2D stands for “two-dimensional”. The term 2D animation refers to the process of creating two-dimensional images that are shown in sequences to create the feeling of motion. Methods to create a 2D animations are traditional animation and vector-based computer animation.
2,5D (also known as three-quarter perspective or pseudo-3D) is a term referring to the variety of 2D animation techniques used to create images and scenes that look as if they are appearing in three-dimensional space, although they are really not. One of the most common ways to create 2,5D perspective is by using parallax effect.
3D stands for “three-dimensional”. The term 3D modeling stands for the process of creating three-dimensional objects, that will be moved in virtual three-dimensional space in the process of 3D animation. 3D animation processes and models are, by far, mostly used in gaming and film industry, but they are also quite common in visual presentations, commercials, explainer videos etc.
Unlike digital cinema resolutions, that used and are still using the horizontal dimension to specify the resolution (see 4K and 8K definitions), TV resolutions, until the appearance of terms 4K and 8K, used the vertical dimension for this purpose. That is why full HD resolution is commonly called 1080p, referring to 1080 pixels in height, namely the resolution of 1,920×1,080 pixels.
Short for 4K resolution (also known as 4K UHD), 4K is a term that stands for a horizontal screen display resolution of 4,000 pixels. When speaking about theater projectors, 4K stands for a horizontal resolution of 4,096 pixels; however, it is also very common to refer to Ultra HD (UHD) TV resolution as to 4K resolution as well (although the exact UHD TV resolution is actually 3,840x2160px, not full 4,000 pixels in width).
short for 8K resolution (also known as 8K UHD), is a term referring to the currently highest ultra high definition resolution in digital television (7,680×4,320 pixels).
360-degree videos (also known as immersive videos or spherical videos) are recordings which allow the viewer to observe their content from every viewing angle and direction. 360 videos can be recorded either by using an appropriate, so-called omnidirectional camera, or several cameras strategically placed to film an object or an event from many different angles.360-degree videos (also known as immersive videos and spherical videos) are recordings which allow the viewer to observe their content from every viewing angle and direction. 360 videos can be recorded either by using an appropriate, omnidirectional camera, or several cameras strategically placed to film an object or an event from many different angles.
An American computer software company known for its software products and programs developed for users in creative industries. Its best-known products are programs for illustration and design (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator), photo editing (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom), publishing design (Adobe InDesign), animation (Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate), video editing (Adobe Premiere Pro) etc.
A preliminary film or animation version, containing a sequence of shots, scenes or images from a scenario or a storyboard, enriched with music and/or voice-over narration. The main purposes of an animatic video are to set the exact timing for appearance and movements of elements and characters, as well as to make sure the film/animation flow is controlled and effective.
A dynamic process of bringing objects to life by handling them in ways that make them appear as moving images, which creates an illusion of real movements. Most commonly, it is spoken of 5 animation types: traditional animation, vector-based computer animation, 3D animation, motion graphics and stop motion animation.
A term referring to size relation between the width and the hight of an image or a video. It is always given in figures, in a x:y form (x is always a width dimension, and y is always the hight). The most common aspect ratio today, that works for TV movies and TV shows, is 16:9 (width is divided into 16 equal parts, while the height is 9 parts) – this aspect ratio is commonly referred to as “widescreen aspect ratio”.
A scene part that is set behind the elements shown in the foreground. Depending on style and purpose, it can be more or less colorful, more or less detailed; it can serve well for highlighting the elements shown in the first plane, or it can consume them and become dominant.
One of the most important principles in art, referring to the relation of elements inside of a composition, in such sense that one side of a scene should appear in same importance or “weight” as the other.
Symmetrically balanced scenes have the same, or almost the same number of very similar elements set around an imaginary line going through the scene center; radially balanced scenes follow the same principle, but with the elements set around the central point of the scene. When we say a scene’s got an asymmetrical balance, it means that the number, size and type of elements in two sides of a composition are different, but they still bare the same visual weight.
If you want to learn more about balance in art, check out this article.
A list of instructions containing necessary directions and explanations about a task or a job. A brief can contain instructions in a form of written requests, reference images and photographs, relevant studies, links, or any other piece of material a person may find relevant and helpful in their work on a related task or job.
A financial frame the customer sets before ordering an animated video, estimating a price range they would feel comfortable with. A given budget can be of the criteria that helps determine which animation type can be recommended to a customer.
Short for corporate identity, stands for a unique visual representation a company, which includes three basic elements: logo, business card and memorandum, and many secondary ones (stationary, product and package design, uniforms, signage etc). Well designed CIs helps companies stand out and leave a more professional impression on potential customers.
If you want to know more about the basic differences between corporate identity, brand identity and brand image, check out this article.
A protagonist of an animated video, in a role similar to the one of an actor on film or in a theater. Protagonists in most explainer videos are characters drawn and animated to resemble real people, but they can also be mascots, animals, or even objects that are getting human features, emotions and gestures.
One of the synonyms for the term traditional animation. Its name comes from a word “cel”, short for celluloid, a transparent sheet used as a canvas for drawing animation frames.
A commercial video, or often called an advertisement video is a (preferably) short video that promotes a business, product or service. Unlike an explainer video, it does not intend to thoroughly elucidate every aspect of its subject, but to grab the viewers attention and attract potential clients.
A process of combining different visual elements from different sources to incorporate into a single scene. An excellent introduction to the art of compositing can be found here.
One of three primary transitions, alongside with dissolve and wipe. The cut represents an abrupt transition between to scenes or shots – one sequence suddenly disappears, and the following one appears right after.