Layers, Photoshop & Disney
Today we are going to talk about a concept that revolutionised two different industries at two different moments using the exact same concept. This proves that many times, we already have the idea, but no one has tried to apply it on their field. What is even more incredible, it is such a simple concept, that we learn it in our early life stages. A toddler understands how this works, but it is sometimes very hard to think outside the box and apply that same idea in a different place.
In 1937, Disney developed its multiplane camera. The idea wasn’t new, but Disney wanted his cartoons to be more lively. The main problem was the lack of depth of the images, as they were mostly drawn on the same plane.
So they tried separating the drawing into different layers, which they could then animate independently.
They even mixed them with transparent layers, adding more background, characters and objects.
Think about it, layers, what a simple concept. But used correctly, it changed animation forever.
Suddenly the possibilities were endless and the animation industry was never the same.
Cartoons experienced a drastic change with such a clever use of such a simple idea.
How Multiplane-camera works
Photoshop ---
Now let’s move to a related industry but with a slightly different approach. Photoshop was born in 1988. That means almost 50 years later than the multiplane. It was created as an image editor software. Obviously when it started it wasn’t the amazing and powerful program we have nowadays. But nevertheless, it showed its potential.
However, and this is more of a personal opinion, when Photoshop really revolutionised image editing was on its version 3.0 released in 1995. And guess what feature was introduced then? Exactly, layers.
If you ask any designer or whoever has used Photoshop at least a couple of times, they will assure you it is without doubt the most essential feature it has. The amount of power and possibilities it grants is unthinkable. Just as it did with the animation industry, such a simple concept, completely revolutionised image editing until our days.
So don’t discard ideas because they look simple. Simplicity is extremely powerful. And when trying to solve a problem with a different approach, start with the simplest concepts. Work on them and try and visualise them with a different approach. We will talk about layers and simplicity much more.
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