3D CGI Animation

CGI is the use of computer graphics to make or add to movies, video games, images, TV programs and more! 3D CGI was first used in 1976. CGI stands for Computer Generated Imagery. In order for CGI to work, you'll need a powerful computer and software. 

Designers create CGI by making the basic computer generated graphics. Then they add the detail that makes the animation look less cartoony and more realistic to whatever they're working on by adding texture, lighting, colour and tone. Here is a video that shows you what CGI is. Here is a video that shows you how to make a CGI movie. Two well known examples of 3D CGI are Toy Story and Avatar. 

The advantages and disadvantages of using 3D CGI.

Advantages:

• It allows you to make effects that would be really difficult to make any other way.
• You can add digital characters to your creations. For example, Gollum from Lord of the Rings.

Disadvantages:

• You need a very powerful computer to render CGI animations.
• It can look not realistic if it isn't done properly.

2D Computer Graphics Animation

2D graphics started in the 1950s. 2D computer graphics computer based generation of images, these were mostly dimensional objects like 2D geometric objects.

In order to make 2D animation, you're going to need software on your computer to do it. Then you draw each frame on the computer. This video will tell you about 2D computer graphics and this video will show you how to make it. Two well known examples of 2D computer animation are Disney's Aladdin and Alice in Wonderland.

The advantages and disadvantages of 2D animation.

Advantages:

• It takes less time to produce 
• It's not very complicated

Disadvantages:

• It can cost more because of the software
• Thanks to 3D animation, it can look out of fashion

Cell animation

Cell animation was invented by Earl Hurd in 1914. Cell animation is an animation technique where each frame is hand drawn. For the animation to work, you'll need to draw the outline of your image on the front of a cell and on the back you'll need to colour it.

This technique was used for the first half of the 20th century until it was later replaced by cellulose acetate. This video shows you how to make cell animation and this video tells you the history of cell animation. Two well known examples of cell animation is the movie called The Black Cauldron and Disney's Robin Hood. 

Advantages and disadvantages of cell animation.

Advantages:

• The quality of the frames are a lot clearer and higher quality
• You can make it very detailed

Disadvantages:

• It is very time consuming as every frame must be made over again.
• It can be very expensive