Animation isn’t just about creating drawings and bringing them to life. In today’s world, there are many approaches to animation, and one of the most fascinating is animation without drawing. Edward Kurchevsky, a mentor of the traditional animation course, shared how this technique works, why it’s worth trying, and how understanding the core principles of movement can open new creative doors.
What is Animation Without Drawing?
This approach relies on using existing images, photographs, or collages, which are animated using the principles of traditional animation. Although drawing is minimized here, the core animation laws — such as slow in and slow out, arcs, squash and stretch, and overlapping action — remain at the heart of the process.
The Amazing World of Gumball
«Animation is a skill,» says Edward. «Drawing and understanding the principles of movement are two different things that work together. Animation without drawing allows you to replace one of these elements while preserving the essence of the art — creating believable motion.»
What makes this technique particularly interesting is that it shifts the focus from draftsmanship to composition, timing, and rhythm — key aspects that every animator, regardless of their medium, must master.
How Does It Look in Practice?
This technique is often used in music videos, commercials, and even TV shows. A great example is Disney’s Fish Hooks, where creators combined collage textures with cartoon animation, giving the show a unique visual style.
Fish Hooks
«Fish Hooks was one of the first shows to use this approach,» Edward shares. «They had a hard time integrating this technique into their workflow, but the result was amazing. The combination of realistic textures with exaggerated, cartoony motion created a distinct and memorable aesthetic.»
Another example comes from independent animation, where cut-out and collage techniques often allow for faster production while still delivering a unique, engaging look. A popular modern-day reference would be The Amazing World of Gumball, which seamlessly mixes 2D, 3D, and photographic elements.
«If you’re working on your own project, this style could become your signature. Think of Gumball — a series that perfectly combines different techniques and works brilliantly,» Edward notes.
Why Should You Try It?
Working with collage animation helps develop a sense of style and composition while allowing animators to experiment with different media and create unique projects. It’s also an ideal way to break creative blocks — on days when drawing feels exhausting or uninspired, cut-out animation offers a refreshing alternative.
Gorillaz
«There could be days where you don’t want to draw or your wrist hurts too much, and you want to just do something easier and fun,» Edward says. «This kind of animation lets you stay creative without the pressure of perfect lines.»
And beyond personal projects, these skills are in demand. Motion design, kinetic typography, and commercial animation often use cut-out or hybrid techniques, giving animators versatile career opportunities.
Software for Cut-Out Animation
If you want to try this style, you’ll need the right tools. Programs like After Effects, Moho, and Toon Boom Harmony are popular for cut-out animation.
Each offers tools to create a character’s «skeleton» and animate it without redrawing every frame. For instance, After Effects has powerful rigging scripts and a Puppet Pin tool that allows for smooth morphing and distortion, giving cut-out elements a sense of fluidity and depth.
«The animation skill stays the same across all mediums,» Edward explains. «In 3D animation, for example, drawing is replaced by technical work — coding, rigging, or graph editing — but the principles of motion, timing, and rhythm are consistent.»
Animation Is a Universal Skill
Whether you choose to hand-draw each frame or use a cut-out technique, the principles remain the same. Slow in and slow out, arcs of motion, squash and stretch, and rhythm — all of these make animation feel alive and convincing.
«People accept the concept of animation even if it’s not realistic,» Edward explains. «But without the fundamental principles, the motion feels unnatural and unconvincing.»
It’s this universal foundation that allows animators to switch between mediums with confidence. Once you understand how movement works, you can apply that knowledge to any style or format — from frame-by-frame traditional animation to digital cut-out and even stop motion.
ru.pinterest.com
Animation without drawing isn’t a replacement for the classics; it’s another powerful tool in an animator’s arsenal. It’s a chance to experiment, find a new style, and perhaps surprise yourself and your audience.
«The main thing is to understand how movement works. Then, whether you’re drawing or assembling collages, your animation will be alive,» Edward concludes.
See Edward break down cutout animation in this Free Livestream
So why not give it a try? Dive into a new perspective on animation, and who knows — this experiment might lead to your next great artistic breakthrough!
