Differences between Graphics and Animation
Animation and graphics are two effective methods of digital communication. While these fields are interrelated, they differ from each other in various ways. Learn about the differences between graphics and animation in this article.
Differences between Graphics and Animation
The world of multimedia arts is vivid and engaging, capable of beautifully communicating with viewers and evoking a sense of amusement. Two essential components of this world are graphics and animation. Despite belonging to the same art category, these two fields are poles apart. In this article, we will explore the differences between graphics and animation, two of the most appealing forms of visual communication. Stay with us to learn about what graphics and animation are, their types, and the process of creating them.
What are Graphics?
Graphics are visual images or designs created on surfaces, including paper, canvas, digital screens, stone, and walls, to deliver a message, provide information, or entertain people. These visuals have the following main types:
1.Raster Graphics:
These graphics are images made up of a grid of individual pixels, each of which can vary in color. Some common formats of raster graphics are JPEG, PNG, GIF, and BMP.
2. Vector Graphics:
These are high-quality images created using paths or mathematical equations. They are scalable and do not lose quality, meaning they can be zoomed in and out without losing clarity. Common examples of vector graphics formats are SVG, EPS, and AI (Adobe Illustrator).
3. 3D Graphics:
These graphics are three-dimensional representations of geometric shapes or data. They collectively create objects and characters using 3D data.
4. Computer Graphics:
These are visuals created using computer technology. They can be both 2D and 3D and are used in games, movies, virtual reality, simulations, and other areas of visual media production.
5. Infographics:
These are graphics created using digital devices, such as computers and tablets, to provide brief information or messages to targeted audiences.
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What is Animation?
Animation is a sequence of images in motion. In reality, it is the illusion of objects and characters in motion created through a well-organised sequence of images or frames. Each frame shows a slight difference in the position of objects and characters, which, when played in continuity, creates the appearance of movement.
Some of the most common forms of animation are the following:
1. Traditional Animation
In this method of animation, each frame is drawn by hand. The traditional animation is also known as cel animation.
2. 2D Animation
This type of animation is similar to the traditional animation, but it is created using a computer. It includes two dimensions, length and width in characters and objects.
3. 3D Animation
This type of animation is created by using computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create 3D objects and environments that can rotate and move like real objects. This animation has three dimensions: length, width, and height.
4. Motion Graphics
This type of animation focuses on moving graphic elements and text, often used in multimedia projects, commercials, and title sequences.
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Graphics Vs Animation: Key Differences
Now that we understand what graphics and animation are, we can easily distinguish between the two based on specific parameters. Check out the distinction between graphics and animation based on their nature, creation process, and purpose.
1. Nature-based Difference
Graphics are static or they do not have motion. They include images, illustrations, diagrams, text, charts and graphs. On the other hand, animation is dynamic and it can move. It brings life to the object on the screen.
2. Creation Process-based Difference
The process of creating graphics includes designing and drawing objects and characters using various hardware tools and software applications. Each graphic is an individual image. In contrast, the process of creating animation requires the animator to design a series of graphics and arrange them in the correct sequence to exhibit motion.
3. Purpose-based Difference
The main uses of graphics are to convey information, demonstrate concepts, and enhance visual appeal for print and digital media, user interface and experience design, and website design. However, animation is primarily used for storytelling, explaining concepts, and creating background and main characters for video games, advertisements, and educational technology purposes.
4. Motion Graphics Vs Animation
Motion graphics are often understood as a type of animation, but these two media forms differ in the following ways:
- Motion graphics are static images that are given motion for a short span of time. Animation, on the other hand, is a sequence of images that include multiple frames and can move more fluidly than motion graphics.
- Motion graphics typically include 2D elements, whereas animation can be both 2D and 3D.
5. More Differences based on Examples
Based on examples of graphics and animation, you can identify and differentiate between the two:
| Example-Based Differences between Graphics and Animation | |
|---|---|
| As a static image, the examples of graphics are the following:
|
Being a sequence of images in motion, the examples animation can be the following:
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