‘tis the season, ladies and gentlemen.

Yes, we know that Christmas is over, but we’re not talking about Santa Claus’s arrival.

We’re talking about the film awards season, typically starting from October to March. During these months, several significant film awards take place.

While each event is crucial in its own right, the Academy Awards take the (sorry, not sorry) award. People wait for it with berated breath, and fans of various movies take to the internet to ensure their picks aren’t snubbed.

Although there are many categories of the Academy Awards, the Best Animated Feature has all our attention. Like the previous years, this year’s lineup is competitive too, and many animated feature films are deserving of that title.

But of the 15 shortlisted films, only five are nominated.

So, which names can we expect to see this year?
Let’s have a rundown.

1- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Picture Courtesy: Columbia Pictures, Marvel Entertainment, Sony Pictures Animation, Pascal Pictures, Lord Miller Productions, Arad Productions, Sony Pictures Releasing

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse isn’t only expected to make it to the list, but win the prestigious trophy as well. As of writing this blog, the film has won the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards and Golden Globe Awards Best Animated Film and Best Animated Feature Film, respectively, cementing its position as the would-be champion.

Expectations were high from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, considering the excellent performance of its prequel, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. It was one of the best-reviewed films of the year; it even won the 91st Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

To say that Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse exceeded expectations would be an understatement. It has 8.6 ratings on IMDb and grossed almost $700 million.

So, all eyes are on the Sony-produced film to take home the statuette.

2- The Boy and the Heron

Picture Courtesy: Studio Ghibli

The Boy and the Heron had one of the most intriguing marketing campaigns (or the lack of). Prior to the release, no one had a clue about the film’s plot, and it was intentional.

The producer of the film, Toshio Suzuki, opted to ditch the traditional marketing campaign because he believes it “over-reveals the film’s content.” Even the cast and crew of the film were kept under wraps.

But when a name as big as ‘Studio Ghibli’ is attached to a film, it could be about a wheel-chair stricken woman watching paint dry, and people would still turn up to watch it.

That’s what happened with The Boy and the Heron. Made on a budget of $49 million, the film has grossed almost $150 million, earning rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.

At this point, The Boy and the Heron is all but guaranteed to show up on the list.

3- Elemental

Picture Courtesy: Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

2023 will go down as one of the worst years for Disney, particularly animated films. The studio that once made billi0n-dollar grossing animated movies has seemed to have lost its magic.

Wish, made on a budget of $200 million, couldn’t even breakthrough, ending its theatrical run with barely $225 million. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case with the studio’s other film – made in collaboration with Pixar – Elemental.

Although initially, Elemental opened to lower projections than expected, the strong word of mouth helped the film reach a few million dollars short of $500 million.

Elemental was a creative challenge, according to the producers. The placement of fire and water at the center of a rom-com was unprecedented for animated films. That’s why it took 7 years and 151,000 computers for this project to be completed.

Since Pixar’s establishment, rarely has the studio’s titles missed being nominated. So, it’s highly unlikely for Elemental not to get a nod.

4- Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Picture Courtesy: Aardman Animations, Netflix Animation, Netflix

In 2000, a group of chickens, after going through hell and back, successfully break out of a farm to escape their tragic fate. 23 years later, they’re back for more.

In case you couldn’t connect the dots, we’re talking about the much-adored stop-motion animated film, Chicken Run, and its sequel, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.

This time, however, the chickens are back on a larger and more colorful scale, thanks to technological advancement. For instance, while making Chicken Run, animators completed an average of one second per week; this duration was increased to an average of one second per day for the sequel.

Although Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget didn’t fair as well as its predecessor, we’re still hopeful it’ll show up in the final list. That said, it was a pleasant ride on its own.

If not for anything else, we hope for nostalgia’s sake?

5- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem/Nimona/The Super Mario Bros. Movie

While the first four films on this list are all but confirmed (according to us, anyway), the fifth title is nothing short of a wild card entry. There are many contenders, but of course, only one will show up.

The question is, which one will it be?

This could go either way, but we expect one of the following names to make it to the list:

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
• Nimona
• The Super Mario Bros. Movie

All three are strong contenders, and it’s super hard for us to root for just one.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem was one of the freshest takes on the crime-fighting turtles; the voice actors fit perfectly, and the animation style was quite unique.

Netflix’s Nimona was a welcome change on what’s it like being a monster. The perfect fusion of humor and heart made the film a beautiful and sentimental journey.

Last but not least, we can’t deny the irresistible charm of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The fast-paced adventure, starring Mario, Princess Peach, and Luigi, was a wholesome watch for people of all age groups to enjoy.

Dropping the Curtain

With less than a day to go for Oscar nominations, the excitement is building up. The advertising campaigns are in full swing, with studios putting all they got in the hopes of getting their movies nominated.

It’s going to be a tough call for the Best Animated Feature category. Expect to see many snubs and surprises because, with these award shows, you can never be certain.

But we are certain about at least 4 titles that we’ve mentioned. Make sure to check back after the nominations have been announced to see whether we were right (spoiler alert: we will be).

We finally saw the end of the ‘Hollywood can’t make good animated films based on video games’ trope; The Super Mario Bros. Movie made sure of that.

This year also witnessed the rise in some interesting animation trends, like the fusion of 2D and 3D styles and kinetic typography.

But we say it on everyone’s behalf – if there’s one thing we’re glad to leave in 2023, it’s the SAG-AFTRA Strike.

For those whose knowledge could use a little brush up, here’s what happened:

The 2023 SAG-AFTRA Strike, Explained

On July 14, actors who were a part of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) went on strike.

Their demands were related to streaming royalties and the usage of AI (thanks – or no thanks – to AI, it’s possible to use the digital likeness of an actor for a project without requiring their physical presence. Some studios did this without obtaining consent from the actors, which was one of the significant components of the strike).

If that wasn’t enough, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) also went on strike. Though they were on a separate strike, the reasons were the same: poor compensation due to the rise of streaming media and the increased usage of AI during writing, among others.

The SAG-AFTRA strike, combined with the WGA strike, resulted in the loss of 45,000 jobs and $6.5 billion to the economy of Southern California.

Many productions were shut down, considering the strike barred actors from taking part in promotional campaigns for films and TV shows.

The writers were also not to take part in writing, rewriting, or even pitching projects to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

As of writing this blog, both the strikes have ended. The SAG-AFTRA members agreed on a tentative agreement on November 8, while the WGA members did the same on September 24.

Actors, as well as writers, went back to work after a multi-day pause.

This whole scenario reminded us of another strike. Though unlike the 2023 one, this one changed Hollywood – specifically the animation industry – forever.

The Disney Animators’ Strike – Different Era, Same Issues

In the late 1930s, a new leading Hollywood man had taken the industry by storm. He had big ears and wore a red shirt and yellow oversized shoes – Mickey Mouse.

It was Mickey Mouse’s film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs that everyone could talk about. And the movie had earned the studio a record-breaking profit.

But those who worked on the film were not happy with the success of either. To give you an accurate picture, here’s how many people contributed to making Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs:

• 32 Animators
• 1032 Assistants
• 107 Inbetweeners
• 10 Layout Artists
• 25 Background Artists
• 65 Special Effects Animators
• 158 Inkers and Painters

Source: Walt Disney Family Museum

At a time when technologies to make an animated feature film were pretty much non-existent, this was a massive challenge. But apparently, Walt Disney had no regard for his employees.

Two months before the film’s release, the production staff was informed that they’d need to speed up so the movie could be released on time. That meant giving the studio 10 and a half hours 6 days a week.

When asked whether the employees would receive pay time, Disney was like:

Source: GIPHY

So, behind the scenes, things weren’t sailing smoothly. Experts believe that the seed of discontent for Disney was planted around this time.

20% of the film’s earnings were to be distributed among the 800 studio employees, as promised by Walt Disney himself. That also turned out to be a lie, as Disney invested the money in a corporate complex.

Among those who felt rejected was Disney’s top animator, Art Babbitt. Responsible for animating characters like Goofy, the Wicked Queen, and Geppetto, Babbitt was more like a trusted ally to Disney.

Due to Babbitt’s position, he was given a fancy office and a separate desk. Despite earning a high salary and enjoying other benefits, Babbitt, unlike others, lent a sympathetic ear to the problems of the other workers. He voted for the artists to form a union.

That was the last nail in the coffin for Disney. The company abruptly fired Babbitt. A day after the incident, the Disney strike began.

As It Happened

It was the early morning of May 28, 1941. Hundreds of artists had lined up outside the gates of The Walt Disney Studios. They were holding pickets that read ‘Snow White and 700 Dwarfs,’ ‘Are We Mice or Men?’ and ‘1 Genius Against 1200 Guinea Pigs’

A month into the strike, Disney drove by the studios. Babbitt shouted that ‘Disney ought to be ashamed.’ If it wasn’t for the intervention of the bystanders, it would’ve been a full-fledged fight between Disney and Babbitt, according to eyewitnesses.

Source: GIPHY

The strikers stayed on the picket line until Disney recognized their union, asking for a better work environment and rightful compensation.

Walt Disney Was Just the Tip of the Iceberg

It’s weird to think that in today’s corporate world, someone would be against unions, but they’re still resisted by people in power. Take Edwin Catmull as an example.

The former president of the Walt Disney Animation Studios was strongly against unions and even went to great lengths to keep Pixar, a company he co-founded, union-free.

Because of his firm stance on unions, Pixar’s employees earn less than the staff that’s a part of a union. It’s completely unbelievable, considering Disney and Pixar are two of the most celebrated and highly valued animation production studios in the world.

The strike lasted nine weeks, longer than any party had considered. Ultimately, Walt Disney had to agree to the animators’ (fairly appropriate) demands, giving them better wages, working conditions, and union recognition.

Those who quit working at the studio during the strike were also asked to return; some did, while others left it for good.

The Takeaway

The 1941 Disney Animators’ Strike was the first of the many conflicts between collective labor and monopolized power. It also proved what can happen when people form a union to raise their voices against a common evil, which, in this case, was Walt Disney.

Here’s to giving animators, illustrators, voiceover artists, and every other hard-working individual their due.

Ethics are an integral part of every industry. Without a set of rules monitoring our actions, the world would become a messy and chaotic place.

And having guidelines that monitor our behavior has never been more important, considering we live in the digital era. It’s the age of media consumption habits, with an average person watching hundreds of ads on a daily basis.
Animated videos, particularly, have become a common tool for businesses to engage with their audiences. Although it’s extremely helpful, animation can easily fall victim to discarding ethics.

For instance, promoting your tech company at the cost of degrading another is considered dirty politics. On the other hand, it’s quite simple to convey your business’s key strengths without pulling another organization down.

This is just scratching the surface; while creating an animated video, there are many approaches that are no-go zones.

Let us examine them in detail.

1.   Deceptive Content

What exactly makes content deceptive?
Well, anything that isn’t true, and you’re saying it just because you know viewers will gobble it up, is deceptive content.

Some examples of deceptive content include misleading information, inaccurate details, or false claims.

You should ensure that your videos are transparent and factual, as this will earn viewers’ approval too.

There have been many brands that, after making false claims in their videos, were instructed to pull those ads. In addition, some had to settle after paying huge fines.

2.   Irresponsible Ad Running

As a business owner, a major portion of your earnings might come from pay-per-click (PPC) ads. But if those ads – in this case, animated videos – are placed on shady websites, it could yield two disastrous results:
a) Hackers can steal visitors’ personal information.
b) Cybercriminals may access your company’s crucial data, or worse, they may sell it to your competitors.

Therefore, it’s of paramount importance that your digital ad campaigns appear on safe and secure websites.

3. Cultural Appropriation

We all grew up with problematic tropes in animated TV shows, not knowing the implications. For example, in one of The Smurfs’ episodes, a Smurf turns black after being bitten by a fly, prompting the others to run away from him.

Similarly, in Mr. Magoo, the titular character had a Chinese houseboy named Chollie, who had huge buck teeth and spoke in broken English, a stereotype of an Asian person.

So, when creating an animated video, it’s imperative you stay far away from this harmful representation of characters, no matter how much they’re enjoyed.

4. Copyrighted Material

Nothing angers you more than seeing someone else claim your hard work as their own. It’s not only against ethics, but it also becomes a source of frustration for business owners.

Since you wouldn’t want this to happen to you, it’s only fair that you do nothing of the sort. That said, there are better ways to use someone’s content in your video without violating copyright and intellectual property law, like asking for permission.

5. Non-Family-Friendly Content

If you want to run your animated video on multiple platforms, you should use a suitable rating system or an appropriate content warning to avoid complaints, lawsuits, or bans.

Eliminate any elements that are not family-friendly in your video, such as violence, nudity, profanity, or drugs. And if you want to use non-family-friendly content, add a viewer’s discretion.

6. Environmental Consciousness

Ethical considerations in animation go beyond what’s being presented in the video. How it’s presented also matters. By that, we mean minimizing your carbon footprint.

You must adapt eco-friendly methodologies during the animated project. For instance, use digital tools instead of using paper. Similarly, it would be best if your team worked remotely instead of having everyone come to the office.

7. Fair Wages

Like the previous point, this point also goes beyond individual studio practices. It involves advocacy and education within the industry.

Behind each animated video, there’s a bunch of hardworking people who breathe life into ideas. If the compensation isn’t fair or the working conditions are toxic and overall unsafe, it’s highly unethical for your staff.

In addition, your employees have the right to be thoroughly trained so they can keep up with technological advancements.

8. Accurate Depiction

The commitment to accurate depiction in the realm of animation holds significant importance. As a storyteller, the onus is on you to ensure your medium precisely reflects the facts, staying away from inaccuracies.

While distorting the tale of what happened could give your video a boost, you should consider the implications. It could be termed as profiting off of someone’s tragedy.

That’s a surefire way to lose viewers, considering companies that exploit catastrophes are met with a hostile response.

9. Informed Consent

Expanding more on the previous point, if you are animating a true story, make sure you have the consent of the people involved in it. When you’re communicating with them, make sure you narrate exactly how much of their story you will show.

In addition, it would be best to change the name of the people for privacy purposes. The final result should align with their wishes.

The Importance of Being Mindful During Animation Production

While making an animated video, you must consider its impact on people, societies, and cultures. Paying no heed to the nitty gritty of animation would harm your brand. Moreover, it’s crucial because:

• Reflecting authentic flavors of every culture cultivates a sense of representation for the viewers, no matter where they are.
• Avoiding perpetuating stereotypes establishes credibility, guaranteeing your brand can be trusted wholeheartedly.
• Focusing on workers’ wages and benefits prevents exploitation of your employees, ensuring the staff never feels burned out.
• Adhering to ethical considerations helps you steer clear of government regulations governing content creation.
• Addressing social issues in your animated video contributes to a more compassionate society.

Concluding the Blog

Animated videos are a powerful tool to get your message across. But do not confuse your freedom of speech with a right to discard the ethical guidelines monitoring the digital media landscape.

At AnimationProLabs, we follow tried-and-true ethical rules that shape our behavior, whether dealing with internal or external matters. And we hope everyone else does, too.

And this time, the five central emotions – Joy, Anger, Disgust, Fear, and Sadness – are joined by others, with Anxiety already becoming a fan favorite.

Twitter had a ball with the introduction; one of the netizens claimed that “There’s, like, 5 of these in my brain.” Another said, “Shout out to the animator for knowing exactly what anxiety should look like: a weird little guy.”

Source: GIPHY

Among the excitement, however, there were some concerns.

The Curious Case of Missing Voice Actors

Source: GIPHY

The actors who voiced Disgust and Fear – Mindy Kaling and Bill Hader – were replaced by two different actors. Upon further investigation, we found out that both were offered only $100,000 each, while Amy Poehler, who voices Joy, was offered $5 million plus additional fees and bonuses.

So, we connected the dots and deduced that Kaling and Hader were making 1% of what Poehler was making. And that’s why they refused to return.

Now, some might argue that Joy was the lead of the pack in Inside Out. So, it’s understandable why Poehler was earning a heftier income for the sequel. However, Kaling and Hader are comedians and well-established actors in their own right; it doesn’t make sense to treat them like this.

Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Deep down, there’s a bigger problem plaguing Hollywood and the animation industry as a whole: voice-over (VO) artists are underpaid.

The Compensation VO Artists Receive

How much a VO artist earns depends on multiple factors, like their experience and project length. But to give you a ballpark figure, here’s what the compensation looks like:

• Beginners
Entry-level artists usually start with small projects, earning around $100 to $300 per project.

• Mid-Level
Once VO artists start to gain experience and exposure, they can – and should – negotiate higher rates, preferably $300 to $1000+ per project.

• Experts
A VO artist possessing a wealth of experience should charge $1000 – several thousand dollars per project. At this stage, they’ve practically achieved the celebrity status, which is why the high fee is justifiable.

Important: Some production houses hire actors to voice characters and pay a hefty amount simply because they’ll attract more crowd. Reese Witherspoon, who voiced Susan Murphy in Monsters vs. Aliens, reportedly earned $10 million for the project.

The Unsung Heroes of the Media Industry

The media and entertainment landscape are vast, with many talents brushed under the rug. VO artists, unfortunately, belong to the list. In spite of the fact that you hear their voices probably more than your own, their contributions are often overlooked.

VO artists breathe life into characters, commercials, films, TV shows, documentaries, and just about every message conveyed using the medium of videos.

They communicate emotions, form relationships, and evoke emotional responses without even appearing in front of the viewers. That’s a testament to their artistic prowess.

The True Chameleons of the Entertainment World

Source: GIPHY

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that VO artists are chameleons in human form. From swapping accents to changing voice modulation, they know exactly when to seamlessly transition between diverse characters.

For instance, did you know that Tommy from Rugrats was voiced by a female VO artist E. G. Daily? Similarly, some of the primary characters in Bob’s Burgers are women, yet they’re voiced by men.

Skills Galore

VO artists are insanely talented. They’re brimming with skills that help them become the masters of the field. Some of them include, but are not limited to:

1. Voice Control and Range

Voice pitch, tone, and range are crucial for VO artists, and they’re able to control it with precision. They also practice expanding their vocal range to play different characters.

2. Words Pronunciation and Dictation

Word pronunciation and dictation matter a lot for VO artists. And they’re excellent at it, ensuring the messages they deliver are easily understood by the listeners and viewers.

3. Acting

Recording a voice-over is not just about randomly blurting our words. In many ways, it’s akin to acting, where you understand the character and then convey your emotions without overplaying.

Art That Transcends Geographical Boundaries

Geographical restrictions do not bind art; it transcends boundaries, especially videos. Take the US’s example. Despite boasting high-quality local animation production studios, there’s a huge fan following of foreign content, particularly anime based on Japanese manga and Studio Ghibli.

But those films and anime are in Japanese. While many prefer watching them in the original language, some have trouble following the subtitles and the scenes at the same time.

Do you know who comes to the rescue here? Yes, you guessed it right – VO artists.

Typically, they go through a lengthy process to translate the lines from Japanese to English before recording them. All so those watching (in this case, you) can easily understand and enjoy the video in their native language.

Adaptability in an Ever-Changing Landscape

Like every other industry, the media and entertainment industry are constantly evolving. The emergence of new technologies and trends drives VO artists to hone their skills.

