Will AI revolutionize 2D animation ?

Can we create a fictional universe using artificial intelligence (AI) and animate it ?

Let’s experiment with AI

In the world of illustration and animation, technological advances offer endless possibilities. AI has become a powerful tool for artists, allowing them to bring new worlds to life. In this article, we will explore the different stages of creating a fictional universe, relying on AI to shape characters and settings.

turnaround gif animation

Creating a character’s turnaround

In animation, a turnaround is a crucial step. It allows you to visualize a character from all angles, giving animators a deep understanding of its structure and design. With AI, creating this turnaround can be simplified, allowing artists to focus more on the details and nuances of each character. In my experiment, I used AI to generate the initial turnaround, then used After Effects to animate the character in its entirety.

Creation of a city

Building an entire city is a huge challenge for any artist. So yes, thanks to AI, this process can be significantly accelerated. By using specific prompts, artists can quickly generate complex urban structures and environments. I explored this possibility by using Midjourney to generate the main elements of the city. I then assembled the parts of the image that I liked with Photoshop. And finally I used After Effects to create an immersive parallax, giving a realistic depth to the environment.

AI, an additional tool, not a magic wand

The use of AI in the creation of fictional universes offers undeniable advantages in terms of speed and efficiency. However, it is important to emphasize that this technology does not replace artistic talent and human creativity.

On the contrary, it enriches the creative process by offering new possibilities and freeing artists from technical constraints. It is an option to integrate into our artistic toolbox, allowing us to explore horizons that were previously inaccessible.

And of course, it is essential to find a balance between automation and artistic expression, in order to ensure that each work retains its uniqueness.

Authenticity at the heart of creation

I have witnessed situations where clients, seduced by the promises of AI, were tempted to entrust the graphic design of their brand internally, with the help of AI, to less creative profiles.

But, after a few months, they realized that something essential was missing. The reason is simple: even with the advances in AI, our human instinct quickly detects the difference between an authentic creation and one generated by algorithm.

A brand that fills its content with images and texts generated by AI risks getting lost in the crowd, becoming invisible. On the other hand, one that cultivates an authentic and human identity will naturally stand out. Consumers will identify with its content because it will resonate with them on an emotional level.

However, we must move with the times. It doesn’t matter that the creative studio has used AI! What really matters is that the artistic director makes real creative choices, skillfully combining the tools at his disposal to deliver an enriched work. It is in this harmonious synthesis between human inspirations and the possibilities offered by machines that the essence of contemporary artistic creation lies.

What future for 2D animation?

It is becoming increasingly clear that 2D animation will be revolutionized by AI. Previously, it was necessary to draw different angles, different intervals and interpolations to break down an action. A hyper artisanal process, done by hand, which made us dream (cc Disney/Ghibli), but which required considerable work.

Source：Holly Motion  link is here: https://hollymotion.com/en/ai_en/