Why Animation is Captivating

If there’s one thing that’s been a consistent source of joy, wonder, and inspiration in my life, it’s animation. From the classic Saturday morning cartoons of my childhood to the emotionally rich animated films I watch today, animation has always held a special place in my heart. It’s not just “kids’ stuff.” It’s an art form. A language of imagination. In this post, I wanted to share why I love animation, the magic behind how it’s made, and why I believe it’s one of the most powerful mediums of storytelling out there.

The Magic of Movement

At its core, animation is about bringing things to life. Literally. It’s about taking static drawings, puppets, or computer-generated models and making them move, breathe, and feel real. It’s wild when you think about it—how a bunch of images stitched together can make us laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of our seats. Whether it’s hand-drawn frames from Studio Ghibli, the stop-motion mastery of Laika, or the groundbreaking CG of Pixar, every form of animation has its own unique soul.

How It’s Made: A Blend of Art and Technology

Animation is both incredibly technical and deeply artistic. There are so many forms:

2D Animation

Traditional, hand-drawn frame by frame (like The Lion King or Avatar: The Last Airbender).

3D Animation

Computer-generated, with complex modelling and rigging (think Toy Story, Frozen).

Stop Motion

Moving physical objects in tiny increments between frames (like Coraline or Wallace & Gromit).

Motion Graphics

Usually used in marketing or titles, more design-driven (you’ve seen it on YouTube intros!). Each method takes time, patience, and creativity. One second of animation can mean 24 drawings, poses, or frames. It’s mind-blowing.