Fortunately, VO artists are more than up for the task.

Take AI’s example. In the past few years, it has penetrated almost every industry worldwide. Today, it’s even possible to get an AI tool to record a human-like voice-over.

But do you know how VO artists responded to this?
By focusing on creativity, developing unique skills, and giving their voices more depth.

This way, even the most advanced AI tool will not be able to replicate the warmth found in a human’s voice. Not in a hundred years.

The Takeaway: VO Artists Deserve More Recognition and Compensation

VO artists do far more than just narrate sentences. Every word that comes out of their mouth has a purpose: to effectively convey the message being presented.

So, the next time you’re watching a commercial or an animated film and feel a rush of emotions flowing through you, appreciate the VO artists who managed to make it happen.

While this may come as a shock to you, chances are that you’ve probably seen it on a website or mobile app but didn’t notice.

We’re talking about UI animation: the visual effects added to website elements to make them interactive. You know, when you move a mouse cursor to a call to action (CTA), it changes its appearance.

Source: GIPHY

If this is your first foray into the world of animation or you’re a UI designer looking to incorporate animation in your creations, welcome. In this blog post, we’ll cover the basics of UI animation.

So, let us begin:

Dissecting UI Animation

UI animation, which stands for user interface animation, refers to the usage of interactive motions and transitions in a digital product. It can be anything: a website, mobile app, or software.

Although designers add interactive elements for plenty of reasons, the primary objective is to enhance user experience.

In the initial stages, when UI animation had recently become a ‘thing,’ designers used to FLOOD their creations with colorful animated gifs. However, it became too gaudy for visitors, and they started complaining.

It even resulted in websites losing visitors.

Eventually, designers learned the psychology of colors, each associated with a different emotion.

(On a related note, if you’d like to read more about how colors impact viewers, read our blog, The Importance of Colors in Animation.)

Today, designers treat UI animation as a decorative item, meticulously incorporating it into a design so it flows smoothly.

It’s important not to interchange UI animation with motion graphics. While both have something to do with visual elements, they are different.

Motion graphics may be used in various other mediums, such as films and televisions. UI animation, on the other hand, is strictly confined to websites, software, and apps.

Understanding Different Types of UI Animation

UI animation types can be divided into the following four types:

1. Loading: Have you ever played a video game where they display an element to show that the game is loading? Perhaps an hourglass or the studio’s logo. Some websites, while loading, show a similar symbol.

Source: GIPHY

2. Progress: Next up, we have progress. In most cases, it’s a bar on top that shows how far you’ve performed a particular task. For instance, these days, it’s common for blog-based websites to use this. When you start reading the blog, the bar will be empty. However, as you proceed, the bar will slowly fill, showing your progress.

Source: GIPHY

3. State Changes: When you’re installing software, there’s a long list of terms and conditions, and at the end, there’s a tick. It’s coupled with a CTA, which is often dark. Unless you check the tick, you won’t be able to click the CTA. When you check the tick, the CTA becomes clickable. This small transition is known as a state change.

4. Microinteraction: Every time a notification pops up on your phone, it takes the form of UI animation. It could be a box or a round bubble. This type is called microinteraction. Apart from notifications, you’ll see this in page transitions, content loading, and more.

Source: GIPHY

Tips for Using UI Animation Without Going Overboard

We established in the beginning that you have to be really careful with how you use UI animation. If it’s not sophisticated, your strategy to attract more visitors will backfire.

But there’s no need to worry. We’re sharing a few tried and tested tips for using animation in UI that you must keep in mind.

Give It a Purpose

Every animation should serve a purpose. Maybe it’s guiding the user’s attention or providing feedback. And if it doesn’t have a specific objective, that’s completely fine, too. Just be sure to consider the background elements where it’s used.

Keep the Transitions Smooth

UI animation is all about the transition. So, the smoother it is, the more attractive it’ll be. On the other hand, if the transition is clunky, it’ll produce a negative impression on the visitors.

Maintain Consistency

Consistency plays a crucial role in UI animation, delivering a cohesive user experience. It also contributes to a strong brand identity and establishes trust. Maintaining consistency is also important because it provides a clear direction to visitors instead of confusing them.

Consider Performance Optimization

Your UI animation should be optimized for mobile devices. This part is essential because animations in designs are heavy and may impact the performance of the website. So, make sure it doesn’t hinder the overall experience of the user with slow speed.

Prioritize Usability Above Everything Else

It’s easy to use flashy UI animation on your website or application. But it’ll become a distraction instead of a primary focal point. Hence, prioritize usability over putting up a dog and pony show. To get an idea of whether users will like a certain element, make it available for beta users first. And use the feedback to improve or make changes.

Provide Feedback on User Interactions

When a user clicks something, they must be made aware whether their action resulted in a reaction. For example, make the CTA change color when the user clicks it, indicating that their response has been recorded.

Make the UI Animation Follow Real Life

One of the biggest principles of animation, according to numerous experts, is that it should mimic real life. This means objects and characters should move as they do in reality.

Let’s say you have a volume knob on the screen. When users rotate it clockwise, it should increase the volume. Similarly, the volume should decrease when users rotate it anti-clockwise.

Last Words: Until the Next Blog

There are many techniques for using animation in UI, each with plenty of room for creativity. Ultimately, it’s the test of your skills. The more out-of-the-box you think, the better it’ll translate to the website, software, or app.

Just remember the primary objective of UI animation, i.e., enhancing user experience, and it’s guaranteed to produce positive results for your business.

What is your earliest memory of watching an animated film or TV show?

Forgive us if our calculations are wrong, but it must’ve been Mulan or X-Men: The Animated Series.

This means your connection with the medium has been strong since the beginning. It also means that animated movies or series still have a powerful hold over you.

You line up at the theater to be the first to watch an animated film and cozy up on your bed when Netflix releases an animated series.

So, when someone says, “You still watch animated movies? It might be time you grew up,” it’s understandable why you wanna punch their teeth. But there’s no need to resort to violence, no matter how much someone deserves it.

Instead, you can answer with reason. If you run short of material for that, consider this blog your defense against those naysayers.

The Incident That Started the Fire: The 94th Oscars

What is your earliest memory of watching an animated film or TV show?

Forgive us if our calculations are wrong, but it must’ve been Mulan or X-Men: The Animated Series.

This means your connection with the medium has been strong since the beginning. It also means that animated movies or series still have a powerful hold over you.

You line up at the theater to be the first to watch an animated film and cozy up on your bed when Netflix releases an animated series.

