The Catalytic Contribution of Light : Learn how to create atmospheres in Animation Backgrounds

Create atmospheres with light in animation backgrounds

Lighting is a powerful tool in the animator’s arsenal. It can transform a simple scene into a dynamic and emotionally charged experience.
In this post, we’ll explore the impact of different light sources on the same room. We’ll illustrate how these elements can create a variety of atmospheres and feelings.
As you’ll see at the exercise below, all these backgrounds are monochromatic. They use the fewest tones necessary to emphasize simplicity and deliver the message as clearly as possible.
These backgrounds were originally created for ANIMART’S workshop on background design for 2D animation. This was a workshop that I gave a few years back, especially for animation students. My goal was to demonstrate the potential of lighting to enhance storytelling and character interaction in animated projects. Of course, all this information can be used in concept art too, or any image that needs to be directed and manipulated to create an atmosphere. By strategically placing light sources, you can effectively ‘lighten’ the path of a character. This will guide the viewer’s focus and shape the narrative flow. So, let’s begin to create atmospheres with light in animation backgrounds!

Background 1 : No Light Source

In this illustration, we see the outline of a room in an opaque color. The monochromatic palette highlights the structure and elements of the room without any specific light source. This setup provides a neutral base. It’s perfect for comparing how different lighting scenarios can transform the same space in animation backgrounds and concept art in general.

Background 2 : One Light Source

In this illustration, the room is illuminated by a strong light coming from the left. The light is behind an overlay wall at the end of the corridor. The exact source of the light, whether a window or a lamp, is not visible in the image. However, the intensity of the light is evident. It casts strong shadows, creating a dramatic and mysterious atmosphere. The brightness and positioning of the light create a sense of tension and expectation. It feels like someone might be about to enter the scene from where the light source is located. Alternatively, their shadow might appear on the bright side of the room.

Impact on Scene: The bright, unseen light source adds intrigue and depth to the scene. It creates a stark contrast between light and shadow. This division adds mystery, tension, and anticipation with its long shadows. This enhances the experience of creating atmospheres with light in animation backgrounds.

Background 3 : One Light Source

In this illustration, the room is illuminated by a bright light coming from a door on the left. The light source is not visible. Similar to the first illustration, we can’t directly see if it’s a lamp, for example. However, it casts a striking brightness from inside the adjacent room. The light reflects on the wall to the right, while the rest of the room remains in deep shadows. It divides the space into three parts: at the center of the image is the light, surrounded by areas of shadow. This setup creates a dramatic atmosphere. It enhances the sense of anticipation as if a character might soon appear in the light path, either at the door or as a shadow on the wall to the right.

Impact on Scene: The stark contrast between the bright light and the dark shadows adds mystery and tension. The bright doorway serves as a focal point. It draws the viewer’s attention and creates an expectation that something significant is about to happen.

Background 4 : Natural Light from Window

In contrast to the other backgrounds, this illustration clearly shows the light source: a window on the wall to the right. When using windows to introduce light, it generally creates a natural ambiance in the scene. This is influenced by the conditions outside—whether it’s summer at noon, raining, or any other scenario. In this case, the strong light coming inside is diffused. Yet, it still casts pronounced shadows. This light divides the picture into three parts. The corridor at the center is illuminated, while the walls to the left and right are shadowed. It enhances the sense of anticipation as if a character might soon appear walking down the corridor, for example.

Impact on Scene: The presence of the visible light source adds realism and depth to the scene. The natural light from the window casts strong shadows. It also divides the space, creating a visual contrast. At the center of the image is the bright, illuminated corridor, surrounded by shadowed walls. It becomes the focal point. It draws the viewer’s attention, suggesting that a character might soon enter the scene, walking down the corridor or standing by the window.

Background 5 : Light from Ceiling Lamp

In this background, the light source is clearly visible: it’s a light on the ceiling. This type of lighting can illuminate the entire room, creating an overall impression of a well-lit space despite the presence of shadows. The ceiling light provides a balanced illumination that fills the room. This lets you adjust shadow intensity to create a setting with more light than shadow. The visibility of a light source creates an expectation for the viewer’s eye, guiding their attention and influencing how shadows and highlights interact within the scene.

Impact on Scene: The ceiling light adds a sense of openness and clarity to the scene. It makes it feel inviting and comfortable. It minimizes harsh shadows, distributing light evenly and ensuring that the room appears bright and welcoming. This kind of lighting is perfect for scenes that require a well-lit environment. It allows for easy visibility and a sense of spaciousness. When the light source is not visible, you have more creative freedom. Although you still follow realistic rules, even minimal ones, an implied light source allows you to cheat on how long or dark your shadows are. Mastering this technique is vital for creating atmospheres with light in animation backgrounds.

Strategic Use of Lighting in Animation and Concept Art

The strategic use of lighting in animation can transform a scene. It creates various atmospheres that enhance storytelling and character interaction. Through these illustrations, we’ve explored how different light sources and their placement can evoke specific moods and expectations in animation backgrounds or concept art in general. When using an unseen light source, it’s easier to create the shadows and light effects that align with your creative vision. However, when using visible light sources, there’s a sort of obligation to follow realistic rules. This includes how shadows will fall according to the light’s placement and other factors. The visibility of a light source creates an expectation to the viewer’s eye. From the mysterious and dramatic effects of unseen light sources to the balanced illumination of ceiling lights, each scenario offers unique opportunities. These can guide the viewer’s focus and enrich the narrative.

By experimenting with these techniques, animators can effectively manipulate light to “lighten” the path of their characters and bring their stories to life. Learning to create atmospheres with light in animation backgrounds to guide the viewer’s focus is the first step: the second is the use of color.

Cheers,
Ersi

Interested in learning more about background art for 2d animation?
Check out our other posts : Tips on Background Art in 2D Animation !

Click here to find the mail role of Backgrounds in Animation

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