The design centred on a bouncing ball sprite. This is a classic exercise. It helped me to learn animation. The single round shape removed distractions. So I could focus on timing and spacing. Timing controls perceived weight. Whereas spacing determines acceleration. Squash-and-stretch is the most crucial principle of animation. The ball changes shape according to inertia and elasticity. So it conveys intent purely through movement. Physical motion can communicate. Changes in shape and trajectory tell a story. And movement can be expressive.
My choice of background provided an environmental context. I used my photo of a working bee. That was at a metallic silhouette range. That volunteer work adds real-world texture and purpose. It transforms a technical exercise. That becomes a story of community engagement.
The early 19th century brought animated toys. They were the phénakisticope and zoetrope.
Stop-motion was developed in the early 20th century. This method manipulated objects between frames.
The next advance came with cel animation. Whereby artists hand-drew elements on transparent sheets.
That enhanced:
- efficiency;
- dynamism;
- consistency; and
- storytelling.
Digital animation emerged in the late 20th century. It transformed visual storytelling.
Computer-generated graphics reimagined the medium. That expanded creativity.
