Whether it’s an expressive gesture or a subtle movement, arms are central to conveying mood and intent. They’re key tools for communication — and when drawn well, they can elevate a scene’s emotional power.
If you dream of becoming an animator and working on exciting projects in film, games, or advertising, it’s important to understand that success in this field doesn’t come overnight.
In today’s animation world, big studios have long been the only players capable of producing large-scale projects. However, the story of Lackadaisy shows that even a small indie studio, with the help of crowdfunding and a dedicated audience, can transform the industry.
In the world of animation, the art of creating 2D hand-drawn characters is a meticulous and time-consuming process filled with creativity and technical skill. One standout example of this process is the creation of The Mugwhump, a devious giant toad from the animated series Niko and the Sword of Light.
Marat Davletshin used to sketch strangers Marat Davletshin used to sketch strangers on the subway in Saint Petersburg. Now he works at Disney. Yeah, that Disney — Zootopia, Moana, Frozen. The characters you love? He helped bring them to life.
At the dawn of the 20th century, animation was still in its infancy. Early animated films were more about spectacle than storytelling – simple motion tricks that amazed audiences but rarely left a lasting emotional impact.
Animating water can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding tasks in 2D animation. Whether you're creating a simple water splash or a complex flowing river, understanding the physics and artistic approaches to water is essential for capturing its dynamic nature.
Imagine trying to draw a character when you can’t mentally picture a face, a pose, or even a basic shape. Sounds impossible, right? And yet, that’s exactly how Glen Keane – the legendary Disney animator – created some of the most iconic characters in animation history.
Animation isn’t just a job – it’s often a way of life. You draw, you think in shots, you hear timing in your sleep. It can feel like true love from the moment you bring your first character to life, and they suddenly start to breathe, move, and exist.
Animation festivals have an incredible power to change the course of your career. Participating in prestigious events can be a ticket into the world of major studios, attract the attention of producers, and even launch full-length projects.
An art director is not just an artist. They are responsible for creating and maintaining the visual style of a project, collaborating with the team, and making key decisions that shape the final result. If you’re looking to become an art director, it's essential to develop both artistic and leadership skills, alongside strategic thinking and an understanding of visual storytelling.