To celebrate the world of animation and encourage discussion around the art form, the Association Internationale du Film d’Animation (ASIFA) declared 28 October as International Animation Day (IAD).
The first series of events were held in 2002 to commemorate Théâtre Optique’s 1892 debut. Now, the day is celebrated in more than 50 countries across the world. For more information on what’s happening this year, visit ASIFA’s website.
Animation through the ages
Because of its richness, no other medium can rival animation when it comes to storytelling. And through the ages, we’ve seen artists push boundaries to express themselves with this art form.
To put things into perspective, here’s a glance at the history of animation.
The evolution of modern animation
Hand-drawn animation may not be the norm right now but in the early 1900s, this labor-intensive route was the only option animators had. It’s why only big studios could afford to take up animation projects back in the day.
Additionally, the Hays Code limited artists in the entertainment industry about what they could portray. This censorship propagated the idea that “animation is for kids”– a concept that still hasn’t left our collective consciousness.
Luckily, the internet and technology saved the day and gave animators more freedom to experiment with the medium.
Here’s an interesting video that sums up how modern animation became more accessible to the masses.
Present-day animation
Fast forward to today and you’ll see how animation has found its way into various traditional and online media. Savvy brands are also using it as a marketing tool.
Now, animation includes a range of styles: 2D, 3D, stop motion, and hybrids to name a few.
2D animation and motion graphics are our specialty—check out our work here.
Depending on the style, approaches may vary, too. Animators often specialize in a particular niche and may experiment with painting, drawing, animating objects, CGI, etc.
Read more: 11 Animation Styles for Your Next Marketing Video
ASIFA celebrates the power of animation
The International Animation Day 2022 poster — Designed by Michaela Pavlátová
ASIFA honored this year’s animations to recognizing our shared humanity with all our hopes and dreams.
The poster is lively, colorful, and fun; it depicts life and movement. According to Michaela ‘Joy’ is a form of celebration of animation and that served as the poster’s inspiration.
This year ASIFA organized a showcase in the following countries.
- Australia
- Bulgaria
- China
- Cyprus
- Finland
- Greece
- India
- Iran
- Japan
- Poland
- Switzerland
- USA Central
- USA South
It is set for 28 October 2022 at Treasury Theatre, Melbourne.
How will you celebrate International Animation Day?
If you want to immerse yourself in the world of animation, you could revisit some of your favorite childhood animated films/cartoons.
Pick up an old Disney classic or watch some of the more nuanced animations that are popular today (think Love Death + Robots).
Let this be the day you appreciate the art form and gain inspiration from it.
If you wish you could be an animator yourself, then it’s never too late to get started.
Check out our guide on how to start a career in animation to begin your journey, and connect with us on social media to tell us all about it!
Are you up for binging some awesome animated content?
Then check out our previous blog posts:
