Bringing animation to life

Thanks to new technology, animation is evolving at lightspeed. From High Dynamic Range imaging and faster internet speeds to software that brings 3D capability and Virtual Reality to their fingertips, animators can create almost anything they imagine. The evolution of animation also reflects how consumers view content - on smart TVs, phones, computers and tablets. However, just as animation has continued to evolve throughout the pandemic, so too have the technological tools and tricks of the trade employed by animators and graphic designers.

Here are top trends appearing in animation, along with ways designers can make the most of them.

1. Bold colour use

Better technology allows designers and animators increased precision and a wider range of options when it comes to colour usage. To make colour stand out, many artists and animators are choosing a limited colour palette - then highlighting a couple of bold, even unexpected colours within that palette.It's only possible to realise a creative vision based on very specific color choices if you have the right tools to bring your vision to life.

2. Hybrid techniques

One hot trend is combining different media to create layered, textured and complex worlds, such as blending animation with live video footage or photography - like a mixed-media collage.

Another intriguing hybrid style juxtaposes 2D and 3D imaging. While 3D imaging blasts open the limits of what 2D animation can do, combining the two creates a new level of visual experiences. You can move viewers through 2D frames that showcase 3D objects within them, creating depth and movement in fascinating ways.

3. Thin line style

Contrasting with rich 2D and/or 3D world-building in many video games and movies, a minimalist style using thin lines is on trend - creating the appearance of hand-drawn art. This effect allows animators to direct the viewer's eye, making it seem like a drawing is being brought to life in an elegant, fluid style. You can also use this style to evoke earlier periods of animation in a cool, retro kind of way.

4. Vertical orientation

Animation is also adapting to the formats consumers use to engage with social media, advertising and entertainment. Most mobile phone users tend to hold their phones vertically most of the time, and designers are catching on, creating more content specifically designed for a vertical format.

5. Virtual Reality (VR)

While VR is popular in gaming, video animation is also jumping aboard the Virtual Reality train, thanks to more VR software becoming available. This allows animators to create everything to scale within the digital environment, rather than doing 3D modeling on screen separately. Some programs allow animators to create frame by frame, so scenes and animations transfer to other 3D programs seamlessly.

Whether you're a designer, photographer or animator, knowing the latest trends and tools can put you further along in your career. -BPT