TheCGBros CGInsider Newsletter
Editor's Note
We love being part of the Computer Graphics Industry mainly because CGI has become one of the most fascinating and innovative art forms of our time. There are so many compelling aspects of CGI to focus on, but it’s the ability to create entirely new worlds and characters that could never exist in the physical world that really sets it apart. With CGI, artists can create anything from futuristic cities to mythical creatures, each with their own unique style and personality. This level of creative freedom is really unparalleled in any other art form and allows us as artists to truly let our imaginations run wild.
Another cool thing worth mentioning about CGI is the level of detail that can be achieved. The technology behind CGI allows for the creation of intricate textures and lighting effects that give each piece a sense of depth and realism that’s especially impressive when you consider the amount of time and effort that goes into creating each individual frame of a movie. Artists sometimes spend months or even years working on and perfecting a single project, creating levels of detail that is unparalleled in any other form of art.
But probably the coolest thing about CGI is the versatility it allows for it to be used in a such a wide range of contexts, from films and video games to advertising and product design. As technology continues to improve, the possibilities for CGI will allow for even greater levels of creativity and innovation. Whether it’s used to create fantastical worlds or simply to enhance the visuals of a product, CGI has become an incredibly important and influential art form that is sure to continue to mature, evolve and captivate audiences for years to come.
"The Artistic Styles Of Animation"
This month in TheCGInsider Newsletter- March 2023, we look at the Artistic Styles Of Animation and what makes each of them useful and important!
Animation Styles VS Artistic Styles?
We all know that animation is a form of art that has been around for over a century, and it has evolved immensely over time. In the past, animation was mainly limited to traditional hand-drawn methods, but with technological advancements, it has become a vast and exciting medium with many different styles. Today, animation is everywhere, from movies and TV shows to video games and social media. It is a versatile medium that allows creators to tell unique and compelling stories.
The six animation styles that we’ve been talking about (2D traditional animation, 2D digital animation, 3D computer animation, stop-motion animation, motion graphics animation, and rotoscoping animation) are primarily focused on creating visual stories and are characterized by their use of movement and the creation of the illusion of life. They are different from artistic styles such as hyperrealism, realism, exaggeration, etc., in the following ways:
One of the most popular animation styles is hyperrealism, which is characterized by its high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Hyperrealism focuses on mimicking real-life with high accuracy, using 3D modeling and motion capture technology. It’s a popular style for action-packed movies and video games because it creates a sense of immersion that makes viewers feel like they are part of the action.
It’s Ok To Exaggerate!
Another popular animation style is caricature and exaggeration, which is all about distorting reality to create larger-than-life characters and stories. This style is often used for comedic effect, and it can be incredibly expressive and fun to watch. Caricature and exaggeration are all about pushing the limits of what’s possible, creating characters and worlds that are memorable and engaging.
Anime is another popular animation style that originated in Japan. It is known for its distinct character designs, storytelling, and emotive themes. With its emphasis on storytelling, anime often features complex characters and explores challenging themes. It has become a global phenomenon, with fans all around the world who appreciate the unique style and storytelling.
Motion graphics are a type of animation that incorporates text, shapes, and graphic design elements to create visual experiences that are often used in marketing and advertising. They are known for their high energy, dynamic motion, and eye-catching visuals. Motion graphics are used to convey information quickly and effectively, making them a popular choice for explainer videos, commercials, and social media content.
Abstraction Versus Traditional?
Abstract animation is a style that prioritizes artistic expression and visual appeal over realism. It uses vibrant colors, bold shapes, and striking compositions to create visual experiences that are truly breathtaking. Abstract animation is not limited by the rules of reality, and it allows creators to experiment with different styles and techniques to create unique and stunning animations.
Lastly, traditional hand-drawn animation is a classic animation style that relies on the skill and artistry of animators to create lifelike movement and character design. It’s a time-intensive process, but the result is a unique and expressive animation that is unmatched by other styles. This style has a nostalgic appeal, and it’s often used in movies and TV shows that aim to capture the spirit of classic animation.
Traditional hand-drawn animation is an art form that has been around for over a century, and its influence can be seen in many different styles of animation that have emerged since. It’s a style that requires a great deal of skill and dedication, as animators must draw each individual frame by hand, creating the illusion of movement through a series of carefully crafted images. This painstaking process can take weeks or even months to complete, but the result is an animation that feels alive and expressive, with a unique personality that is distinct from other styles.