So, when someone says, “You still watch animated movies? It might be time you grew up,” it’s understandable why you wanna punch their teeth. But there’s no need to resort to violence, no matter how much someone deserves it.

Instead, you can answer with reason. If you run short of material for that, consider this blog your defense against those naysayers.

The Incident That Started the Fire: The 94th Oscars

Photo Credits: Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Lord Miller Productions, One Cool Films, Neon

In 2022, while presenting the Best Animated Feature Film award at the 94th Oscars, actresses Lily James, Naomi Scott, and Halle Bailey poked fun at how kids watch animated films over and over again.

They also referred to parents out there who know exactly what they were talking about.

In the same ceremony, attempted comedian Amy Schumer emphasized that animation is a medium kids enjoy while adults endure.

Following this, many animators and the general public took to the internet to – rightfully – express their disapproval of the statement.

Interestingly, all animated films up for the prestigious award the same year had darker, more mature themes.

• Encanto explored intergenerational trauma.
• Flee was about an Afghan refugee fleeing the war-torn country.
• Luca followed a boy struggling to find his place in the world.
• The Mitchells vs. Machines shed light on how technology keeps families apart.
• Raya and the Last Dragon blurred the lines between hope and trust.

So, technically, none of the films were for kids, who primarily watch them because of the vivid colors and goody characters.

The Animation Industry: Withstanding the Toughest Storms

More than two years ago, almost every business came to a stop due to the global pandemic Covid-19. People were laid off, and salaries were cut, making it hard for everyone to make ends meet.

The impact on the entertainment world was no different. Live-action movies couldn’t be filmed, and video games faced indefinite delays.

Amidst the chaos, one market kept going, and it was – you guessed it right – the animation industry.

The newer episodes of many animated series aired according to the schedule.

This meant the creative teams behind the shows were actively working, albeit from their homes. Actors voicing characters were also able to record their lines because of the equipment they owned.

And it doesn’t just end there.

The live-action industry reportedly terminated more than 200,000 people. But things were entirely different for the animation industry.

Bento Box Entertainment, the studio behind the hit animated TV show Bob’s Burgers, surprised everyone by announcing it’s looking to hire 20 freelancers to work remotely.

So, reducing an institution that plays a significant role in boosting the US economy to a medium merely for the juvenile audience would undermine the hard work of hundreds of artists, to say the least.

The Success of Adult Animated Television Series

Photo Credits: Gracie Films, 20th Television

It’s impossible to talk about the success of adult animated television series and not mention the one that undoubtedly paved the way – The Simpsons.

In the 1980s, experts believed animated shows were solely reserved for children. In addition, making an adult-centered TV series would require a prime-time slot (8 PM to 11 PM).

The Simpsons would later change this perception. It also encouraged studios to try their hands at adult-focused animated shows.

Some were successful, including the likes of Family Guy and King of the Hill; others were met with a dismissive response, such as Fish Police and Capitol Critters.

Though some of The Simpsons’ episodes are kid-friendly, the majority of them contain adult themes, crude language, and even violence.

Today, the adult animation industry has an identity of its own, and there’s even a Netflix category dedicated to these shows. It consists of:

• Rick and Morty
• BoJack Horseman
• Big Mouth
• Blood of Zeus
• Human Resources

The First Successful Animated Adult Comedy Film: Sausage Party

Picture Courtesy: Columbia Pictures, Annapurna Pictures, Point Grey Pictures, Nitrogen Studios

Further solidifying the belief that animation was meant to be enjoyed by adults was Sausage Party. It was the first computer-animated movie to receive R-rating because of the language and other vulgar elements.

While many criticized the film for its over-the-top usage of profanity, ultimately, it was a hit among the audience; Sausage Party grossed more than $130 million on a budget of $19 million.

That’s a massive achievement, especially considering R-rated films have a narrow target audience and are even considered risky.

The Exciting New Chapter: Superhero Animated Films

Picture Courtesy: Columbia Pictures, Marvel Entertainment, Sony Pictures Animation

Superheroes have always enjoyed the spotlight in our lives.

In the 1940s, comic books based on various superheroes rose to popularity. A few decades later, TV shows and films based on comic book characters graced our screens, with X-Men being the tentpole many consider to be the pioneer of superhero films.

Then, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) entered the business, and, well, the rest is history. But there came a time when everyone got tired of flying aliens hellbent on destroying New York, only for the city to be saved by men and women in capes.

The phenomenon even has a term – superhero fatigue.

But just when people thought they had seen enough of Spider-Man films (8, for crying out loud. And we’re not even talking about the ones preceding the 2000s), Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was released.

It received critical acclaim, sending out a strong message: you can breathe life into old franchises if you’re creative enough. Marvel’s rival, DC, also released its fair share of animated films, with Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2 receiving particular praise.

The LEGO Batman Movie also deserves a shout-out.

It’s Time to Give the Animation Industry Its Due

Illustrators, storyboard artists, and animators work far too tirelessly for their work to be considered juvenile. While some are intentionally targeted toward the younger audience, pigeonholing the entire industry is simply unacceptable.

Here’s to all those who feel their work goes underappreciated; we see you and your efforts.

Sonic’s earlier design (left) was panned by the audiences and critics. After listening to the fans’ feedback, the character was redesigned (right), much to everyone’s delight.

Do you remember the backlash that followed after the first photo from the live-action Sonic film went viral? For those who don’t, the character animation of the titular hero was severely criticized, with some calling it the stuff of nightmares and creepy as heck.

Less than a year later, a new trailer was unveiled, and the response to the character design was overwhelmingly positive. Above everything else, fans were especially appreciative that the studios thoroughly listened to their feedback and made the changes accordingly.

The point of sharing this story is to establish that bringing characters to life is one of the trickiest parts of animation. But at the same time, it’s enormously essential, as you’ve learned from the tale of Sonic.

So, if you’re also on the hunt for tips to improve your character animation, whether as a beginner or pro, you’ve come to the right place.

In today’s blog, we’ll share helpful tips for animating characters that AnimationProLabs, over the years, has discovered and perfected.

1. Observe the Characters in the Real World

Source: GIPHY

If you run short of inspiration while animating a character, look no further than its real-life counterpart. Whether it’s an adorable kitty or an evil emperor, our world is filled with examples that can help you draw them, well, not perfectly, but as close as possible.

Many animators, while working on high-budgeted animated feature films, often observe the voice actors recording dialogues for reference.

2. Understand the Psychology of Movement

Source: GIPHY

While observing real-life characters is great, you must take things further by understanding movement psychology. This includes how humans (or whatever you’re animating) react to their surroundings or change their facial expressions.

