Animation is the art of movement, and one of the most powerful techniques for conveying speed and expression is smears. The 2D Animation smears technique is widely used across different styles, from classic Warner Bros. cartoons to modern anime and video games. Smears create a sense of rapid motion, make strikes sharper, and turns more natural. But how do you use them correctly? How do you avoid overloading your animation and turning smears into a chaotic effect? Let’s dive in.
What Are Smears and Why Are They Important?
Animation Smears are frames in which parts of a character or object are deliberately distorted to convey a sense of speed. In real life, our eyes don’t perceive such distortions, but in animation, they serve as a tool to show the path of movement. This can be a stretched-out shape of a character, overlapping multiple elements (such as several hands in one frame), or blurred silhouettes that create a motion trail effect.
As mentor Edward explains:
«Smears are not just an effect; they are a way to direct the viewer’s attention. They help illustrate the path of movement, creating a smooth transition between keyframes.»
This technique was widely used in classic animation and remains an essential part of modern visual storytelling. In video games and anime, smears enhance the speed of attacks and movements, while in cartoons, they add comedic exaggeration and dynamic expression.
How to Use Smears Correctly
One of the key principles of using smears is keeping them on «ones». In animation, this means that the frame is displayed for only 1/24th of a second, emphasizing the speed of movement. If it stays longer, the effect loses its dynamism and may look unnatural, creating a «sticky» movement.
As our lead mentor, Edward Kurchevsky points out, «If a smear lasts too long, the viewer starts perceiving it as a static detail rather than part of a rapid movement. It should act as a burst of speed rather than just a decorative element.»
However, smears aren’t suitable for every action. They are especially effective in fast and sharp movements: punches, quick head turns, rapid arm swings, or jumps. If a character moves slowly, using a smear won’t enhance the effect but will instead make the movement feel odd and illogical.
Edward explains: «Smears are a tool, not a universal solution. It’s important to understand where they work and where they don’t. For example, if a character is simply walking, you don’t need smears. But if they suddenly turn their head quickly, this technique can make the movement smoother and more readable.»
How to Learn Smears Properly
To master this technique, it’s important to study the work of other animators. Online, you can find extensive libraries of smear frames, analyze them in classic animations, and try recreating them in your own work. Pinterest, Tumblr, and stills from famous cartoons and anime can be great sources of inspiration.
Check out Animation Screencaps to start building your smear frame library.
Edward advises:
«Don’t be afraid to experiment. Smears can look different depending on the project, and every studio has its own approach. The key is to understand their function: they shouldn’t just decorate a frame but enhance the scene’s dynamics.»
If you want to understand techniques like smears and master essential principles such as movement, timing, and character expression, the Classic 2D Animation course is the perfect starting point. This course offers the opportunity to learn animation fundamentals under the guidance of experienced mentors and apply the knowledge in practice.
Start your animation journey today!
