No, animators typically do not animate every single frame by hand. They use a combination of techniques to create the illusion of continuous motion while optimizing their workflow. Here’s how it works:
- Keyframes: Animators start by creating keyframes, which are key poses or moments in the animation. These keyframes define the major movements and actions of characters or objects.
- Tweening: Between the keyframes, software can automatically generate “in-between” frames, also known as tween frames. Tweening calculates the positions, shapes, and attributes of objects or characters between keyframes to create smooth motion.
- Fine-tuning: Animators then review and fine-tune the generated frames to ensure that the motion is fluid and follows the desired artistic style. This step involves adjusting timing, easing in and out of movements, and adding subtle details.
- Frame-by-Frame: In some cases, particularly for specific actions or effects that require precision or a unique look, animators may work on frames manually. This can include facial expressions, complex character interactions, or elements that can’t be easily generated by tweening.
- Backgrounds and Effects: Animators also create background elements and special effects separately as needed. These elements may require frame-by-frame work to achieve the desired visual impact.
So, while animators use technology to automate some aspects of animation, they focus their manual efforts on keyframes, fine-tuning, and specific details that require their artistic touch. This combination of techniques allows them to create animations efficiently while maintaining creative control.