And this is not limited to physical movements. How the character thinks or what’s going on in their mind is also worth paying attention to. You’ll be able to animate better once you have a clear understanding of the minutiae.

3. Learn How Gravity Works

Source: GIPHY

Unless your video is set in space, gravity will affect each character differently; you must consider this while working on your project.

For instance, heavy characters tend to walk differently than lighter ones. Remember, body weight and proportion have a significant impact on how a person moves.

The accuracy of your scenes, particularly when you involve gravity, depends on how well you researched prior to starting your project.

4. Time Your Character’s Movements Accurately

Source: GIPHY

Understanding how your characters move is not enough; you must also have a deeper comprehension of when to make them move. If you do it too early or too late, it’ll make everyone look unrealistic and funny (despite your intention).

So, if your character is happy, their movements will be quick and sharp. On the other hand, if the person is sad, they’ll react slowly.

5. Start with a Simple Model

Source: GIPHY

Watching Pixar and Disney films may inspire you to create super-realistic characters, but there’s no need to strive for perfection. At least, not when you’re just starting.

Instead, start with a simple rig – the digital structure or skeleton of a character – before moving toward improving its appearance. If you spend all of your time on the rig, it could delay the project or cause additional problems.

6. Sketch the Key Poses in the Beginning

Source: GIPHY

Making an animated video is complex, and animators have to follow a meticulous process. But if you sketch the key poses in the beginning, your journey will be, well, not exactly smooth, but you’ll face fewer hurdles along the way.

Not only will doing so save your precious time, but it will also provide you with a better sense of direction moving forward.

7. Animate the Eyes First

Source: GIPHY

It’s easy to miss this: our movements are always guided by our eyes. If you think of moving toward a specific direction, your eyes will be the first to look at that spot, followed by the neck and body.

In addition, experts agree that the eyes are the first thing people see when they look at others. So, it’s highly likely your viewers will do the same. Expect this time, the eyes will be animated.

8. Keep the Character Speech Generic

Source: GIPHY

No one spells out each letter in a word separately, which is why you should keep the character speech generic. For example, make them say ‘product’ instead of emphasizing every word, like ‘p,’ ‘r,’ ‘o,’ ‘d,’ ‘u,’ ‘c,’ ‘t’.

Otherwise, if you exaggerate every letter, it’ll make the mouth of the character appear irregular and far from reality. The lips should move just enough to portray that they are, in fact, uttering something.

9. Balance Your Character

Source: GIPHY

Remember that gravity point we discussed a few paragraphs ago? Keeping that in mind, learn how to balance your character using gravity as the central force.

And unless you are intentionally exaggerating a character’s movements – like they do in cartoons – do not overdo anything. Only then will they appear natural and believable to the audience.

10. Understand the Character’s Personality

Source: GIPHY

It’s a universal fact that shy or reserved people, in real life, avoid eye contact, speak softly, and hunch their shoulders. On the other hand, outgoing individuals exhibit confidence and are more expressive.

The character’s appropriate body language should be visible in the video. To understand how to make them express emotions, you’ll have to work on developing the character’s personality, whether they’re open, friendly, rigid, or something else.

Wrapping It Up

You cannot become excellent at animating characters overnight; it’s a long process that requires months – or years – of dedication and practice. However, if you start today, you’ll be one step closer to becoming good at it.

The tips we’ve mentioned in this blog will significantly help on your journey. Keep them in your rearview mirror, and you’re all set.

With Halloween just around the corner, we hope you’re fully prepared to get your spooky on. And by that, we don’t mean only getting your Barbie costume ready (mark our words – everyone will be Barbie this year. Or M3gan).

We’re referring to what you’ll be doing after spending the entire evening tricking or treating – watching scary films. If we’re not wrong, your television had already been playing horror content on a loop throughout October.

But if that horror content consists merely of live-action movies, you’re missing out – big time. You should also consider playing Halloween-themed animated feature films.

And before you say, “What am I? 8?” let us tell you that animated films are not solely for juvenile audiences. On the contrary, some are no-go for kids.

So, here’s our roundup of the best animated movies to watch this Halloween:

1. Corpse Bride

Picture Courtesy: Tim Burton Productions, Laika Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Pictures

It’d be a cardinal sin to talk about Halloween-themed animated films and not start with Tim Burton’s directorial Corpse Bride.

Spoiler Alert: Most films on this list are by the acclaimed director of macabre. We’re not playing favorites; it’s just that he’s the king of stop-motion, comedy-horror animated movies.

Set in a village in England, Corpse Bride follows a shy young man named Victor Van Dort. He, while practicing his wedding vows, inadvertently brings a dead woman, Emily, to life, who thinks they just got married.

Apart from an intriguing story, Corpse Bride has an A-list voice cast (Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emily Watson), as well as beautiful stop-motion character designs.

The film is utterly delightful and makes for a spooktacular Halloween watch.

2. Monster House

Picture Courtesy: Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media, ImageMovers, Amblin Entertainment

Do you have a sinister-looking house in your neighborhood infamous for having a creepy history?

One where the spirits of a young woman in black can be allegedly seen roaming around? Or perhaps people have heard sounds of wailing, even though it has been abandoned for the past 20 years.

Monster House took the idea quite literally, but with a twist: instead of making phantoms or ghosts the primary antagonists, the house itself is the monster (hence, the name); three kids find that out the hard way.

What sets Monster House apart from similar offerings is the house’s poignant backstory. Here’s a house that looks terrifying enough to give you nightmares, yet you’re able to understand its emotions and even feel sad for it.

3. Frankenweenie

Picture Courtesy: Walt Disney Pictures, Tim Burton Productions, and Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture

Equal parts homage and parody of the famous Frankenstein film (and book), Frankenweenie follows the same plot. However, this time, it’s not a person brought back to life but a beloved pet. And the deed is done by a young boy, Victor Frankenstein.

Unable to cope with the death of his pet Bull Terrier Sparky, he brings it to life using a lighting bolt. After finding this out, Victor’s neighbors and friends start doing the same, resulting in total chaos.

The Tim Burton-directed (we did warn you in the beginning) animated feature film works on many levels – as a comedy film, a horror movie, and a heartwarming tale about a boy who’d go to any lengths to bring his pet back.

4. ParaNorman

Picture Courtesy: Laika, Focus Features, and Universal Pictures

The whole ‘someone accidentally raises the dead’ trope has been done to death (sorry, not sorry), but ParaNorman manages to distinguish itself with a unique story.

