What is a Cel ?

In the world of traditional animation, a cel is a transparent sheet on which characters or objects are drawn and painted to create an animated sequence. These sheets are layered thanks to their transparency, allowing a background or scenery to show through. This step is what produces the final images of an animation!
The process usually begins with animation drawings on paper — pencil sketches representing key poses (keyframes) or in-betweens. These serve as the foundation. Then, they are transferred onto the cel: the outlines are inked (or xerographed), and color is applied on the back of the transparent sheet.

The Visual Result of the Animation
Once the cel is completed, we get the final image visible in the film, series, or commercial. It corresponds exactly to what you see on screen: character, color, lines… These cels were often hand-painted by skilled artists, making them rare and collectible objects.

Rarity, Value, and Collecting
Today, genuine production cels are becoming increasingly rare. With the arrival of digital techniques (digital ink & paint), studios gradually abandoned this process. As a result, original cels are highly sought after by collectors. Their value depends on the character, the scene, the overall condition, and their authenticity.

A Unique and Meaningful Gift
Offering an original cel means giving a living image of a film or animation’s history — not a simple reproduction, but a true piece of production art. For an animation lover, film enthusiast, or collector, it’s a unique, rare, and authentic gift.
At FLIP Gallery, we offer a special collection of original cels — one-of-a-kind pieces from major studios and licenses.
👉 Discover our collection here: Original Cels Collection

In conclusion:
A cel is much more than a “colored drawing” — it is the final visual step of an animation, a painted artwork that appeared on screen. With their growing rarity, original cels represent the perfect blend of art, animation history, and collectible craftsmanship.