4 answers
Jiret
Student
1
Question
Updated
204 views
Do industries still care for hand drawn animation?
I love animation and just drawing in general. I just really had to ask if industries still care for hand drawn animation. All I have recently seen is 3D animation or live action films or series. Is it still worth it to learn to animate by hand? I'm taking an Animation 2 class, my teacher hasn't really taught us much. It's the same thing as last year with Digital Media/Animation 1 that's why I'm trying to teach myself. What industries still care for this type of animation? I'm asking because I'm not exactly sure if industries still care about it as much as I do. Should I still try to learn animation? I was planning to keep learning on my own once I graduated, but I'm not sure. #Spring25
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4 answers
Beatriz Lorenzo Botella
VFX artist
16
Answers
Santa Monica, California
Updated
Beatriz’s Answer
Hi Jiret,
I think it's always worth it to learn something you really enjoy. Trends come and go and you can potentially apply your skills into innovative areas. This would require for you to be proactive and look for those opportunities too, making proposals to people and businesses. To look at your animation like it's own brand.
I see 2d animation in films and so, but hand drawing it's valued for nature illustration for example (and wouldn't it be cool for those drawings to be moving?). I can also think on whiteboard animations for companies/universities... anything that needs explaining, instructions?... Brainstorming is in order!
Also the way I see it, with AI for example, is that there's going to be a need for people with criteria (artistic criteria and motion/criteria). So having the experience of animating could be very valuable, because when you're animating you really need to pay attention to details and analyze how the image evolve.
Having said that, if you're unsure, you could work on the background on a plan B, so you can run two things in parallel maybe.
Also, look for 2d studios and see how the people working on them got there and what are they doing (do they work by gig or are they permanent? do they run things on the side? etc).
Best of luck!
I think it's always worth it to learn something you really enjoy. Trends come and go and you can potentially apply your skills into innovative areas. This would require for you to be proactive and look for those opportunities too, making proposals to people and businesses. To look at your animation like it's own brand.
I see 2d animation in films and so, but hand drawing it's valued for nature illustration for example (and wouldn't it be cool for those drawings to be moving?). I can also think on whiteboard animations for companies/universities... anything that needs explaining, instructions?... Brainstorming is in order!
Also the way I see it, with AI for example, is that there's going to be a need for people with criteria (artistic criteria and motion/criteria). So having the experience of animating could be very valuable, because when you're animating you really need to pay attention to details and analyze how the image evolve.
Having said that, if you're unsure, you could work on the background on a plan B, so you can run two things in parallel maybe.
Also, look for 2d studios and see how the people working on them got there and what are they doing (do they work by gig or are they permanent? do they run things on the side? etc).
Best of luck!
Wyatt s Miles
Animator
25
Answers
Dayton, ID
Updated
Wyatt s’s Answer
Dear Jiret,
I have the same heart for hand drawn animation. It holds a magic that no computer or Artificial Intelligence will EVER be able to generate. Believe in yourself with All your heart, believe in God, and follow your dream. God will prepare a way, that is a promise and a guarantee. You will have to learn some other things along the way as well, but don't you EVER give up on your dream, because you are Beautiful and Amazing and Capable of Anything.
Sincerely, your brother,
Wyatt s Miles
I have the same heart for hand drawn animation. It holds a magic that no computer or Artificial Intelligence will EVER be able to generate. Believe in yourself with All your heart, believe in God, and follow your dream. God will prepare a way, that is a promise and a guarantee. You will have to learn some other things along the way as well, but don't you EVER give up on your dream, because you are Beautiful and Amazing and Capable of Anything.
Sincerely, your brother,
Wyatt s Miles
Sabrina Caballero Vega
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Sabrina’s Answer
Hi Jiret, yes studios are still interested in 2D hand drawn animation. The main reason why some studios avoid it is mainly due to it being expensive.
