What is a Cel? Describe the Development and Importance of Cel Animation

Cel animation, informally referred to as the venerable traditional hand-drawn animation, has undeniably assumed a paramount position in the history of animation’s rich tapestry. From its origins to its seamless integration into the realm of digitalization, cel animation has undeniably etched an indelible imprint upon the vast expanse of the industry.

In this riveting piece, we shall embark on a thrilling journey delving into the intricate world of cel animation. Brace yourselves as we unravel the captivating tale of its evolution, unearthing the sheer significance it holds in the realm of visual storytelling. Prepare to be enlightened as we dissect the distinctive process, meticulously examine the materials employed, and pay homage to its everlasting impact on the creative landscape.

Origins of Cel Animation

Cel animation, also known as traditional animation, found its genesis in the necessity to achieve seamless and verisimilar motion within the realm of two-dimensional animations. The workflow encompasses the creation of discrete frames on transparent plastic sheets known as “cels,” which are subsequently stacked in a layered fashion to generate the perceptual effect of motion.

The notion of cel animation can be retroactively traced to the nascent years of the 20th century, wherein influencers of the animation realm, such as Winsor McCay and J. Stuart Blackton, embarked upon audacious ventures involving the manipulation of hand-drawn animations.

However, it wasn’t until the roaring 20s that Cel Animations Services truly skyrocketed into the stratosphere, thanks to the revolutionary introduction of sound in the realm of animated cartoons. This groundbreaking innovation catalyzed the evolution of cutting-edge methodologies and an escalated appetite for animated content.

The Cel Animation Process

Cel animation is an intricate and laboriously labor-intensive process that necessitates the collaborative efforts of a highly skilled squad of artists to breathe life into those mesmerizing drawings. The workflow commences with a meticulously crafted script, which is subsequently transmuted into a visually captivating storyboard, serving as a tangible representation of the meticulously orchestrated sequence of shots. Once the temporal synchronization is firmly established, a lead animator proceeds to generate preliminary sketches of the pivotal poses while thoroughly documenting the temporal aspects on a dope sheet.

The dope sheet, an essential tool in the realm of animation, serves as a paramount instrument in determining the temporal duration of individual movements while simultaneously establishing a standardized sequence for the cels. In the realm of animation, it is the esteemed duty of junior animators to meticulously complete the in-between frames, thereby bestowing upon the animated sequence a seamless and fluid transition between various poses. This meticulous procedure guarantees the attainment of a flawlessly synchronized animation that exudes an organic and lifelike essence to the observer.

Once the motion receives the green light, the pencil sketches are handed over to an inker who expertly transposes the linework onto a cell utilizing  black ink. The process of inking necessitates a careful approach, wherein precision and meticulousness are paramount to guaranteeing the attainment of clean and uniform lines.

Once the ink has undergone the process of desiccation, a skilled individual known as a colorist assumes control and proceeds to execute the task of meticulously applying pigmented cel paint to complete the linework. The chromatic hue is diligently applied on the antipodal facet of the ink, thereby bestowing upon each individual cell an exuberant and impeccably refined appearance.

Whilst the cells are being inked and coloured, additional artists are diligently engaged in the creation of intricate and accurately detailed backgrounds for every individual scene. These immersive backgrounds offer an increased sense of dimensionality and contextualization to the animation, thereby augmenting the overall visual encounter.

Once all the cells and backgrounds have been finalized, a team of skilled photographers expertly superimposes the meticulously crafted drawings in accordance with the dope sheet, meticulously capturing a photograph of each meticulously layered frame. The frames are subsequently rendered in a sequential manner, resulting in the ultimate animation.

Materials Used in Cel Animation

The progressive advancement of cel animation is intricately intertwined with the evolutionary trajectory of plastic materials. During the nascent stages, cellulose nitrate served as the quintessential substance for cellular structures. Nevertheless, this particular substance exhibited a remarkably high susceptibility to combustion and a proclivity for deterioration as time elapsed.

Due to its susceptibility to degradation issues, colloquially referred to as “vinegar syndrome,” the aforementioned material was subsequently substituted with cellulose acetate, which exhibited enhanced durability.

The ink utilized in cel animation is a dense and impenetrable acrylic or gouache paint. Over the course of time, the cellulose within the plastic undergoes degradation, resulting in the unfortunate consequence of paint flaking off and exhibiting cracks. In order to safeguard the integrity of their pristine cells, esteemed studios such as Disney have allocated substantial resources towards upholding ideal storage conditions, encompassing diligent regulation of temperature and humidity levels.

The Transition to Digital Animation

Due to the relentless progress of technology, the animation industry has undergone a gradual transformation, transitioning from the conventional technique of cel animation to the cutting-edge realm of digital animation. One of the major milestones in this paradigm shift was the groundbreaking advent of the Computer Animation Production System (CAPS), a synergistic fusion of technological prowess between the illustrious entities of Pixar and Disney. The utilization of CAPS technology has facilitated the digitalization of the intricate inking and coloring procedures, thereby optimizing the animation workflow and effectively mitigating expenses.

As the ubiquity of digital animation escalated, the digital realm seamlessly assimilated techniques derived from the traditional cel animation paradigm. ToonBoom, a software solution, has gained significant traction within the animation community due to its robust suite of tools and features that cater specifically to the creation of 2D animations. Whilst the utilization of conventional cel animation has become increasingly scarce in contemporary productions, its profound influence and intricate methodologies continue to wield a substantial impact within the realm of digital animation.

The Bottom Line

Cel animation, or traditional animation, has undeniably revolutionized the realm of animation, fundamentally influencing our perception and immersion in the captivating world of animated content.

From its inception, cel animation has undergone a remarkable transformation, propelling itself into the realm of the digital era. This groundbreaking technique has revolutionized the landscape of creative ingenuity and narrative prowess.

Despite its declining usage in contemporary productions, cel animation continues to hold significant value in the history of animation.