In a conscious attempt to ensure that my project is not single-cam but a combination of two modules: single cam and digital media, it is important to include some digital aspects to the music video and this shall be done through the form of various animation techniques. This post is to discuss animation techniques in general:

There are five types of animation and these are:

• Traditional animation
• 2D Vector based animation
• 3D Computer animation
• Motion graphics
• Stop motion

Traditional animation

This is one of the oldest forms of animation and this is where the animator draws every frame one by one in order to create the animation sequence. Disney’s older films are a prime example of this such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Due to my interest in all things modern and digital, I do not think this will be a route I take but it is definitely one that sounds good and one that I could possibly use however not for the entire video.

2D Vector based animation

This is a modern version of animation and is perhaps the most modern of today’s animation. It can be done on Adobe Flash and Adobe AfterEffects, AE is the programme that I shall be using throughout the project alongside Adobe Premiere. It is based on vectors being put into key frames on a flat surface and ultimately shall dominate my music video.

3D Computer animation

This is dominated by claymation in which the animator uses figures of clay/Plasticine/other malleable material to create stop-motion animation. This is a very lengthy process and because of this, it is probably not a technique that I shall be using within my Media Project 2.

Motion graphics

This is a technique in which is mostly associated with commercial animation such as video, film and TV. One of the most popular animators of motion graphics is graphic designer Saul Bass who’s work has inspired me for many years. For this project I have researched his work alongside looking at other pieces of work which can be found here. The notion of motion graphics is still graphics that look like they are moving over time, creating the illusion of motion. Due to their nature within multimedia projects, I think it is extremely important that I incorporate motion graphics into my music video.

Stop motion

Finally, stop motion is an animation technique whereby a series of photographs are collated into a video. It is arguably one of the simplest forms of animation yet one of the most lengthy as well. Due to my planning for the project and the elements that I plan to include, I believe it to be a necessity to use the form of stop motion animation within my music video.