animated vs cartoon

Guri Bee

2 min read

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21-10-2024

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Animated vs Cartoon: What's the Difference?

You might think that "animated" and "cartoon" are interchangeable, but there's a subtle distinction between the two. While they often overlap, understanding the difference can help you better appreciate the vast world of visual storytelling.

What is Animation?

Animation, in its broadest sense, refers to the process of bringing still images to life. This can be achieved through various techniques, including:

• Traditional hand-drawn animation: This classic method involves creating individual drawings on cels (transparent sheets) and capturing them on film, frame by frame. Think Disney classics like Snow White and Pinocchio.
• Stop-motion animation: This technique involves manipulating physical objects, like puppets or clay models, and capturing them frame by frame. Popular examples include the Nightmare Before Christmas and Wallace & Gromit.
• Computer animation: Using software, artists create digital models and manipulate them to create movement. This is the most common technique in modern animation, seen in movies like Toy Story and Frozen.

What is a Cartoon?

A cartoon is a specific style of animation that is typically characterized by:

• Exaggerated features: Characters often have large heads, small bodies, and expressive faces.
• Humorous content: Cartoons frequently rely on slapstick, satire, and puns to create humor.
• Simplified drawings: While not always the case, cartoons often use simple lines and shapes for their characters and environments.

The Key Difference

The key difference between animation and cartoon is that animation is a technique, while cartoon is a style.

• Animation encompasses a wide range of techniques and styles, including cartoons.
• Cartoon is a specific style of animation that focuses on humor and exaggerated features.

Examples of Animation vs Cartoon

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:

• Animation: Pixar's "Finding Nemo" is an example of computer animation. It features realistic characters and environments but does not fall under the "cartoon" style.
• Cartoon: "Looney Tunes" is a classic example of a cartoon. The characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck have exaggerated features, and the humor relies heavily on slapstick and puns.

Why Does the Distinction Matter?

Understanding this difference can help you appreciate the vast diversity of visual storytelling. It allows you to recognize the unique techniques and styles used in different animated works and appreciate their individual artistic merits.

Further Exploration

For a deeper dive into animation and its history, explore these resources:

• Animation World Network: https://www.awn.com/
• The Art of Animation: https://www.animationartconservancy.org/
• The History of Cartooning: https://www.animationhistory.net/

Final Thoughts

While "animation" and "cartoon" are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction between the technique and the style. This distinction can help you appreciate the vast range of visual storytelling possibilities within the world of animation.