It’s about a young boy, Norman Babcock, with the gift of being able to talk with the dead. After the sudden death of his uncle, Norman is informed that he must participate in an ancient ritual to prevent a witch’s curse from wreaking havoc on his town.

ParaNorman is reportedly one of the first stop-motion animated films whose characters were made using a 3D color printer. Because of this unique style, watching the film is a delightful and immersive experience.

Clearly, everyone agreed because it got nominated for an Oscar as well as a BAFTA.

5. Hotel Transylvania

Picture Courtesy: Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and Sony Pictures Releasing

What would happen if you were to gather all famous monsters in a human-free hotel? More importantly, what madness would ensue if the hotel were to be visited by a human?

If you’re interested in finding the answer, you should check in at Hotel Transylvania, a 2012 computer-animated film.

Starring the voice of Adam Sandler as Count Dracula, the movie follows Count Dracula building a monsters-only hotel. But troubles arise when he’s forced to pass off a human as a monster who inadvertently makes his way to the hotel.

Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, the creator of your favorite Cartoon Network shows, Hotel Transylvania is a laugh riot. Although it features plenty of monsters, watching them engage in funny antics is sure to make your Halloween hilarious.

6. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Picture Courtesy: DreamWorks Animation, Aardman Animations, and DreamWorks Pictures

For those with a keen interest in dry British humor (we’re not judging), Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit would be a highly entertaining watch.

In the film, the titular characters set out to resolve a mystery concerning a giant beast hellbent on destroying vegetable plots.

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit was inspired by classic horror films, namely The Wolfman, and molded the story to appeal to people of all age groups.

The animation style – called claymation – also deserves a shout-out, following the same lines as Chicken Run. In fact, it became the first stop-motion animation film to win the prestigious Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

7. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Picture Courtesy: Walt Disney Pictures, Skellington Productions, and Buena Vista Productions

We were quite confused whether to include The Nightmare Before Christmas on the list. After all, the name suggests it’s a Christmas-themed movie. But it’s about the King of Halloween Town, Jack Skellington.

So, it was only fair that we added the name here.

The Nightmare Before Christmas sees Jack Skellington discovering various holiday-themed towns, like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day.

But it’s Christmas Town that catches his attention to the point he announces he and the residents of Halloween Town will be taking over it.

The story was conceived by Tim Burton, and Henry Sellick performed the directorial duties. The creepy yet cute stop-motion animation, combined with the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, makes The Nightmare Before Christmas an excellent addition to this list.

Grab a Bowl of Popcorn and Settle In

There’s nothing quite like spending Halloween watching horror films and getting so scared that you’ve to call someone to walk you to the bathroom.

And if those movies are animated, the whole family can sign up for a spookily good time.

Happy Halloween from AnimationProLabs!

Picture Courtesy: Netflix, Riot Games, Fortiche

You don’t have to be a cinephile to know that the majority of films or TV shows based on popular video game franchises do not fare well. While there have been some exceptions (The Last of Us), most are downright abominations (Alone in the Dark).

Despite this, an animated show on Netflix, based on one of the most beloved video games of all time, became a phenomenal hit. And we’re not only talking about viewing records.

The show currently has a 9/10 rating on IMDb and a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, meaning both audiences and critics loved the heck out of it.

In case you couldn’t connect the dots, the show is Arcane, set in the same world as the multiplayer battle arena online game League of Legends (LoL).

So, in today’s blog, we’ll uncover what strategies the creators followed and the pitfalls they avoided to make Arcane a super engaging television series. Perhaps there’s a lesson in it for you, too.

What’s Arcane About?

Arcane follows two sisters, Vi and Powder, who find themselves on opposing sides of a brewing conflict in a fictional city, Plitover. The conflicts revolve around highly advanced technologies that certain higher powers are after for their personal means.

Why Arcane Is a Highly Immersive Show

Many factors contribute to making Arcane an incredibly engrossing and immersive show. They include:

1. Multi-Dimensional Characters

Though Arcane primarily follows two sisters, it’s not to say that the show focuses only on the siblings. There is a plethora of other characters in the show, each with their own strengths and weaknesses – none are one-dimensional.

And that’s precisely what makes the series a delightful watch.

Every character is given their moment to shine, and the villains are not villains for the sake of it; they go through a lot, which shapes their behavior.

In fact, one of the show’s villains, Silco, might go down as one of the most menacing yet well-understood characters. Because he’s simply fighting for his people.

2. Stunning Mixture of 2D and 3D Animation

Believe us when we say you haven’t seen anything like Arcane, appearance-wise, at least. It’s the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse of the streaming industry.

You’ll be in awe of every frame, whether it shows characters or landscapes.

One of the reasons behind the show’s jaw-dropping animation is that, while the characters are 3D, they’re also animated in a 2D style, giving them a more graphic look.

The backgrounds, on the other hand, are digitally hand-painted.

As you can imagine, the company behind the animation – Fortiche Production – pushed the boundaries of possibilities. And the result is a visually breathtaking watch you will not be able to take your eyes off of.

3. Diverse Female Representation

It’s no secret that female characters have always been relegated to secondary roles. They’re mostly there to serve as a catalyst for the leading man’s story to move forward.

Fun Fact: This relegation of female characters has a term: Women in Refrigerators (WiR).

Fortunately, Arcane never falls into that category.

As we’ve mentioned, the show follows two sisters who couldn’t be more different from one another. Other female characters take multiple roles in the show, from councilors to warriors.

How these female characters are animated also deserves a shout-out. They’re of varying skin types and colors, and there’s no male gaze in the show that sexualizes them.

4. Fight Choreography

In today’s world, where every other film or TV show is shot using CGI or green screen, it can be hard to follow fight sequences. They’re badly choreographed, ruining your entire experience.

That’s another department where Arcane passes with flying colors. The fight scenes are edited meticulously, and viewers have a clear vision of every punch landing.

It’s reported that the animators took inspiration from real-life hand-to-hand combat and boxing. And it’s evident in some frames, where a character is injured just as they would in reality.

Moreover, the emotional weight added to the fight sequences also helped make them memorable.

5. Background Score

The background score of a music or TV show can significantly impact the viewing experience. It seems like Arcane’s creators thoroughly understood this, because the show is filled with excellent songs that are in line with how the scenes are played out.

For starters, the show’s opening theme, Enemy, is composed by Imagine Dragons. Its lyrics say, ‘Everybody wants to be my enemy.’ Going in the show, that’s what happens with one of the leading characters, Powder.

A misunderstanding causes a rift between Powder and everyone around her, including her sister, Vi.

