop-motion animation. Key features include powerful compositing tools, timeline, and exposure sheet editors, lip-sync automation, and output to games.
TVPaint:Designed specifically for 2D Animation, TVPaint excels at digital ink & paint, Xsheet/exposure sheet functionality, paperless animation support, and rendering optimized for video/film output. The interface mirrors traditional animation processes well.
Blender: The amazing free and open-source 3D software Blender also enables great basic 2D animation service software using its strong graphic tools, timeline, grease pencil drawing features, and growing animation toolset. It’s a versatile one-stop shop.

The choice depends on your needs, budget, and goals. All offer the basic necessities but vary in specialty features, learning curves, and professional support. Experimenting helps you determine the best creative fit. Community support online also plays a role.

Creating a Basic 2D Animation Service

Now, let’s dive into using your chosen basic 2d animation software tool to animate a simple bounce.

Set the canvas resolution to 1920×1080 pixels and framerate to 24 fps: This provides HD quality at common film/video standards.
Create a new drawing layer labeled “Bounce-Down.” On this layer, roughly sketch a circle on the bottom half to represent a ball at its lowest point.
Duplicate the layer and rename it to “Bounce – Rise.” On this layer, modify the ball circle sketch to depict it slightly higher.
Duplicate again and rename it to “Bounce – Peak.”: Here, draw the ball even higher, near the top of its arc.
Continue duplicating and tweaking the ball position on each new layer until it reaches the peak and starts falling again.
Add in-between layers and drawings as needed to smooth the motion path over 8-12 frames/layers total.
Use the software’s onion skin or exposure sheet features to overlay and preview the sequence of drawings together.
Tweak any drawing as needed, and then apply a simple loop condition in the timeline.
Render as a video file. You’ve just made your first Animation
Experiment from here with polishing techniques, timing, multiple bounces, or new animations. Have fun exploring the basics.

Character Animation

Practice bringing characters to life with walk cycles. Begin with a character standing straight, then alternate drawings where the lead/rear leg is bent as they take steps forward. Bunch and extend the limbs appropriately across the drawings for weight and balance. Add head turns or rotations as they walk to avoid a static loop. For a run cycle, incorporate additional bounce in the torso, arms, and legs with each stride. Animate a jump by showing the crouch before leaping up and falling back down.

Advanced Animation Techniques

Taking your skills further involves understanding principles that bring Animation to life in a compelling way. Squash and stretch are fundamental techniques that link solidly to the perception of weight and force. By varying the scale, proportion, and volume of objects and characters over time, their structural integrity can appear flexible yet remain convincing. In the 1930s, Disney animator Frank Thomas coined the terms anticipation and follow-through.

Anticipation means subtly initiating an action in the frame slightly before its peak, building tension and momentum. For example, a character may start leaning back a fraction of a second prior to throwing a punch. Follow-through extends the tail-end of motion like residual momentum from the punch lingers briefly in the drawn arm position.

Easing automates smoothing in-betweens by controlling acceleration and deceleration of motion over a duration. Ease-in slows the start of movement gradually, while ease-out slows the end. Combined, it mimics real-world physics, where objects accelerate gradually from rest. Professional software makes easing Animation effortless with preset curve graphs.

Advanced rigging brings characters to life with secondary and follow motions. For instance, as a character runs, strands of hair or loose clothing may react erratically to momentum in a physically consistent manner from frame to frame, infusing subtle details to upgrade realism.

Careers in 2D Animation Service

Powered by demand from streaming services and franchises, experts predict the global 2D and 3D animation market size will reach $372.96 billion by 2028, growing at an 8.8% CAGR. Anime, in particular, continues booming worldwide.

The anime streaming industry was worth an estimated $23.4 billion in 2022 and growing annually. Hits like Demon Slayer have proven the global appeal of Japanese Animation. Meanwhile, the Digital Animation & VFX industry employed over 270,000 creatives in North America in 2024, up 13% from 2022 as virtual production rises. Beyond blockbuster franchises, ongoing opportunities exist at gaming studios, VFX houses, advertisement agencies, and edtech/corporate companies requiring animated training or explainer videos. Freelancing is also common.

Popular roles include animator, director, character designer, storyboard artist, art director, and producer. Salaries vary depending on seniority, location, and employer, and they range from $60-110k on average globally for mid-level basic 2D animation jobs. Experience, programming skills, and willingness to relocate boost earning potential. With a commitment to continually honing one’s craft, a successful long-term career in 2D (or related fields blending it with other mediums) is very achievable through both employed and freelance opportunities in this fast-growing digital sphere.

The Basics Still Kick!

Basic 2D Animation is a foundational art form that continues thriving in both traditional and hybrid forms. From early experiments in the late 1800s to becoming a mainstream staple during cinema’s Golden Age, 2D unlocked new dimensions of storytelling through motion. Today’s resurgence in streaming animated content and franchises upholds 2D Animation’s commercial viability. Mastering the basics opens doors to an exhilarating creative career, bringing characters and worlds to life frame by frame.

If you are ready to take your passion further, consider Delta Animation Company for high-qualitybasic 2D animation services and training. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Delta specializes in character design, rigging, digital ink and paint, and full production pipeline management for studios worldwide. Contact us today to discuss how we can help transform your vision into an animated masterpiece.

The Core Basics of 2D Animation: A Beginners Guide!