Animation vs. Cartoon: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Animation is the technique of photographing successive drawings or positions of models to create an illusion of movement. Cartoon is a simple drawing showing the features of its subjects in a humorously exaggerated way, often animated.
Key Differences
Animation is a method in which pictures are manipulated to appear as moving images, used in various media formats like films, videos, and video games. Cartoons, however, are typically a genre within animation that are characterized by stylized, exaggerated characters and often comedic content.
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Nov 28, 2023
Animations can be created using a range of techniques, from traditional hand-drawn methods to computer-generated imagery. In contrast, cartoons are often associated with a simpler, more linear style of drawing and are primarily associated with humor or satire.
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Animation encompasses a broad spectrum of styles and genres, from realistic 3D animations to abstract visual arts. Conversely, cartoons are often defined by their comedic, satirical, and sometimes child-friendly content, though they can appeal to all ages.
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Nov 28, 2023
The term "animation" can refer to both short and full-length features, covering a wide range of themes and audiences. Cartoons, on the other hand, are often short and primarily aimed at humor, although they can also tackle serious themes in a light-hearted manner.
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Animation is used in various industries including entertainment, education, and advertising, showcasing a diverse range of storytelling techniques. Cartoons, while also used in these fields, often have a distinctive style and tone, focusing on caricature and humor.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Technique of creating moving images from drawings or models.
Stylized, exaggerated drawings, often animated for humor.
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Techniques
Includes hand-drawn, CGI, stop-motion, etc.
Typically simpler, linear drawing style.
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Genres and Styles
Broad spectrum, from realistic to abstract.
Often comedic, satirical, and child-friendly.
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Length and Format
Both short and full-length features.
Often short and focused on humor.
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Use
In entertainment, education, advertising, etc.
Primarily in humor and caricature, also in various media.
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Animation and Cartoon Definitions
Animation
Animation is the process of creating motion and shape change illusions using sequential images.
The animation in that movie was incredibly lifelike.
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Cartoon
Cartoons often use caricature to depict public figures or social situations.
The artist's cartoons cleverly exaggerate politicians' features.
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Animation
Animations can be 2D, 3D, hand-drawn, or computer-generated.
3D animation has revolutionized film and gaming industries.
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Cartoon
Cartoons are typically characterized by their comedic and satirical tone.
Saturday morning cartoons were a big part of my childhood.
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Animation
Animation involves sequencing individual frames to create the illusion of movement.
Traditional animation required thousands of hand-drawn frames.
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Cartoon
A cartoon can be a single-panel image or a series of animated shorts.
The cartoon strip in the daily paper always brings a smile to my face.
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Nov 23, 2023
Animation
Animation is used for storytelling in movies, television, and online media.
The animation series on the streaming platform has gained a huge following.
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Nov 23, 2023
Cartoon
Cartoons are used in media for entertainment, satire, and social commentary.
That cartoon show cleverly blends humor with social commentary.
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Animation
Animation can be used in educational content to simplify complex concepts.
The biology animation helped students understand cellular processes.
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Cartoon
A drawing depicting a humorous situation, often accompanied by a caption.
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Oct 19, 2023
Animation
The act, process, or result of imparting life, interest, spirit, motion, or activity.
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Cartoon
A drawing representing current public figures or issues symbolically and often satirically
A political cartoon.
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Animation
The quality or condition of being alive, active, spirited, or vigorous.
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Cartoon
A preliminary sketch similar in size to the work, such as a fresco, that is to be copied from it.
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Animation
The art or process of making movies with drawings, computer graphics, or photographs of static objects, including all techniques other than the continuous filming of live-action images.
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Animation
The technique of making inanimate objects or drawings appear to move in motion pictures or computer graphics; the object (film, computer game, etc.) so produced
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Cartoon
A ridiculously oversimplified or stereotypical representation
Criticized the actor's portrayal of Jefferson as a historically inaccurate cartoon.
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Animation
The state of being lively, brisk, or full of spirit and vigor; vivacity; spiritedness
He recited the story with great animation.
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Animation
(linguistics) conversion from the inanimate to animate grammatical category
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Cartoon
(comics) A humorous drawing, often with a caption, or a strip of such drawings.
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Animation
Activities offered by a holiday resort encompassing activities that include movement, joy, leisure and spectacle, such as games, sports, shows, events, etc.
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Animation
The act of animating, or giving life or spirit; the state of being animate or alive.
The animation of the same soul quickening the whole frame.
Perhaps an inanimate thing supplies me, while I am speaking, with whatever I possess of animation.
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Animation
The state of being lively, brisk, or full of spirit and vigor; vivacity; spiritedness; as, he recited the story with great animation.
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Cartoon
(arts) A full-sized drawing that serves as the template for a fresco, a tapestry, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Animation
The condition of living or the state of being alive;
While there's life there's hope
Life depends on many chemical and physical processes
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Cartoon
(animation) An animated piece of film which is often but not exclusively humorous.
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Animation
The property of being able to survive and grow;
The vitality of a seed
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Cartoon
A design or study drawn of the full size, to serve as a model for transferring or copying; - used in the making of mosaics, tapestries, fresco pantings and the like; as, the cartoons of Raphael.
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Cartoon
A large pictorial sketch, as in a journal or magazine; esp. a pictorial caricature; as, the cartoons of "Puck."
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Cartoon
A motion picture consisting of a series of frames, each being a photograph of a drawing rather than a frame produced by filming a scene of true action, and in which the objects are displaced slightly in succeeding frames so as to give the appearance of motion when projected as a motion picture on the screen. The types of characters portrayed in such films are often similar or identical to those in a comic strip.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cartoon
A humorous or satirical drawing published in a newspaper or magazine
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Cartoon
A film made by photographing a series of cartoon drawings to give the illusion of movement when projected in rapid sequence
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Cartoon
A cartoon is a simplified, exaggerated drawing or animation, often humorous.
The political cartoon in the newspaper cleverly satirized current events.
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Nov 23, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is animation?
The process of creating moving images from sequential still images.
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Nov 28, 2023
What are the types of animation?
2D, 3D, traditional, stop-motion, and computer-generated.
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Is animation only for children?
No, animation appeals to all age groups and can cover a range of themes.
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How is animation used in education?
To simplify complex concepts and make learning more engaging.
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What defines a cartoon?
Simplified, often exaggerated drawings or animations, typically humorous.
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Can cartoons be for adults?
Yes, many cartoons are aimed at adults with sophisticated humor and satire.
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Are cartoons always animated?
No, they can be single-panel drawings or animated series.
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What is the purpose of political cartoons?
To comment on and satirize political and social issues.
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How long does it take to create an animation?
It varies widely, from weeks to years, depending on complexity.
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Can animation be realistic?
Yes, especially with advanced CGI and 3D techniques.
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Do cartoons only appear in newspapers?
No, they're also in magazines, online, and on television.
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What's the difference between anime and cartoons?
Anime is a style of animation originating from Japan, often with distinct themes and visuals.
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Nov 28, 2023
Do animations require a script?
Yes, most animations start with a script or storyboard.
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What skills are needed for animation?
Artistic ability, technical skills, and storytelling.
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How do cartoons influence society?
By providing commentary and critique on societal issues.
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Are cartoons easy to create?
Basic cartoons can be simple, but professional cartoons require skill.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is animation expensive to produce?
It can be, especially with high-quality CGI or 3D animation.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can animation be interactive?
Yes, especially in video games and online media.
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Can cartoons be educational?
Yes, they can be used to educate in a fun and engaging way.
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Nov 28, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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