Other notable songs include Playground by Bea Miller and What Could Have Been by Sting and Ray Chen.

6. Accessible Story

Before Arcane premiered, many people wondered whether they’d be able to understand it. After all, it was based on a game, and TV shows or movies adapted from games require viewers to have certain knowledge pertaining to them.

The moment Arcane hit Netflix and people tuned in, they realized having an idea about the lore wasn’t a pre-requisite to enjoy the show – its story made sense to those who hadn’t even heard of the game before.

At the same time, die-hard fans of LoL had a great time watching their favorite characters come to life.

Because of this, Arcane is easily accessible to newcomers as well as lovers of the franchise.

7. Mature Themes

Arcane is rated TV-14. Meaning, the target audience is individuals above 14. And the TV series leverages the rating to the fullest, as the show is relatively darker in nature, indulging in themes like trauma, tragedy, loyalty, and sacrifice.

There are no white and black characters; all have a tint of grey. They’re led by desires, making them believable and human. The villains have redeeming qualities, while the heroes have shortcomings.

Arcane is often matched with Game of Thrones, which had similar themes. And just like it, Arcane isn’t afraid to kill off the main characters. So, be warned.

In Conclusion, Arcane is a Modern-Day Masterpiece

It’s not every day you call a TV show a masterpiece, but Arcane fits the bill. It has spectacular animation, multi-dimensional characters, and a killer music score – what’s not to like?

Here’s to hoping they announce the release of Season 2 soon.

Both are incredibly powerful tools that help business owners creatively present their products or services. So, it’s understandable why they constantly evolve to match the needs of entrepreneurs.

Since keeping track of those developments, on top of managing a gazillion other tasks, can be challenging, we’ve compiled a list of the latest animation and motion graphic trends.

So, make sure you thoroughly read them, and who knows? They just might be the inspiration you’d ardently been looking for.

1.Kinetic Typography

GIF courtesy: GIPHY

An animation technique that uses moving text to capture the audience’s attention, kinetic typography is all the rage these days.

Owing to its popularity, you might think it’s new; it isn’t. You’d be surprised to know that the first video to feature kinetic typography was Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 feature film North by Northwest.

One of the primary reasons kinetic typography was absent from the mainstream media was because of the difficulties associated with bringing it to life.

The invention of cutting-edge tools eliminated that hassle.

Kinetic typography is commonly seen in websites, mobile apps, social media posts, and other platforms.

2.Anti-Gravity or Levitating Objects

GIF courtesy: GIPHY

Some prefer calling it anti-gravity, while others use levitating objects. Regardless of the term, this animation technique looks pretty cool.

The anti-gravity effect makes it appear as if the objects in a video are floating in the air, supported by a force viewers’ eyes cannot see. And though the objects defy gravity, it doesn’t necessarily convey actual weightlessness conditions on Earth.

For example, let’s say you’re making a video about your recruitment platform. The script says, ‘After getting the job offer, Barb was on cloud nine.’

Following this line, using the anti-gravity effect, make Barb levitate in the air to drive your point home.

3.Retro Motion Graphics

GIF courtesy: GIPHY

Nostalgia is a sweet thing, and it greatly influences viewers’ minds. Take a look at the list of Hollywood films released this year, and you’ll find many that were either sequels or prequels of some of the famous movies of the ‘90s.

In the animation industry, a technique following the same lines is retro animation. Think pastel tones, palm trees, and neon cityscapes – basically anything that reminds you of sci-fi TV shows that used to air in the ’80s.

Nailing retro motion graphics can be a bit difficult, though, since you only have to select from a few colors. But when done right, the result is an irresistibly charming animated video you’d never want to look away from.

4.Blend of 2D and 3D

GIF courtesy: GIPHY

Animated videos made using a blend of 2D and 3D aren’t a new trend. So, why include it in the list? Well, that’s because it still attracts millions of eyeballs, as demonstrated by countless animated commercials, movies, and TV shows, primarily Arcane: League of Legends.

One of the most appealing things about this fusion is that it caters to different audiences. So, whether you use it in your social media post or website, the combination of the two animation techniques is guaranteed to win people over.

There are plenty of design options and color palettes in 2D and 3D animation, leaving you to be as creative as possible.

5.Liquid Motion

GIF courtesy: GIPHY

A few years ago, it would’ve been practically impossible to venture into complicated graphic motion designs, namely liquid motion. Fortunately, that’s not the case anymore.

Creating on-screen movements that mimic fluid behavior, which is what liquid motion is all about, has become extremely common. And watching these splashy characters appear on screen is quite mesmerizing, almost hypnotic.

Liquid motion is not confined to animated videos; developers also incorporate the design by producing a fluid effect when users click something or hover the mouse on it.

6.Morphing

GIF courtesy: GIPHY

As evident from the name, objects or characters change appearances in this animation technique by transforming into something else. Other things that animators make morph include logos or images.

Due to morphing’s unique appeal, viewers can’t help but watch the video – or any other medium in which it’s used – until the end. This trend is especially helpful if you use it on a website.

It keeps visitors engaged and encourages them to stay for long, enhancing your search engine rankings.

7.Thin Lines

GIF courtesy: GIPHY

Animated videos made from thin lines are minimalistic and charming yet effective, making it easier to understand why this technique is loved by many.

Although using thin lines isn’t restricted to specific videos, explainer videos significantly benefit from this trend. Since the idea of creating an explainer video is to convey complex information in an easy-to-understand way, there’s nothing more sophisticated than thin lines.

Employing thin lines makes it look like the video is made using the traditional hand-drawn method, which everyone enjoys watching.

8.Grain

GIF courtesy: GIPHY

Throwing out the idea of creating perfect characters, the grain effect or the grain texture technique involves making objects as close to the real world as possible, down to their imperfections (called noise in this context).

Videos made with the help of the grain effect can help you stand out and gain a competitive edge.

The raw imagery shows that you’ve worked hard on the video, and viewers will appreciate and find it welcoming.

9.Isometric Design

GIF courtesy: GIPHY

Isometric design is a fantastic animation technique that cleverly blends 2D and 3D styles. It does so by representing 3D elements in a 2D background.

You’ll notice this trend commonly used in videos features houses or buildings, providing viewers with a bird’s eye view. So, if you serve the health care, real estate, or construction industry, use isometric design to emphasize the details.

Before We Leave

The animation industry is constantly evolving, and businesses that don’t adapt to the changes are left far behind. As such, you must keep an eye out for the latest trends so that you can use them.

This way, not only will you establish your business’s authority but also remind customers that you’re a credible source of information for all things related to animation.