Animation has become a vital part of many digital products, enhancing their design and functionality. Statista projects the global animation industry to exceed $587 billion by 2030, up from $391 billion in 2022. Businesses, games, and content creators are integrating animation to better compete.
2D animators create explainer videos and games with smooth character movements, shaping consumer engagement with media. They also contribute humor and creativity to popular shows, enhancing the entertainment experience.
Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and rig-based systems are effective tools that allow animators to achieve the best efficiency while maintaining quality standards. This blog offers relatable examples and practical advice to help beginners get started.
What Is 2D Animation?
Before knowing what a 2D animator is, let us first know what 2D animation is. Generally, 2D animation refers to creating moving images through two-dimensional objects or characters. It has been in existence for quite a long time and is evident in cartoons, commercials, and video games.
In simple terms, 2D animation refers to the illusion of motion from static images, which are static images that move.
The Role of a 2D Animator
A 2D animator animates and helps drawings come to life by making it move on a two-dimensional surface. Characters, backgrounds, and environments must be created in a way that every action looks smooth and natural.
The animator’s job is broken down into a few essential steps:
- Designing characters and environments.
- Creating keyframes to define the start and end of movements.
- In-betweening: Drawing the intermediate frames to ensure the motion flows smoothly.
- Rigging: Adding structure to characters to make it easier to animate them.
Key Tasks in the Life of a 2D Animator
Below is a table summarizing the main tasks of a 2D animator:
| Task | Description |
| Character Design | Designing the appearance and personality of characters used in the animation. |
| Keyframe Creation | Drawing the mainframes that define the beginning and end of a movement. |
| In-betweening | Drawing frames that fill the gaps between keyframes to make them appear smooth. |
| Animation Testing | Ensuring that the movement looks natural and realistic before final rendering. |
| Sound & Effects | Adding sound and visual effects to enhance the animation. |
Also Read: 2D Animation Services: Everything You Need to Know
Types of 2D Animation
There are many types of 2D animation, each with its unique characteristics. Each type has its benefits and is useful for different types of projects, from simple explainer videos to full-length animated films.
Here’s a list of the most popular types:
| Type of Animation | Description |
| Traditional Animation | Classic hand-drawn animation where each frame is created manually by the artist. |
| Digital Animation | Created using computer software such as Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony. |
| Vector-Based Animation | Uses mathematical equations to create shapes and allows for easy resizing and manipulation. |
| Stop Motion Animation | Although mostly 3D, 2D stop-motion animations are also created using physical objects or drawings. |
The Tools of a 2D Animator
To make their visions come to reality, 2D animators rely on powerful animation software. These software tools allow animators to create the artwork, add motion, and finalize the animation.
Below are some popular tools used in the industry:
| Animation Software | Primary Use | Pricing (Approx.) |
| Adobe Animate | Used for drawing and animating characters, typically for web content and TV shows. | $20/month (Subscription) |
| Toon Boom Harmony | A professional-grade software used for creating full animations in both traditional and digital styles. | $25/month (Basic) |
| After Effects | Primarily used for adding motion graphics and visual effects. Also used for some 2D animations. | $20/month (Subscription) |
| Procreate (for Tablets) | Used for digital sketching and animation on tablets, good for quick 2D animations. | $9.99 (One-time) |
How 2D Animators Use Keyframes and In-betweening
It means that a keyframe is such an important piece of the process of animation where they mark the beginning and end of movements while filling in the intermediate frames between those keyframes gives the action some flow.
Here’s how animators use keyframes and inbetweening:
- Creating Keyframes: An animator creates the beginning position or start and the ending position or end of a character or object.
- In-between: The animator draws the frames between keyframes. These are small changes that occur between keyframes.
- Testing: After in-betweening, the animator tests the sequence to see if it works well.
For instance, when a character walks, his or her pose can be such that the starting keyframe will be standing while the ending one is walking and the intermediate ones are stepping.
What Is Rigging in 2D Animation?
Rigging is a method to create a skeletal structure in a character of 2D animation, which makes animation easier. It helps in moving the body parts of a character, including arms, legs, or head, by not redrawing each frame.
