Have you ever pondered why choppy animation can sometimes feel more satisfying?
Then step into the whimsical world of animation, where the magic lies not only in the frames but in the spaces between them. As an animator who cherishes the golden era of Looney Tunes and old-school charm, you understand that there’s more to crafting captivating animation than just the smoothness of movement.
Unlike the steady frame rates seen in video games, animation dances to its own rhythm. It’s a delightful symphony of “ones,” “twos,” “threes,” and “fours,” each beat carefully orchestrated to create an impact that leaves the audience spellbound. Just like a jazz improvisation, the animation shifts seamlessly from 24 fps to lower numbers, weaving a spellbinding tale of movement and emotion.
Remember those classic scenes from Cowboy Bebop, where the characters’ actions were beautifully accentuated by dancing between different frame rates? It’s these purposeful variations that give life to your work and keep that zany factor alive. The gaps between frames allow the viewer’s imagination to fill in the blanks, adding an element of surprise that hits the bullseye of their hearts like a sudden arrow (www.youtube.com, n.d.).
In your world, you embrace the duality of animation styles, celebrating the fast-paced, cartoony American approach while also appreciating the subtle aftereffects that Japanese animation brings to the table. Both styles have their unique charm, and as an animator, you wield the power to choose the perfect brush strokes for your masterpiece.
The nostalgia of the 90s with its limited, choppy animation style still holds a special place in your heart. It was an era where economic constraints pushed artists to emphasize impact over excessive frames. Yet, even with technological advancements paving the way for smoother animation, you see a resurgence of the limited, choppy style, proving that the allure of impact and artistic flair is timeless.
You find yourself in sync with this new trend, where digital animation meets deliberate limitations to create an art form that brims with personality. Embracing this style demands courage and artistic vision, as you challenge the computer to embrace your creative touch. The result is a viewing experience that fills the soul with satisfaction and appreciation for the craftsmanship behind it.
The groundbreaking Spider-Verse movie showed the world how animation can become a canvas for bold artistic decisions. Studios are now opening their doors to embrace the unique essence each artist brings, bringing back the soulful touch of hand-crafted animation. Instead of leaning onto one medium it honoured both and forced animation/animators to evolve with it (Spider man into the spider verse, 2018).
In my personal journey as an animator, I’ve discovered that animating on “threes,” “fours,” and beyond offers the perfect harmony of fluid motion and classical techniques. You play with overshoot and smears, infusing your creations with life and character, a true tribute to the art you adore and this is what my process is when I develop a particular scene.
In the end, it’s the deliberate choices and artistic finesse that elevate choppy animation to an engaging and impactful medium. As you pour your heart into each frame, you’re excited to witness this style’s resurgence, hoping that viewers, too, will recognize and embrace the sheer artistry that lies behind the magic of animation. So, keep spreading the joy of your zany creations and let the world revel in the enchanting dance of your animated wonders.
References
- Spiderman into the spiderverse. 2018. [Film] Directed by Phill Lord, Chris Miller. USA: Sony.
- http://www.youtube.com. (n.d.). How ‘Spider-Verse’ forced animation to evolve. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l96IgQmXmhM&t=126s [Accessed 30 Jul. 2023].
- http://www.youtube.com. (n.d.). Spike vs Asimov. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf48R459HSk [Accessed 30 Jul. 2023].
Arsalan Awais 