Vector/Flash Animations

The most common form of online vector based animations are refereed to as Flash Animations, Flash being the program used to create them.
Flash animation can also refer to the visual style of the animation, hand drawn and a certain kind of movement, perhaps even simplistic.
However flash animations are not just prevalent online, but in commercials, TV shows, and shorts, it is a highly recognised animation medium.


At the dawn of the internet, during the hay day of 56kbs modems, obviously large websites were not online impractical but virtually impossible, however Flash animations still enjoyed success, thanks to vector math algorithms, artists could create simple animations or interactive experiences for under 1mb.  (including audio)

Flash can also incorporate raster graphics and video files, however most animations are created purely inside the program, vector only.  Flash animations also have a range of appeals, from the amateurish look of choppy lip sync and jerky movements to professional series production.  The vector style adds a lot of cleanness to the final piece and generally all forms of online animation are looked on favourably.

'Xiao Xiao' a famous series of flash animations, simple characters but highly complex movements.