Skateboarding Is Not A Crime - Frame-by-Frame 2D Animation

Capturing the Spirit of Skateboarding Through Frame-by-Frame Animation

We created this 2D computer animation for Skateboard Inc at our Animation Studio in New York, celebrating skateboarding, one of the most iconic action sports. Born in the 1950s in California, skateboarding has evolved into a dynamic and influential subculture, bringing with it a spirit of creativity, freedom, and self-expression.

Our team of animators captured this culture through hand-drawn 2D animation techniques combined with modern digital tools like TV Paint, Adobe Animate, and Toon Boom Harmony. This blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary technology allows us to create fluid, dynamic motion that honors skateboarding's raw energy.

Concept Development and Graphic Style for 2D Animation

As with any successful animation production process, the first step was concept development. We proposed various graphic styles and color palettes for the project. Once the visual style was locked in, our team launched into the creation of powerful frame-by-frame 2D animation, using a detailed storyboard.

This storyboarding process helped us break down each scene, analyze the transitions, and capture the fluid movements of the illustrated characters, a crucial step in frame-by-frame two-dimensional animation. These behind-the-scenes elements showcase how FEVR plans and structures traditional animation projects from concept to execution.

Animatics: The Key to Perfect Timing in Frame-by-Frame Animation

To fully capture the excitement of skateboarding, our team developed an animatic, which is a simplified version of the final animated film. The animatic helped us fine-tune the timing and movements of each scene before diving into the detailed process of rough animation.

This step was essential in achieving the dynamic tricks performed by skaters, ensuring smooth transitions and a consistent flow throughout the 2D animation. Animatics serve as a blueprint for frame-by-frame work, allowing animators to preview pacing and rhythm before committing to final drawings.

Traditional Frame-by-Frame Techniques with a Digital Twist

Our 2D animators used traditional hand-drawn animation techniques, similar to the early Walt Disney cartoons, but with a modern twist. Instead of using paper, we worked digitally on large-format graphic tablets, which allowed us to speed up the process while maintaining the attention to detail that is critical in frame-by-frame animation.

By leveraging advanced animation software, we brought each scene to life with precision, illustrating the excitement and energy of skateboarding. This hybrid approach combines the organic feel of hand-drawn animation with the efficiency and flexibility of digital production workflows.

Skateboarding's Influence on Urban Culture and Animation

With the rise of extreme sports and events like the X Games, skateboarding has grown into a central element of urban culture, influencing fashion, contemporary art, music, video games, and even TV series.

This frame-by-frame animation project reflects that influence, capturing skateboarding's vibrant role in today's world. As a sport now featured in the Olympics, skateboarding is more popular than ever, and we were excited to incorporate this dynamic energy into our motion graphics and 2D animation, bringing the culture to life in a visually captivating way.

A Soundtrack That Complements the Frame-by-Frame Animation

For the soundtrack, we collaborated with Ugly Mac Beer, a well-known figure in the turntablism/scratch scene. He crafted a custom-made score that perfectly complements the animation. Ugly Mac Beer, known for his work in the hip-hop scene and his own label Beatsqueeze Records, worked closely with us to ensure the music captured the spirit of both skateboarding and the 2D animation process itself.

The result is a harmonious blend of sight and sound, powered by a robust production pipeline, the expertise of sound designers, and the reach of social media platforms, all of which bring the world of skateboarding to life through animated films.

To see more examples of 2D animations using the frame-by-frame technique, you can check out Skateboarding Is Not A Crime, a vibrant celebration of street culture; Spritz Aperol, an immersive dive into the sparkling orange world of the iconic Venetian cocktail; NFL Superbowl LVII, an official animation for this major worldwide sport event; Tracy Locke Manifesto, a brand video through fluid camera movements and refined visual storytelling; The Last Shot, an electrifying fusion of western landscapes and Roland Garros clay court tennis.

Share a few details about your project.
We’ll take it from there.

Let’s talk?