At Gisteo, we’re all about telling stories in engaging, creative ways. One of the most classic methods out there? Drawn animation.
Whether you’re a business looking to create a unique explainer video or just curious about how your favorite childhood cartoons were made, understanding drawn animation can give you a new appreciation for this timeless art form. Let’s take a closer look at the origin and uses of drawn animation.
What Exactly is Drawn Animation?
Drawn animation, often referred to as traditional animation, is the process where each frame of a film is hand-drawn. Yes, you heard that right—every single frame. Think of it like a flipbook, where each page is a slight variation from the one before it, creating the illusion of movement when played in sequence.
This method dates back to the early 20th century and has given us some of the most iconic animated works in history, from the classic Disney films (starting with Steamboat Wille) to the charming Saturday morning cartoons many of us grew up watching.
The Process Behind The Traditional Animation Process
Creating animation is a meticulous process, but that’s part of what makes it so special. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Storyboarding: Before any drawing begins, animators map out the entire story in a series of sketches. This helps to visualize the flow and pacing of the animation.
- Sketching Key Frames: The animator draws the key frames—the main points of action. For example, if a character is jumping, one key frame might be at the start of the jump, and another at the peak.
- In-Betweening: Also known as “tweening,” this step involves filling in the frames between the key frames to create smooth movement.
- Clean-Up and Inking: Once the rough sketches are complete, artists go over them to clean up the lines and add details. This is often done using digital tools, which help streamline the process while retaining the hand-drawn aesthetic.
- Coloring: The final step involves adding color to the drawings. While this was traditionally done by painting on transparent sheets called cels, modern drawn animation frequently utilizes digital software to achieve vibrant, consistent results.
Famous Examples of Traditional Animation
To truly appreciate the power of hand drawn animation, it helps to look at some of the iconic works that have shaped the industry.
Classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (the first full-length animated feature film) and The Lion Kingshowcase how hand-drawn animation can deliver breathtaking visuals and emotional storytelling.
Even today, films like Klaus blend traditional techniques with modern digital enhancements, proving that drawn animation continues to evolve while retaining its unique charm.
Why Choose Traditional Animation for Your Explainer Video?
You might be wondering, “Why go through all that effort when there are faster, more modern animation techniques available?” Here’s why drawn animation might be the perfect fit for your brand:
- Authenticity and Charm: There’s something inherently warm and nostalgic about hand-drawn visuals, even when created digitally. They evoke emotion and can make your message feel more personal.
- Unique Visual Style: Drawn animation allows for limitless creativity. You’re not confined by the rules of reality, so your brand can stand out with a distinct, memorable look.
- Timeless Appeal: While trends in animation styles come and go, drawn animation remains a classic. It doesn’t age the way some digital techniques might, giving your content longevity.
The Evolution of Drawn Animation: From Pencils to Pixels
While traditional drawn animation involved physical tools like pencils, ink, and cels, today’s animators have a powerful digital toolkit at their disposal.
Software like Toon Boom Harmony and Adobe Animate allows artists to replicate the hand-drawn aesthetic with greater efficiency and flexibility. This digital evolution means faster turnaround times without sacrificing the artistic integrity that defines drawn animation.
Modern Takes on Drawn Animation
While traditional hand-drawn animation is still beloved, many modern productions—including ours at Gisteo—blend old-school techniques with digital tools. This hybrid approach allows for the charm of hand-drawn art with the efficiency and flexibility of digital animation.
At Gisteo, we use advanced digital techniques to create animations that capture the essence of traditional drawn animation without the painstaking, frame-by-frame manual work. This means we can deliver high-quality, engaging content faster and more cost-effectively, while still maintaining that unique hand-drawn feel.
Final Thoughts
Drawn animation is more than just an art form—it’s a storytelling powerhouse for movies and ads. Its rich history and unique ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level make it a fantastic choice for brands looking to make a lasting impression.
Thinking about using traditional animation for your next explainer video? Let’s chat! At Gisteo, we’re a leading explainer video company passionate about bringing stories to life in the most engaging way possible, using the best of modern digital techniques to achieve that classic hand-drawn charm.