A 2D character rig might look like this:
| Part of the Rig | Purpose |
| Bones | The structure that controls the movement of the character’s body parts. |
| Joints | The points where different bones meet and allow for rotation or bending. |
| Controllers | Tools that help animators move or adjust different parts of the character. |
Creating Explainer Videos Using 2D Animation
A product or service’s explainer video is a brief, animated movie that explains one’s product. 2D animation is basically an important piece in the entire process of explaining these videos; it helps disintegrate those even more complex thoughts into simple yet visual representations of ideas.
Here’s how 2D animators create explainer videos:
| Step | Description |
| Concept Creation | Animators work with clients to develop the script and visual concept of the video. |
| Storyboarding | A visual outline of the video’s scenes and key moments is created. |
| Animation | Characters and visuals are animated to follow the script and storyboard. |
| Audio & Effects | Sound effects and voiceovers are added to enhance the animation. |
The Cost of Animation Software: Is It Worth It?
Those interested in becoming a 2D animator should know the cost of the necessary software. Prices vary by feature and capability.
Here’s a quick look at the pricing and value of some of the most popular 2D animation tools:
| Software | Cost (Approx.) | Is it Worth It? |
| Adobe Animate | $20/month (Subscription) | Ideal for beginners and professionals alike, with powerful features. |
| Toon Boom Harmony | $25/month (Basic) | Excellent for high-end projects and professional studios. |
| Procreate | $9.99 (One-time) | Great for individuals who prefer tablet-based animation. |
While software like Toon Boom Harmony cost can be more expensive, it’s well worth the investment for professional animators working on larger projects.
You May Also Like: 2D Animation Cost vs 3D Animation Cost: What to Know
How 2D Animation Is Used in Video Games
2D animation is used to create pixel sprites for video games. These animations are essential for creating interactive characters and environments.
Here’s how 2D animators contribute to video game development:
| Element | Description |
| Character Animations | Animators create actions like walking, jumping, or attacking for in-game characters. |
| Backgrounds | 2D animators design interactive environments that players navigate through. |
| Cutscenes | Animated sequences are used to advance the story within the game. |
2D animation in games helps create a visually appealing experience and brings the game’s world to life.
Building a Portfolio as a 2D Animator
If you are interested in becoming a 2D animator, it’s important to have a strong portfolio. It showcases your best work and is important for getting animation jobs or freelance opportunities.
Here’s what to include in your portfolio:
| Portfolio Component | Why It’s Important |
| Character Designs | Demonstrates your ability to create unique and expressive characters. |
| Animation Clips | Shows off your skills in creating smooth and engaging animations. |
| Personal Projects | Highlights your creativity and passion for animation outside of work. |
Wrapping Up
2D animation has gone from hand-drawn frames to complex software through which animators can generate high-quality professional animation. Therefore, platforms like YouTube, television networks, and video game companies are continuously searching for new talents in the world of animation, hence brightening up the future for 2D animation.
Remember that persistence and creativity are very important in animation. Proper tools and skills will help you bring characters and stories to life before your eyes just as the pros do it on Rick and Morty or South Park, for instance. Start practicing, keep learning, and see to it that one day your creations could be part of the next big animated phenomenon!
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FAQs
1. What does a 2D Animator do?
A 2D animator creates animations by designing characters and scenes in two dimensions. They use tools like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony to bring these characters to life through movements and expressions.
2. What is L2D Animation?
Live 2D (L2D) animation allows animators to make static 2D images move by rigging them. It is used in games and anime to create interactive characters that move in a smooth way, as opposed to traditional frame-by-frame animation.
3. How can I draw characters like Rick and Morty?
To draw Rick and Morty, start with basic shapes for the characters’ heads and bodies. Add their distinctive features like spiky hair for Rick and wide eyes for Morty. You can find tutorials online for easy Rick and Morty drawings.
4. What is the difference between Adobe Animate and Character Animator?
Adobe Animate is used for traditional 2D animation and vector-based graphics, while Character Animator is for animating characters in real-time using motion capture and 2D character rigs.
5. How do I build an animator portfolio?
Include your best work in your animator portfolio. Examples could include animation art, drawings, 2D character rigs, and skills in 2D puppet animation software like Toon Boom Harmony. Show different styles and techniques.
