How did Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, and Simba become so iconic and memorable? The answer lies in 2D animation, one of the oldest and most influential of today’s art forms.
The history of 2D animation spans from the early experiments of the 19th century to the modern era of digital tools and platforms. It has been used to create some of the most beloved animated films, shows, and characters of all time. It has also had a profound impact on the entertainment industry and many cultures at large.
In this article, you will learn about the origins, evolution, and current state of 2D animation, as well as its key features and challenges. Whether you are an animation enthusiast, a curious learner, or a casual fan, you will find something exciting and inspiring in this brief history of 2D animation.
Let’s go right in!
What is 2D Animation?
2D and 3D animation are different because 3D animation uses three-dimensional models and is almost always computer-assisted.
On the other hand, 2D animation is a technique in which you draw each frame on a separate piece of paper, photograph them in sequence, and put them together to create the illusion of motion. (Drawing on paper isn’t necessary anymore thanks to modern technology, but is still widespread and even done by masters like Hayao Miyazaki.)
The Emergence of 2D Animation
Now, let’s review where 2D animation came from and how it has changed through time.
Baby Steps
The origins of 2D animation can be traced back to the 19th century when inventors and artists began experimenting with various devices and methods to create the illusion of motion.
Here are some of the earliest examples of these devices:
- Phenakistoscope: Invented by Joseph Plateau in 1832, the phenakistoscope was a circular disc with a series of drawings around the edge and a handle to spin it. When viewed through a slit in the disc, the drawings appeared to move as the disc rotated.
- Zoetrope: Invented by William George Horner in 1834, the zoetrope was a cylindrical device with a series of drawings on a strip of paper inside and slits on the outer surface. When spun, the drawings appeared to move as the viewer looked through the slits.
- Flipbook: Invented by John Barnes Linnett in 1868, the flip book was a small book with drawings on each page. It created the illusion of motion when flipped rapidly.
These were the predecessors of 2D animation, but they were not yet capable of producing animated sequences.
The Very First 2D Animation
The very first instance of a 2D animated sequence is attributed to the French artist Émile Reynaud, who created a device called the praxinoscope in 1877. The praxinoscope was an improved version of the zoetrope that used mirrors instead of slits to project the images on a screen.
Reynaud used the praxinoscope to create short animated films, such as Pauvre Pierrot (Poor Pierrot) in 1892, which is considered the first 2D animated film ever made.
How 2D Animation Became a Medium
The development and growth of 2D animation as a recognized art form and medium of entertainment began in the early 20th century with the invention of the motion picture camera and celluloid film. These technologies enabled animators to record and reproduce their drawings more efficiently and to reach a wider audience.
Fantasmagorie is widely considered to be the first 2D animated film ever made, created by the French artist Émile Cohl in 1908. The film consists of surreal and whimsical scenes featuring a stick figure that transforms into various objects and creatures. It also includes some live-action segments where Cohl’s hand appears to draw or erase the animation!
The development of 2D animation continued throughout the 1920s and 1930s, with the emergence of new studios, artists, and genres. We’ll highlight some of the notable milestones and breakthroughs in this period.
Enter Sound & Color
The introduction of sound and color to 2D animation added a new dimension and appeal to the medium.
The first 2D animated film with synchronized sound was Steamboat Willie in 1928 by Walt Disney, featuring the debut of Mickey Mouse. This was a trademark achievement that revolutionized the industry and raised the audience’s expectations.
The first 2D animated film in full color was Flowers and Trees in 1932, also by Walt Disney, using the Technicolor process. This was another milestone that enhanced the visual quality and realism of 2D animation.
Rise of the Cartoon Short
Soon, the cartoon short became a popular format of 2D animation. These cartoons were often shown before a feature film in theaters or as part of a television program. They were usually humorous, fast-paced, and episodic, featuring recurring characters and situations.
Some of the most influential cartoon shorts were produced by studios such as Walt Disney, Warner Bros, MGM, Fleischer, and Hanna-Barbera, featuring characters such as Bugs Bunny, Popeye, Tom and Jerry, Betty Boop, and Scooby-Doo. These characters became household names and cultural icons, and their cartoons entertained and influenced generations of viewers.
