Animation is a medium that has transcended age barriers, offering so much in terms of storytelling, visual art, and emotional depth that resonates with audiences of all ages. While nowadays a majority of people animation with associated with children’s entertainment, animation has always been for everyone and even evolved into a versatile platform that explores complex themes, philosophical concepts, and societal issues with sophistication and nuance.
For years, animation has been unfairly dismissed as something exclusively for children, leading toward a misconception that adults who enjoy it are somehow in the wrong and are deemed childish. Some have even attempt to diminish its significance by labeling it as a mere genre. However, I aim to highlight the multitude of reasons why animation is not just for kids. From the evolution of character designs to the global rise of anime, from the rise adult fanbases of family animated shows to independent creators making an impact on mainstream media, and then emphasize why animation matters for all ages.
Animation is boundless creativity and full of expressiveness, holding it’s place in the realm of art and entertainment. It’s significance goes beyond just entertainment, as it serves as a medium for self-expression, innovation, and connection. From its humble beginnings of experimentation to a status as big as the world itself, animation has touched the lives of countless individuals in profound ways.
At animation’s core is that of a form of artistic expression, with creators trying to convey their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives through the movement of a hand-drawn sketch, a computer-generated imagery, or a stop-motion short, each type of animation and each form of it reflects the vision and creativity of its creator, bringing their imaginations to life, exploring new worlds, characters, and narratives with limitless possibilities.
Beyond the artistic aspects and leap in technological advances, animation is a much-needed escape from reality for many individuals, as the thought stress, anxiety, and uncertainty increases over the years for many, there is the entertainment of animation, where it offer a place where audiences can immerse themselves in captivating stories, colorful characters, and imaginative worlds only possible in the world fiction, unique only to this medium. From either fantastical comedy, an epic space adventure, or a heartfelt drama with animals, animation has the power to transport viewers to a different reality, if only for a brief moment.
But why not share your enjoyment with other, as animation has the ability to foster connections and build communities, whether it the classic cartoons that have stood the test of time or new modern animated series with dedicated fan bases, animation brings people together, sparking discussions, debates, and collaborations. From fan art, conventions, or online forums, animation enthusiasts find camaraderie and friendship among like-minded individuals who share their passion for the medium.
Animation is so much more, more than a child only medium, more than entertainment, and most of all, more than what people try to downplay it as. It is a multifaceted and impactful art form that transcends boundaries and resonates with people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures and a testament to the power of creativity, imagination, and storytelling, that expand our lives in ways that words alone cannot express. Celebrate the art of animation, talk back to the detractors, express your enjoyment of the medium, don’t be afraid to enjoy something that wasn’t intended for you. Know that animation is much more and more of it is always welcome.
All For Animation 