The Difference Between Cartoon and Animated: What You Need to Know
If you’re a fan of animated movies or TV shows, you may have come across the terms “cartoon” and “animated” before. While the two terms might seem interchangeable, they actually have slightly different meanings.
What is a Cartoon?
A cartoon typically refers to a hand-drawn or digitally created comic strip, illustration or animation. The term “cartoon” comes from the Italian word “cartone,” which means a large sheet of paper. Cartoons are typically characterized by their stylized and exaggerated features, often used to portray humorous or satirical situations.
In terms of animation, cartoons are often created using a technique called cel animation. This involves drawing each frame of the animation by hand on a transparent sheet, which is then photographed one frame at a time to create the final animation.
What is Animated?
In contrast to cartoons, animated shows or movies are created using a wide range of techniques, including 2D and 3D computer animation, stop-motion, and claymation. Instead of using hand-drawn frames, animators create virtual models and manipulate them to create movement and tell a story.
Animated shows and movies can range from children’s shows to mature content and can be computer-generated, hand-drawn, or a combination of both. Some examples of popular animated shows include The Simpsons, South Park, and Family Guy.
The Main Differences Between Cartoons and Animated
While cartoons and animated might seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences to keep in mind:
– Cartoons are typically hand-drawn or created digitally, while animated shows or movies can be created using a variety of techniques, including 2D and 3D computer animation.
– Cartoons tend to have more exaggerated features and focus on humor, while animated shows can cover a wide range of subjects and genres.
– Cartoons are often associated with children’s shows, while animated shows can appeal to viewers of all ages.
In conclusion, while cartoons and animated might seem similar, they are actually quite different in terms of their creation and storytelling techniques. Whether you prefer a classic, hand-drawn cartoon or a modern computer-animated blockbuster, both mediums offer unique experiences that are worth exploring.
Table difference between cartoon and animated
| Cartoon | Animated | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A series of drawings or illustrations that create the illusion of movement when shown in succession. | A broad term for any type of filmed or computer-generated moving visual media that is not live-action. |
| Style | Tends to feature exaggerated and simplified artwork, often with a humorous or satirical element. | Tends to be more realistic and may feature a range of styles from cartoonish to lifelike. |
| Target audience | Often aimed at children, but can also be enjoyed by people of all ages. | Can be aimed at children or adults, depending on the subject matter and style. |
| Production process | Usually produced by hand-drawn animation or using computer software to create 2D animation. | Produced using a range of techniques, including hand-drawn, stop-motion, and computer-generated (3D) animation. |
| Examples | Classic cartoons such as Bugs Bunny, Tom and Jerry, and SpongeBob SquarePants. | Newer animated series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, Family Guy, and The Simpsons. |