How to Make 2D Animation with Easy Steps and Tips

2D Animation Made Easy: Simple Steps and Tips for Creating Engaging Animations

Austin

March 17, 2023

Austin

March 17, 2023

The inclination of animation has become common all over the globe. You can see numerous 2D animated videos, whether it is a movie, logo, or illustration, the animation has taken all the space and become popular in generations. Also, 2D animation is being found in greater demand by people to promote their business, run a game, and release a movie; we can see a bit of animation contribution everywhere. However, animation is not an easy task, and it needs a massive amount of creativity, vast practical experience, and much theoretical knowledge.

Hence, if you are a beginner and want to make a 2D animation, you can easily do that. But the question that would come into your mind is “how,” so lets start with the detailed query.

Creating a 2D animation is to decide on your animation software. There are several options available, such as Adobe Animate, Synfig Studio, Toon Boom Harmony, and OpenToonz. Once you have chosen your software, you can start working on your animation.

One important aspect of 2D animation is understanding the principles of animation. These principles include squash and stretch, timing and spacing, and anticipation, among others. By understanding and applying these principles, you can create animations that look more natural and realistic.

Whether you choose 2D or 3D animation, understanding the principles of animation and having creative ideas are essential. So if you want to learn more about the difference between 2D and 3D animation, you can check out this article on 2D vs 3D animation.

so there are some tips and tricks which you require to understand first. So without wasting time, so lets start with first.

1. Script Making

First of all, before getting started, you need to know what story you are going to make. For this, you need to make a script in which you will write each step of the animation story. This step would make it easier for you to go smoothly and make scenes one by one according to the script.

So, If you are new to scriptwriting or want to get an idea of how to structure your animation story, you can check out some sample scripts. These scripts can give you a better understanding of how to write a script, what to include, and how to format it. So, click on this link to access some sample scripts:

2D Animation Explainer Video Script & Questionnaire

The script is basically the framework for your animated video, which helps you in making further stories in animation. You need to keep in mind the certain time of the video, and according to that time, you must take care of the length of the story. Remember that if you have a story that contains probably 200-250 words, it will make an 80-90 second video. So, try to shorten the nitty-gritty of the story.

In conclusion, writing a script and dialogue for your animated video is a crucial step in the process. It sets the foundation for the story and helps you bring your characters to life. If you’re new to script writing, you can check out this beginner’s guide for some helpful tips and tricks.

2. Voiceover

Although every story is incomplete without dialogues and they are the essential part of a video. Adding a voiceover to your 2D animation can be a great way to enhance the viewer’s experience and convey the message more effectively. A voiceover can help you explain complex ideas or add a personal touch to your video. Here’s how you can create a voiceover for your 2D animation:

Step 1: Write a Script – Just like with the animation, you need to have a script for your voiceover. The script should include all the necessary information that you want to convey to the audience. You can also use the script to time your animation, making sure that the visuals and the voiceover are in sync.
Step 2: Record Your Voiceover – Once you have the script ready, it’s time to record the voiceover. This is where the right voice-over software’s comes in handy. Using a good quality voice-over software, you can easily edit, enhance, and synchronize your voiceover with your animation. The best voice-over software options come with a range of features such as background music, sound effects, and audio editing tools. With these features, you can add a variety of sound effects to your animation, making it more engaging and professional.
Step 3: Edit Your Voiceover – After you’ve recorded your voiceover, it’s time to edit it. You can use editing software to remove any background noise or mistakes. You can also adjust the volume and add some effects to make it sound more professional.
Step 4: Add the Voiceover to Your Animation – Finally, it’s time to add the voiceover to your 2D animation. You can do this by syncing the voiceover with the visuals, making sure that they match perfectly. You can also use the voiceover to add sound effects or background music to your animation.

If you’re new to creating a voiceover, you can check out this article on how to create a voiceover for your animated video. It includes some helpful tips and tricks to make the process easier and more effective.

