DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANIMATION AND VISUAL EFFECTS

1. 1
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

4. • Animation and Visual effects (VFX) are seen mostly in films especially
Hollywood superhero pictures. Of course, the world of motion media is
not limited to only international films. Now, it has spread its wings
towards domestic films too.
• The two terms- Animation and VFX -may seem similar but they have
some key differences. Most common perception is that animation is a
part of VFX.
• Nothing can be far from truth than this perception. Despite their
differences both are categorized under the fine arts
section of the Media and Entertainment industry. Before getting to know
the difference between Animation and VFX, read on to know what
are animation and Visual effects with some examples.

5. Animation:
Animation is the technique of applying illusions on the painting/ sketches/
drawings of puppets or human being pictures so that they can move and
act as we see in the cartoon series. Or it is also defined as “animation is
motion graphics that are applied to the pictures or sketches in order to
create characters and motion”.
It uses the existing frame or footage and applies animated or imaginary
using computer software to make it a real scene. It can be done by
sketching by hand or through a computer or the combination of
sketching and computer-generated images.

6. Animation:
It takes more time to produce an image but the existing cells or frames
can be re-used in this technique to save time.
Example:
1)Cartoon pictures have been childhood favourite time pass and
entertainment for most.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power: the current famous Netflix series for
children and relished cartoon pic. All the roles in the episodes are human
puppets. If we take the lead role She-Ra – a warrior girl. When we look at
her, it was a drawing, not a real girl. That means we draw one puppet or
image and make it move and act through illusions.

7. Animation:
We give life to that role through animation technique.
2)The titles, modelling, texturing, rigging are other examples of Animation.
Besides, Animation has moved on from two-dimensional (2D) to three-
dimensional (3D) through ever-growing technological advancements. The
core differences between 2D and 3D are software used, frame rate, and
the cost of technology. Obviously, 2D animation is relatively economical
than 3D.

8. Animation:
We give life to that role through animation technique.
2)The titles, modelling, texturing, rigging are other examples of Animation.
Besides, Animation has moved on from two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D)
through ever-growing technological advancements. The core differences between 2D and 3D
are software used, frame rate, and the cost of technology. Obviously, 2D animation is relatively
economical than 3D.

9. Animation:
In 2D animation, you just draw images with different postures . If
in the image, he/ she has folded his/her hand back side, the artist need
not draw the total hand, instead he can draw just the outline.
However, in the case of a 3D image, the third “D” – that is, DEPTH-
too gets hilighted which lends life-like experience. That means
with 3D we can explore all dimensions of an image.
The example of 2D animated films are Aladdin, The Princess and The
Frog; whereas the 3D animated films are Kung Fu Panda, The secret life
of pets and Zootopia etc.

10. Visual Effects:
VFX is applied to real things, human beings, and scenes/ frames/
footage. VFX is the combination of real things and special effects
that are implemented to life to the real on the reel.
We see in Baahubali film that it was a combination of VFX and real
things. Sky replacement, creating effects, etc. everything is manipulated
to make it live scene. It is also implemented on the action scenes in
many films.
Coming to Baahubali, in some scenes, the Hero jumps up to the
mountains which can’t be done in real. Here, the special effects are
implemented to the real human being.

12. Career growth
If you are an animator, you must spend your time drawing cartoons or using
animation software to create characters. You also need to learn the career
opportunities in the form of job roles such as – Flash animator, 3D Modelar,
Graphic Designer, Art Director etc.
If you are a VFX artist, you need to understand the principle of composting,
work through different technologies to implement digital painting,
rotoscoping etc. Basically, VFX artists have to learn the skill of how to merge
creative elements and apply them in real life through raw footage or by
remotely or working in the field. A specialist can choose to be a layout artist,
matter painter, visual effect artist, lighting artist etc

13. Career growth
If you are an animator, you must spend your time drawing cartoons or using
animation software to create characters. You also need to learn the career
opportunities in the form of job roles such as – Flash animator, 3D Modelar,
Graphic Designer, Art Director etc.
If you are a VFX artist, you need to understand the principle of composting,
work through different technologies to implement digital painting,
rotoscoping etc. Basically, VFX artists have to learn the skill of how to merge
creative elements and apply them in real life through raw footage or by
remotely or working in the field. A specialist can choose to be a layout artist,
matter painter, visual effect artist, lighting artist etc

14. Application of skill
the use of animation in each and every field nowadays. Starting from media
advertisements to movies and films, every graphics illustration you see is
part of an animation. It can be an advertising campaign, website or even an
online game.
visual effects are more associated with television shows, movies and even
documentaries. Here the professionals learn VFX and the process of
manipulating the imaginary and creating something out of the box. VFX, at
present, is in high demand in the online gaming industry. Have you heard
about Rockstar games and Sony? They frequently hire VFX artists because
they need specialists who can bridge the demand and supply chain.

15. Software required
Salary growth can only be witnessed along with career growth. Irrespective
of the field, career growth depends on the production house with whom you
are working.
At present, there is a huge demand for animators and VFX artists, but there
is a supply gap. So if you choose to be an animator, you can capitalize quite
easily.
The salary for animated and visual effect artists is quite similar and is
expected to be around 6 lakh to 7 lakh at the end of the year for beginners.
However, you must take the initiative and join the best Animation Course in
Kolkata to get the desired job in a popular media house.

16. THANK YOU