How Much is Too Much? Animation Tips for Your Digital Signage

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The fascinating world of animation (both 2-D animations and 3-D animations) must have captured your attention, especially if you are a beginner. In this case, you must be wondering how character animations and motion designs are made in animation studios. At the same time, it may be exciting to see an idea in your head coming to life on the screen just in front of you. The question is, “How much is too much when it comes to animation tips for digital signage?” Here are the animation techniques and tips that you need to create exceptional animated videos.

Helpful Tips for Professional Animators

Check out these helpful animation tips to use on your digital signage:

Tip 1: Generalize or Specialize

Different animation types exist today. You probably must have seen some of them in different forms such as:

2-Dimensional animation: 2D animation is simply a type of animating element displayed on a two-dimensional plane. Typically, 2D animation does not have depth. But it can be drawn using computer-designed elements or hand-drawn. So, if you are looking to become a good 2D animator, you need excellent illustration skills. This 2D animation tip will help you succeed in your projects.

3-Dimension animation:3D animation process is widely used today. This form of animation is sometimes referred to as CGI. It involves animating elements and objects in three dimensions. 3D animation also allows for huge flexibility. Plus, it is mainly applicable in advertising, computer games, films, and product design.

Character animation: Involves designing or animating human and creature characters. This principle of animation is usually in the form of 2D and 3D characters. Professional animators use character animation to create ‘rigs’ that move individual body parts. As such, professional animators don’t necessarily have to redraw characters for every frame or storyboard. Only the keyframe for a given character is enough for the main actions.

Stop motion animation: This entails photographing a series of images (still images) of physical objects. Apart from that, this animation tip allows professional animators to create moving objects in addition to showing sequential shots that provide an illusion of movement. Even though stop motion animation is wonderful, it is actually labor-intensive and requires some patience.

Motion graphic design: Deals with animating images, text, and shapes instead of characters. Motion graphic design can be either 2 dimensional or 3 dimensional. It is mostly used in promotions, adverts, TV, and film title sequences. Utilizing sign company services that specialize in creating engaging motion graphics can greatly enhance the visual appeal of your digital signage and attract more viewers.

Tip 2: Animation Terminology Familiarization

Before you move to the next level as a beginner in the world of animation, you need to acquaint yourself with the animation terminologies. Mostly, you will come across many new vocabularies when you set your first foot in animation. Complex terminologies may come in later as you progress.

Below is a list of the common terminologies for animation beginners:

• Modeling
• Alpha channel
• Frame rate
• Easing
• Rotoscoping
• Timeline
• Wireframe
• Keyframe
• Rendering (using real-time rendering tool)
• Compositing

Tip 3: Acquaint Yourself with the 12 Principles of Animation

Thomas Frank and Ollie Johnson are credited for creating Disney’s 12 principles of animation. These principles apply to any form of animation you may come across. Additionally, they provide a fantastic formula that professional animators use to create lifelike animations. Check out these 12 principles below:

1. Anticipation
2. Squash and stretch
3. Timing
4. Appeal
5. Secondary action
6. Solid drawing
7. Staging
8. Straight ahead/pose to pose
9. Arcs
10. Ease in/ease out
11. Exaggeration
12. Follow through or overlapping action

Tip 4: Learn More About the Beginner’s Animation Software

Traditional hand-drawn animations still depend on computers to generate real-life creations. For that reason, you need to learn and even have the right animation software to have your job done to perfection.

Currently, there are countless animation software options to choose from. You may even get some good animation programs for free.

Have a look at these top animation software for creating an eye-catching digital display:

Free animation software:

• Blender
• Trial versions
• Synfig studio

Premium animation software:

• Adobe After Effects
• 3D Studio Max
• Cinema 4D
• Toon Boom
• Maya

Tip 5: Start Gradually and Simply

Regardless of your experience and exposure to animation creation, it is recommended to start small and simple. Starting this way will see you develop great animation skills. For instance, you can start by creating a bouncing ball or GIFs as a way of putting your stretch and squash techniques into practice.

You may also make some text move in or move out of frame (regardless of the number of frames). This exercise will help master easing in or out as you gain more animation skills. Take advantage of the available 51 animation ideas and tutorials to create the best animation for digital signage.

Final Thought

It is wise to spend your effort and real-time in creating lifelike animations for the digital signage. Therefore, the animation tips above will guide you on your project regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced. Once you gain more experience, you will most likely tackle more advanced animations to bring your dream creations of digital signage to life.