3. Storyboard

Storyboard Illustrations of "Story of Two Twins"

After you are done with the scriptwriting and voice recording, you can start making an animation. A storyboard is a step where you will convert your script into a drawing. If you are good enough to create hand sketches, you can absolutely do that. You can describe your story via visual illustrations and graphics. If you feel that you are not sufficiently good at making drawings, you can use some drawing software to make a story using graphic illustrations. The storyboard conveys the scenes and transitions of the animation.

Here are the steps involved in creating a storyboard for a 2D animation:

Step 1: Develop the Concept – Before you begin storyboarding, you need to have a clear idea of the story you want to tell in your 2D animation. This involves developing the concept, the characters, and the setting.
Step 2: Break the Story into Scenes – Once you have the concept, you need to break the story down into individual scenes. This helps to visualize the flow of the story and allows you to plan the shots and camera angles.
Step 3: Create Rough Sketches – Now it’s time to create rough sketches of the scenes. These sketches don’t need to be polished or detailed; they just need to give you an idea of the composition and action.
Step 4: Refine the Sketches – Once you have the rough sketches, it’s time to refine them. You can add more details and begin to define the characters’ expressions and movements.
Step 5: Add Dialogue and Text – If your animation includes dialogue or text, you can add it to the storyboard at this point. This helps to plan out the timing of the animation and ensures that the dialogue is in sync with the visuals.
Step 6: Organize the Scenes – After you’ve completed the individual scene sketches, it’s time to organize them into a sequence. This will give you a clear picture of the flow of the story and how the scenes transition into each other.
Step 7: Finalize the Storyboard – Once you’ve organized the scenes, it’s time to finalize the storyboard. This involves adding any necessary notes or comments and ensuring that everything is in the correct order.

Creating a storyboard for a 2D animation can be a time-consuming process, but it’s an essential step in creating a successful animation. By following these steps, you can ensure that your storyboard effectively conveys your story and sets the stage for a great animation.

If you’re still confused about how to create a storyboard for your 2D animation, there are many resources available online to help you. One great example is the Behance.

4. Visualization

Now it’s time to visualize your drawings by customizing them and filling vibrant colors in them. People usually use software and animation applications to make a 2D animation video; you can also pick one and insert your drawings.

When you have filled the colors and reached your drawing to the final stage, you can also customize your drawings by adding a background or enhancing the character. Bear in mind, if your character looks more real, your video would appear more conspicuous. So, choose the colors and backgrounds wisely to make it more remarkable.

5. Animation

Here comes the most anticipated and crucial step in making a 2D animated video. Of course, an animated video is incomplete without delusion. Though each step needs patience, you need to hold tolerance for an elongated period after reaching this stage because animation is a time taking process.

This step needs to merge all the steps; you need to put the voiceover recordings in the background and move the illustrations according to the scenes. Hence, you need to care about every small detail at this stage while combining the recordings and graphics on the storyboard.

For better animation, you can make small parts of the video and check them as well. Once you are done with the completed video, you can also put some music in the video for more desirability.

If you’re looking to add some extra flair to your 2D animation, you may want to consider using animated text. Animated text can add a dynamic and engaging element to your video, and there are many great apps available to help you create it. Check out this blog post from Ideas Animation to learn about some of the best animated text apps available. Whether you’re looking to create bold titles or subtle text animations, these apps can help you take your 2D animation to the next level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a 2D animation can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires time and effort to produce a high-quality animation. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can create a 2D animation that is engaging and visually appealing.

Remember to plan your animation, create your artwork, animate your scenes, and add sound effects and music to enhance the viewing experience.

With practice and dedication, you can create 2D animations that will captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression.

If you feel that creating a 2D animation is beyond your skillset, you can always hire a professional 2D animation studio to bring your vision to life. One such studio is Ideas Animation, which specializes in creating high-quality 2D animations for businesses and individuals. Their team of skilled animators and designers can work with you to create a unique and engaging animation that meets your specific needs. Contact Ideas Animation today to learn more about their services and how they can help you create a stunning 2D animation.

Additionally, you can explore our blogs to find more tips and insights on creating 2D animations and other animation-related topics.