Emergence of the 2D Feature Film
The feature film was a longer and more ambitious format of 2D animation that aimed to tell a compelling story with more developed characters and themes. The feature film was also a showcase of the artistic and technical prowess of the animators as it required more time, resources, and skill to produce. It was no easy task!
The first 2D animated feature film ever made in the United States was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937 by Walt Disney, which was a critical and commercial success and paved the way for more 2D animated feature films in the following decades.
The Golden Age of 2D Animation (1937-1963)
The period from the late 1930s to the early 1960s is widely regarded as the Golden Age of 2D animation, as it was a time of widespread popularity and creativity in the field. Here, 2D animation reached new heights of artistic innovation and cultural impact.
In this section, we will explore some of the characteristics and achievements of this era.
Dominance of Walt Disney
Walt Disney and his studio were the undisputed leaders of 2D animation. They produced some of the most acclaimed 2D animated feature films and shorts of all time, such as Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, and many more. These films showcased the studio’s mastery of storytelling, animation, music, and visual effects as they enchanted and inspired audiences of all ages.
The studio also established the standards and principles of 2D animation. In 1981, they introduced the 12 basic rules of animation that are still followed and respected by animators today. These rules cover aspects such as timing, spacing, anticipation, etc., and they aim to create the illusion of life and personality in animated characters.
Other Studios & Competition
Other studios also emerged and challenged Walt Disney’s dominance by offering different styles and genres of 2D animation. Some of these studios focused on comedy, satire, and social commentary, while others experimented with more abstract, experimental, and avant-garde forms of animation.
Some of the most notable studios and productions of this era were Warner Bros and its Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series, MGM and its Tom and Jerry series, Fleischer and its Superman and Popeye series, UPA and its Mr. Magoo and Gerald McBoing-Boing series, and Chuck Jones, Tex Avery, Bob Clampett, and Friz Freleng, among others.
These studios also introduced new techniques and innovations, such as limited animation, rotoscoping (which is a precursor to motion capture), and stereophonic sound.
Impact on Society
2D animation was not only a form of entertainment but also a medium that reflected and influenced the society and culture of the time.
2D animation was used to convey messages and opinions on various topics, such as politics, war, propaganda, racism, sexism, violence, censorship, and more. Some of these messages were subtle, while others were overt.
It also created and popularized iconic characters, symbols, catchphrases, songs, and references that became part of our collective consciousness. A considerable number of these elements are still recognized and used today, such as “That’s all, folks!”, “Hakuna Matata,” and too many songs to count!
Critical Technological Advancements in 2D Animation
The golden age of 2D animation was followed by a period of decline, as the medium faced several challenges, such as rising costs and competition, the emergence of television and video games, the loss of originality, and the advent of 3D animation.
However, 2D animation also witnessed technological advancements and innovations that helped revitalize the medium and adapt to changing times and demands. Read about some of these advancements below!
Xerography
Invented by Ub Iwerks in 1959, the xerography process was a technique that used a photocopying machine to transfer the drawings from paper to cel, eliminating the need for hand-inking and saving time and resources.
Xerography was first used by Walt Disney in 101 Dalmatians in 1961, and it gave the 2D animation a sketchier look. This was a departure from the smooth look of previous Walt Disney films, and it suited the modern, urban setting of the story.
Computer Animation Production System (CAPS)
Developed by Disney and Pixar in 1986, the CAPS system allowed animators to scan, edit, color, and composite their drawings digitally using computers and tablets. The CAPS also enabled the use of digital effects, such as lighting, shading, and camera movements.
It dramatically improved the quality and efficiency of 2D animation, and it was first used by Disney in The Rescuers Down Under in 1990.
The CAPS allowed the animators to create more realistic scenes, such as the opening sequence of The Lion King in 1994, which featured a stunning sunrise and a vast savanna.
Digital Ink & Paint
Introduced by various studios in the late 1980s and early 1990s, digital ink and paint was a technique that used computer software to color and fill the drawings, replacing the traditional cel and paint method.
