Guide to Cel Shading Animation

Cel shading animation is a unique and highly stylized art form that gives 3D models the charm of classic hand-drawn, 2D illustrations. This technique is best known for its role in Japanese anime films and video games, where it creates a bold, comic-inspired aesthetic. Many beloved titles in the gaming world have embraced cel shading, and while it feels timeless, the style has only been around for just over three decades.

At Prolific Studio, we love exploring creative techniques like cel shading that blur the line between traditional artistry and modern technology.

What is Cel Shading?

Cel shading is a computer-generated rendering method designed to mimic the appearance of hand-drawn art. Instead of relying on smooth gradients or realistic light effects, cel shading simplifies how light interacts with a 3D model. The result is an image defined by bold block colors, sharp edges, and flat shadows, giving the impression of an illustration straight from a comic or manga.

Unlike conventional rendering that strives for photorealism, cel shading embraces a raw, sketched look that feels handcrafted, even though it’s created digitally. The term itself comes from “celluloid,” the transparent sheets once used in traditional animation production.

The History of Cel Shading Animation

Cel shading animation first appeared in the late 1990s, making its mark in Japanese anime films. Strongly tied to the traditional look of hand-drawn animation cels, the technique quickly gained recognition for its bold, stylized visuals. As the industry transitioned into the 2000s, cel shading expanded beyond anime and began influencing video games, thanks to the rise of advanced, cost-effective 3D rendering tools.

One of the earliest and most iconic examples was Jet Set Radio, released in 2000 on the SEGA Dreamcast. The game stood out for its striking art style and even earned accolades at the E3 Game Critics’ Awards, including recognition for “Excellence in Visual Arts.” Following its success, cel shading continued to grow in popularity, appearing in blockbuster franchises like Dragon Ball Z, Guilty Gear, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.

Today, cel shading is best known as a video game art style, though its roots in anime remain influential. The method allows 3D models to mimic the flat, expressive qualities of 2D animation, offering a unique and highly stylized aesthetic that continues to captivate audiences.

Iconic Examples of Cel Shading in Video Games

Over the last two decades, cel shading has transformed how video games look and feel, giving them a bold, animated style that stands out from traditional 3D rendering. Some of the most visually memorable games of all time have embraced this technique to create unforgettable experiences. At Prolific Studio, we appreciate how these titles not only shaped the gaming industry but also showcased the artistic power of cel shading.

Jet Set Radio (2000)

One of the pioneers of cel shading, Jet Set Radio hit the SEGA Dreamcast in 2000 and immediately turned heads. Players skated through vibrant, futuristic cityscapes while jamming to an energetic electronica soundtrack. This was the first game to truly explore cel shading as an art form, and its success inspired countless developers to experiment with the style in future projects.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2003)

When Nintendo released The Wind Waker, the tenth entry in the legendary Zelda franchise, it surprised fans with its radical shift to cel shading. The cartoon-inspired characters and vivid environments divided opinions at first—many longtime fans were unsure about the new look. Yet over time, the game’s unique style became one of its greatest strengths. Today, The Wind Waker is celebrated as one of the franchise’s most beloved titles, and its visuals are considered timeless.

Okami (2006)

Capcom’s Okami is another masterpiece of cel shading, released on the PlayStation 2 in 2006. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese art, the game blended mythology, exploration, and breathtaking visuals into a truly unique experience. Interestingly, the developers initially planned for realistic graphics, but the PS2’s limitations pushed them toward cel shading—a decision that ultimately became one of the game’s defining strengths.

No More Heroes (2007)

Arriving on the Nintendo Wii in 2007, No More Heroes combined stylish cel shading with a quirky, over-the-top narrative. Players followed Travis Touchdown, an eccentric assassin-in-training, as he battled rivals in a free-roaming, immersive world. The cel-shaded visuals gave the game its edgy, comic book-inspired flair, making it a standout in the Wii’s library.

Borderlands Series (2009–Present)

The Borderlands franchise is one of the most recognizable titles in the action role-playing shooter looter genre, thanks largely to its bold and unique art direction. While often mistaken for traditional cel shading, the series actually uses a more refined technique. Hand-drawn artwork is first created, then scanned into Photoshop, where it’s colorized using a process similar to celluloid rendering. To amplify the chaotic, comic-inspired vibe, the artists add sketch marks and thick pencil-like outlines, giving the world of Borderlands its signature hand-drawn, gritty charm. At Prolific Studio, we love how this style bridges the gap between raw illustration and immersive 3D environments.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)

Unlike The Wind Waker, which leaned heavily into cartoony cel shading, Breath of the Wild struck a perfect balance between stylization and realism. Nintendo blended soft pastel tones with gentle lighting effects to create a breathtaking, painterly landscape that feels both fantastical and alive. The result is a hyper-stylized open world that embraces cutting-edge graphics while still staying true to the comic-book-inspired rendering techniques fans associate with the franchise.

Hades (2018)

Supergiant Games’ Hades quickly became a phenomenon, not just for its addictive gameplay but also for its striking visual presentation. Players take control of Zagreus, the rebellious son of the God of the Underworld, as he fights through hordes of enemies in beautifully stylized environments. The art team used celluloid-inspired shading to emphasize the game’s dramatic, mythological atmosphere, making each level feel like a living painting. It’s a prime example of how art direction can elevate storytelling and gameplay into an unforgettable experience.

How to Do Cel Shading in Photoshop

If you’re looking to bring your designs to life with a bold, animated feel, cel shading is a great technique to master. At Prolific Studio, we love using this style to add depth and drama without overcomplicating the artwork. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started in Adobe Photoshop:

1. Start with Base Colors

Begin by choosing a solid block of color for your subject. For example, if you’re shading a car, you might fill it in with a flat blue tone. Keeping the base color simple is essential, as it sets the stage for your shading.

2. Lock the Layer

Enable the “Lock Transparent Pixels” option on your chosen layer. This ensures you’ll only be painting inside the filled areas, keeping your shading neat and controlled.

3. Add Shadows with a Hard Brush

Pick a darker shade of your base color and switch to the hard brush tool. Think about where the light source hits your object and add shadows accordingly. For areas that need more dramatic contrast, you can experiment with drop shadow effects to enhance depth.

4. Use the Lasso Tool for Precision

If you prefer more control, try the lasso tool instead of freehand brushing. Simply outline the section you want shaded and fill it with your chosen darker tone. This helps achieve crisp, clean edges—perfect for the cel-shaded look.

With a little practice, you can create striking cel-shaded art that feels both sharp and dynamic. Whether you’re working on characters, vehicles, or entire scenes, these steps will help you develop your own unique cel-shading style.

Cel Shading FAQs

At Prolific Studio, we love exploring creative animation techniques like cel shading to bring bold, eye-catching visuals to life.