What is animation? The term actually covers a variety of different applications and genres, but the technical definition is the filming of a sequence of drawings or positions to create an illusion of motion. However, in our modern computer world, the two major categories are 2D and 3D computer animation, which until fairly recently, was a trade that normally only involved the entertainment industry. Thanks to an ever-growing desire to computerize everything within the industry, what once time took a team of animators a great deal of time using pencils, cels and paint, can now be accomplished with one individual and one computer.

The most familiar form of 2D animations can be found by watching Saturday morning cartoons with your kids, or even simpler animations every day when you surf the web. It takes on the forms of advertisements, e-cards, etc. The basic starting point for all animations is a storyboard that lays out the basic script in a visual format, much like an extra large comic strip. From that point a rough audio track of the script is created to give animators something to sync with their drawings. This form of animation uses "vector graphics," meaning that the images are based upon mathematical equations, rather than by an array of pixels, such as in "raster graphics."

When you create animations, most people assume that when you refer to computer animation you are talking about 3D computer animation, due to its flexibility. And while there are some basic similarities between 2D and 3D animations, a scene that is made in 3D is created long before any animation work starts.

What many people do not realize is that the entertainment industry and specifically motion picture applications, while possibly being the forerunners in advancing technologies, only account for a fraction of the 3D animations market. Actually, there is very little difference between computer animation and what is called traditional animation. The main difference is the tools that are used to create animations, the effort and the price. Traditional 3D animation was more like claymations, and was done by using stop-motion filming techniques. Essentially, the true concept of 3D animations did not really catch on until the use of computers for animation became more cost effective and practical.

Who uses 3D computer animation? A partial list would include government agencies, architects, web designers, chemical companies, engineers, as well as for advertising just about every type of product imaginable. 3D animation designs sells products, teaches students and presents information in new and more understandable ways. Depending on the type of animation desired, the process can be wholly computerized or in other cases, some of the cartoon animations may still need hand-penciling work.