Digital ink and paint was faster and cheaper, and it also allowed for more vibrant, varied colors. It also enabled the use of transparency, gradients, and textures, which added more depth and detail to the 2D animation.
The first 2D animated film to use digital ink and paint was The Brave Little Toaster by Hyperion Animation in 1987.
Is 2D Animation Dead?
We already mentioned that 2D animation went through a period of stagnation before we jumped to the technological advancements of the time. But did the art form fall into decay and die?
Nope! 2D animation faces both challenges and opportunities in the modern era, so its current landscape is hard to make out. Still, it’s still very much alive!
In this section, we will discuss some of the factors that affect the state of 2D animation today.
3D vs. 2D Animation
3D animation is the most popular type of animation today, as it offers more realism, detail, spectacle, and versatility. It has been used to create some of the most successful animated films and shows of recent times, such as Toy Story, Shrek, The Incredibles, Frozen, Zootopia, Coco, and many more.
As a result, 2D animation has been largely overshadowed in the mainstream market, especially in the feature film sector. Disney’s last 2D animated feature film was Winnie the Pooh in 2011, and the last 2D animated feature film produced by a major Hollywood studio was The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water in 2015.
2D Animation in the International Scene
2D animation is still widely used by various independent and international artists to create original productions that explore different styles, genres, themes, and cultures.
If you’re not convinced of 2D animation’s diversity and quality around the globe, remember that 2D productions have been recognized and awarded by prestigious festivals and organizations, such as the Academy Awards, the Cannes Film Festival, the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, etc.
Some examples of recent acclaimed 2D animated projects from the independent and international scene are The Breadwinner, Loving Vincent, Klaus, Wolfwalkers, I Lost My Body, The Willoughbys, and many more.
Why Use 2D Animation Today?
We have mostly talked about 2D animation in entertainment. Still, it’s important to remember that the medium is also used, by itself or integrated with other media, for different purposes and fields such as education, advertising, marketing, gaming, web design, social media, and more. (We’ve also talked about 2D animation in our article, 5 Types of Animation.)
Why the extensive use? Because 2D animation has several distinctive advantages that make it unique and appealing! We’ll explain some of these advantages below.
Artistic Expression
The animator in 2D animation has full control over the shapes, colors, textures, and movements of the characters and backgrounds. So, it allows for a more accurate expression of artistic vision. 2D animation can also create various styles and aesthetics, from realistic to cartoonish, detailed to minimalistic, colorful to monochromatic, and more.
It’s also more common to exaggerate or stylize 2D characters’ facial expressions and body language, so 2D animation could be more effective in conveying emotions and personalities. 2D animation can also evoke the feeling of drawing, which creates a stronger connection and identification with the audience.
Simplicity & Flexibility
2D animation does not require expensive or complex equipment or software, as it can be done with basic tools and materials. 2D animation can also be done by anyone, anywhere, and anytime, as it does not depend on the availability of resources or facilities.
Some might argue that 2D animation offers more artistic flexibility and freedom, too, because the animator can easily make changes or corrections to the drawings or experiment with different styles and techniques.
Nostalgia & Charm
2D animation has a nostalgic and charming appeal, reminding the audience of many timeless animated productions.
Because it’s simple, it also creates a sense of warmth and familiarity. Those senses, in turn, give it a distinctive look and feel. 2D animation can also create a sense of charm and magic, as it can make the audience marvel, like little children, at how the drawings come to life.
Conclusion
2D animation has been used to create some of history’s most iconic animated films, shows, and characters. As a result, it has also profoundly impacted the entertainment industry and the culture at large. It’s a legacy and a treasure that should be celebrated, explored, and experimented with.
Despite what some may claim, 2D animation isn’t dead or obsolete but rather alive, thriving, relevant, and influential. It’s also still in demand and appreciated, as it can appeal to a broad and diverse audience. As a medium, it has a lot of potential and possibilities, and it can still surprise and delight us with its creativity.
In short, 2D animation is a medium that deserves our attention and respect, as well as our support and encouragement. Keep in touch if you need a 2D production!
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