Cel animation is a timeless art form that has shaped the animation industry as we know it. This classic hand-drawn technique, involving characters and objects inked and painted onto transparent sheets called cels, gave life to some of the most beloved animated films. While technology...
The global animation market is projected to reach over US$500 billion by 2030. However, animation studios in Johannesburg face systemic barriers to scaling beyond South Africa’s borders. Despite an abundance of rich cultural narratives and technical talent, international recognition remains elusive for most local studios....
The world of 3D animation is transforming at an unprecedented pace as artificial intelligence integrates into nearly every aspect of production. AI is not just an automation tool; it is rapidly becoming a collaborative partner for 3D animators, enabling faster rigging, efficient motion capture cleanup,...
The creation of immersive worlds and believable characters in film and gaming hinges on the expertise of 3D animators. Yet, the artistry and technical skill of these professionals are only part of the equation. True creative magic happens through close collaboration between animators and various...
For 2D animators, crafting visually compelling motion is not simply about drawing frames in sequence; it is about understanding the physics and psychology that create life-like animation. Two of the most critical and often intertwined principles in this pursuit are timing and spacing. Timing determines...
South Africa’s education system faces significant challenges, including disparities in resources, language diversity, and the need to engage learners across varied socio-economic backgrounds. Amidst these challenges, animation has become a powerful medium to enhance educational content, making learning more accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant. Animators...
Animating non-humanoid characters offers a unique creative challenge for 3D animators. These characters, which can range from fantastical beasts to alien lifeforms and mechanical entities, break away from the familiar human form. Bringing them to life convincingly requires an intricate understanding of anatomy, movement, and...
When you think of your favourite animations, what makes them memorable? Often it’s the style – the bold lines, dreamy watercolours, or gritty realism. But can an artist own a style in the eyes of the law? Copyright law is meant to protect creativity, yet...
Johannesburg is rapidly establishing itself as a vibrant hub for animation, making significant contributions to South Africa’s cultural and creative economy. The animation studios in Johannesburg are leveraging the city’s rich cultural diversity and blending it with innovative storytelling techniques to produce content that resonates...
For any 3D animator, creating believable, natural character deformations is a core part of delivering expressive animation. Blend shapes and morph targets are powerful tools that allow you to achieve precision and nuance in facial and body expressions that skeletal rigs alone cannot match. Whether...