The magic starts with a script and is handed over to a storyboard artist. The Cel Animation ProcessĬel animation is a lengthy, expensive process that demands the involvement of a large team.

Most 2D animations are still drawn by an animator but digital software is used to speed up the process. It’s rare for traditional cel animation to be used in modern productions since everything is digital now.Īlthough today’s 2D animation borrows many techniques from cel animation, the work is almost exclusively done on computers. When played back at a speed of 12 or 24 frames they create the illusion of movement. These ‘cels’ are then placed over a background and photographed in sequence. Each cel features one drawing with an outline on one side of the plastic and the color is filled in on the other.

That means if you buy something we get a small commission at no extra cost to you( learn more)Ĭel animation is the art of creating 2D animation by hand on sheets of transparent plastic called “cels”.įollowing a planning process, animators transfer draft drawings onto transparent sheets of plastic called cels. Tips Animation Written by Claire Heginbotham Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

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