Despite the rise of digital animation techniques, traditional hand-drawn animation remains a popular choice for many animators and filmmakers. Its nostalgic appeal and unique charm have helped it endure over the years, and it continues to inspire new generations of artists to this day. While it may not be as prevalent as it once was, traditional hand-drawn animation remains an important part of the animation landscape, and its influence can be seen in many different forms of media. Whether it’s used in classic Disney films, modern anime series, or indie animated shorts, traditional hand-drawn animation is a testament to the enduring power of art and creativity.
Are There Other Artistic Styles?
We’ve talked about the main artistic styles of animation, but there are definitely some additional styles worth mentioning and here they are:
Surrealism: Surrealism is an artistic style that emerged in the early 20th century and is characterized by dreamlike and irrational imagery. Surrealist artists sought to tap into the unconscious mind and explore the world of dreams, using unusual juxtapositions and unexpected combinations of objects to create strange and unsettling works of art.
Abstract Expressionism: Abstract Expressionism is a style of painting that emerged in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s. This style is characterized by large, abstract canvases that often feature bold, gestural brushstrokes and drips of paint. Abstract Expressionist artists sought to convey emotion and feeling through their art, often using color and texture to create a sense of movement and energy.
Pop Art: Pop Art is an artistic movement that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s and is characterized by bright colors, bold imagery, and a focus on popular culture and consumerism. Pop artists drew inspiration from advertising, comic books, and other forms of mass media, creating works that celebrated the imagery and icons of contemporary life.
Photorealism: Photorealism is an artistic style that emerged in the 1960s and is characterized by highly detailed, realistic paintings and drawings. Photorealist artists sought to create works of art that were indistinguishable from photographs, often using photographs as the basis for their paintings and drawings.
Graffiti: Graffiti is an artistic style that emerged in the 1960s and is characterized by writing or drawing on walls, buildings, and other surfaces in public spaces. Graffiti artists often use bold, colorful lettering and images to express their ideas and opinions, and many see graffiti as a form of protest against authority and traditional forms of art.
These are just a few examples of the many different artistic styles that exist. Each style has its unique history and characteristics, and each offers something different to viewers. Like animation, the world of art is constantly evolving and changing, and new artists and styles are emerging all the time.
Let us know what you think at TheCGBros.com! If you found this information interesting or valuable, please be sure to “spread the word” and pass this newsletter along to your friends and colleagues. Word of mouth is still the best form of advertising 🙂 Don’t miss next month’s issue of the CGInsider newsletter, where we’ll be discussing some of the issues surrounding AI generated art! You’ll want to check this one out!
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VIDEO OF THE MONTH:
"My Babushka Smokes A Pipe" - by Ivan Pavlov and OCA Animation School
TheCGBros Presents “My Babushka Smokes A Pipe” – by Ivan Pavlov and OCA Animation School – To all those fighting for peace! NO WAR!
Runners up:
"Tricked" - by Cherry x Naicheng x Suhn + Ringling
"Catisfaction"
by André Almeida
News Articles "On the Edge"
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This year, after encouragement from fans and consistent with our mission to provide our members relevant and quality content, we launched our own Podcast: TheCGBros CGInsider Podcast. In it, we’ll be answering many questions that our fans have been asking. We will also discuss trends and relevant topics about computer graphics imagery, jobs in the video industry, animation, gaming, and much more. Check it out!
Upcoming Podcasts:
This Month’s Schedule:
- 2310 – 03/07/23 How Is AI Being used In Video Editing/Comp?
- 2311 – 03/14/23 Are Virtual Loved Ones A Good Idea?
- 2312 – 03/21/23 What Are The Coolest Mechs/Giant Robots?
- 2313 – 03/28/23 How Is AI Being Used In Gaming
Next Month’s Schedule:
- 2314 – 04/06/23 Are Video Games & Movie-Making Merging?
- 2315 – 04/13/23 Is CGI Getting Better Or Worse?
- 2316 – 04/20/23 Is Motion Capture Better Than Keyframe Animation?
- 2317 – 04/27/23 Can AI Create 3D Animation?
