Animations are animated by projecting sequenced images quickly, one after another, to create the illusion of life. This fundamental process tricks the human eye and brain into perceiving continuous movement from a series of static pictures.
The Core Principle: Creating the Illusion of Movement
Animation, at its heart, is the art of bringing inanimate objects or characters to life. As stated in the provided reference, this is achieved by projecting sequenced images quickly, one after another, to create the illusion of life. The human visual system retains an image for a fraction of a second after it has disappeared. When a series of slightly different images is displayed rapidly, our brain connects them, creating the perception of smooth motion.
This phenomenon is often linked to concepts like persistence of vision or the phi phenomenon. Regardless of the technical term, the practical result is that static frames, when presented in quick succession, appear to move.
The Process: From Still Images to Motion
Creating animation, regardless of the style or complexity, relies on this core principle. The process typically involves these key steps:
- Creating Individual Frames: Each frame is a single still image, capturing a specific moment in the intended motion. These frames can be drawings, paintings, photographs of puppets or objects, or computer-generated images.
- Sequencing the Frames: The frames are arranged in a specific order, each one showing a slight change from the previous one. This sequence dictates the flow and timing of the movement.
- Projecting or Displaying Quickly: The sequence of frames is then displayed one after the other at a rapid pace. The speed at which frames are shown is measured in frames per second (FPS).
Frames Per Second (FPS) and Smoothness
The speed at which the sequenced images are projected is crucial for the illusion of smooth movement. A higher frame rate generally results in smoother, more fluid animation.
Here's a simple look at typical frame rates:
| Frames Per Second (FPS) | Perceived Motion Quality | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| 12 fps | Choppy, noticeable jumpiness | Older or stylized animation (e.g., early cartoons) |
| 24 fps | Standard for film and most traditional animation | Cinema, TV shows |
| 30 fps | Standard for video | Television, online videos |
| 60+ fps | Very smooth, lifelike motion | Video games, high-end productions |
Displaying images at 24 FPS or higher is typically sufficient to create a convincing illusion of motion for the human eye.
Different Forms, Same Principle
While the techniques used to create the individual sequenced images have evolved dramatically over time, the method of animating them remains the same: showing those images rapidly.
- Traditional Animation: Artists draw thousands of images on paper or cels. These drawings are then photographed frame by frame.
- Stop Motion Animation: Physical objects (like puppets, clay figures, or objects) are moved incrementally between photographs. Each photograph becomes a single frame.
- Computer-Generated (CGI) Animation: 3D models are manipulated within software, and the computer renders individual images (frames) showing the models' positions and movements at specific points in time.
- Motion Graphics: Still images, text, and design elements are animated through programmed changes over time, rendering a sequence of frames.
In every case, the final output that you watch is a rapid succession of still images, brought to life by the speed of their projection.