However, that doesn't mean its just put to the side, when there shows like , rise of the TMNT, castlevannia, the cup head show, and the newest looney tune movie that showcase how masterful the art form is.And how it is still well received despite 3D animation dominating the animation market. However it is no easy task to learn on your own, and I get that, I have been self teaching as well. So I leave a few link that should help you out whenever you want to study independently or pay for a course. I hope this gives your some reassurance.
Pay:
https://www.cgspectrum.com/courses/2d-animation
https://www.udemy.com/topic/2d-animation/?srsltid=AfmBOoql6MkT6DxEqGyjKQ5Dx-iZwpgf1tWC69Fb0oIJWInyZPPm0c9
Free:
https://www.animatorisland.com/courses/2d-animation/
https://danimationentertainment.com/digital-learning/free-animation-classes-1/register-now
https://simpli-web.app.link/e/SLlO8fosFLb
However, that doesn't mean its just put to the side, when there shows like , rise of the TMNT, castlevannia, the cup head show, and the newest looney tune movie that showcase how masterful the art form is.And how it is still well received despite 3D animation dominating the animation market. However it is no easy task to learn on your own, and I get that, I have been self teaching as well. So I leave a few link that should help you out whenever you want to study independently or pay for a course. I hope this gives your some reassurance.
Pay:
https://www.cgspectrum.com/courses/2d-animation
https://www.udemy.com/topic/2d-animation/?srsltid=AfmBOoql6MkT6DxEqGyjKQ5Dx-iZwpgf1tWC69Fb0oIJWInyZPPm0c9
Free:
https://www.animatorisland.com/courses/2d-animation/
https://danimationentertainment.com/digital-learning/free-animation-classes-1/register-now
https://simpli-web.app.link/e/SLlO8fosFLb
Jaime Castro
Digital Illustrator
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jaime’s Answer
Hey Jiret!
It’s really good that you’re thinking about this now and honestly, yeah, there is still a place for hand-drawn animation! Always will be! Even though 3D and live action dominate the mainstream nowadays, hand-drawn animation still holds value in so many area that even 3D-animators couldn't get to on their own. There's also never a shortage in the people that don't just animate, but also master the skills that go into what animation is made up of. The character designs, the storyboards, the in-betweens, the clean-up! Every cog in the well oiled machine is essential to what's put out.
But, if you're really wishing to pursue hand-drawn/2D animation as is, and get places by honing the skills that go into that field of animation specifically... more power to you! TV, indie animation, games, and promotional material need you! No method, especially not the crux of animation as a whole (for as long as the industry has documented), can go out of style. The status quo of animation isn't an obligation, even if it means not fitting the criteria or role for these more mainstream masterpieces-- there will always be work to do where love for the 2D animation art-form exists, which is everywhere if you look hard enough!
Oh, and my first suggestion in terms of studios who care very deeply about the 2D animation art form, I suggest looking into studios like Titmouse Inc., and Laika (some of my personal favorites in this field).
It’s really good that you’re thinking about this now and honestly, yeah, there is still a place for hand-drawn animation! Always will be! Even though 3D and live action dominate the mainstream nowadays, hand-drawn animation still holds value in so many area that even 3D-animators couldn't get to on their own. There's also never a shortage in the people that don't just animate, but also master the skills that go into what animation is made up of. The character designs, the storyboards, the in-betweens, the clean-up! Every cog in the well oiled machine is essential to what's put out.
But, if you're really wishing to pursue hand-drawn/2D animation as is, and get places by honing the skills that go into that field of animation specifically... more power to you! TV, indie animation, games, and promotional material need you! No method, especially not the crux of animation as a whole (for as long as the industry has documented), can go out of style. The status quo of animation isn't an obligation, even if it means not fitting the criteria or role for these more mainstream masterpieces-- there will always be work to do where love for the 2D animation art-form exists, which is everywhere if you look hard enough!
Oh, and my first suggestion in terms of studios who care very deeply about the 2D animation art form, I suggest looking into studios like Titmouse Inc., and Laika (some of my personal favorites in this field).