The Ultimate Guide To Animation Styles
Animation is a form of art that uses movement and change to bring illustrations and drawings to life. Over the years, animators have developed various animation styles, each with its own unique look and feel.
Some of the most popular animation styles include traditional 2D animation, 3D animation, stop-motion animation, and motion graphics. Each style has its own set of techniques, tools, and aesthetic considerations, and each is suited to different types of storytelling and content creation.
In this blog, we will talk about 10 types of video animations that can be used to market your business according to its specific message and how you want to convey this message to your target audience.
2D Animation
> 2D (frame by frame) Animation
2D frame by frame animation involves drawing a character and/or scene over and over again on each frame, thus resulting in fluid movement. It requires more work as each frame is hand drawn and coloured, meaning changes can be difficult for this reason. 2D animation is still widely used today.
The first examples of 2D animation can be seen in Walt Disney movies, such as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. It’s an example of how a long and complicated process for the animator can create an emotion-evoking animation with relatable characters to tell a story; perfect for all types of videos, including explainer and promo business videos. Check out a great example of 2D frame by frame animation used to promote business here
> 2D Vector Cartoon Animation
This kind of 2D animation works on the same principles as frame by frame animation, however, artwork is usually vector based, created by adding movement digitally by using motion tweens{the process of creating the in-betweens, which are the images that go between keyframes.}, transitions, and character rigs through computer software.
The benefits of using modern digital technology is that so much more can be done using 2D vector animation. Now, not only can characters be brought to life, but so can objects, shapes and other graphics.
Motion Graphics Animation
This type of animation demonstrates a message through simple yet fast-paced graphics that are not only engaging but easy to understand.
Unlike traditional animations, which focus on characters and storylines, this type of animation uses logos, text and other graphics which are accompanied by music, text, and movement.
These elements, combined with a narrative, make motion graphics animation incredibly popular at events and in business projects to capture their target audience.
Whiteboard Animation
Whiteboard animation is another way to convey a more complex message in a simple yet entertaining way. There are three key elements to whiteboard animation: a white background, a hand, and black marker drawing simulation.
By simulating drawing ideas using characters, thought bubbles, charts and graphs, it allows the audience to engage and be informed of more complicated ideas without too much visual distraction.
3D Animation
> 3D Character Animation
3D character animation is a technique of animating three-dimensional (3D) virtual characters in a computer-generated environment. The process involves creating a 3D model of a character, rigging it with a skeleton and controls, and then animating its movements and expressions. The end result is a fully realized, three-dimensional character that can be integrated into a scene or video production.
3D character animation is used in a variety of applications, including films, video games, television, and advertising. It offers a high degree of control and flexibility over character movements, as well as the ability to create photo realistic and stylized characters.
Additionally, 3D character animation allows for more complex interactions between characters and their environments, making it a powerful tool for storytelling and visual communication.
> 3D Mechanical Animation
Mechanical animation refers to the animation of objects or elements that mimic the movements and behaviors of mechanical systems, such as gears, pulleys, and levers. This type of animation is often used in industrial, scientific, and technical applications, and is used to visualize the inner workings of machines, mechanisms, and other complex systems.
The goal of mechanical animation is to communicate technical information and functionality in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. Mechanical animation can be created using a variety of techniques, including 2D animation, 3D computer animation, and stop-motion animation.
It can also incorporate elements of motion graphics, visual effects, and other special techniques to enhance its visual impact and explain complex ideas.
Stop Motion Animation
In case you need a reference as to what stop motion animation is, think of the classic Wallace and Gromit”. This kind of animation uses a frame by frame process to create the illusion of fluid movement.
Using stop motion animation incorporates a unique way of storytelling, capturing audiences with its weird and wonderful way to create a story with an aesthetic twist.
Screencast
Put simply, a screencast video is used to visually teach an audience how to use an app, program or website. Also known as screen capture, it is a digital recording of a computer screen, with added narration to effectively explain how the software works.
It is a simple method to guide your audience through a step-by-step process so that they can learn exactly how to use your product/service or software.
Kinetic Typography
Kinetic Typography, also known as moving text, is all about cleverly using text, font, numbers and other graphics to convey a message or tell a story. This might not sound like a conventional method in capturing an audience.
However, when you add music, narration and sound effects, it can be extremely effective in communicating complex ideas in a simple and entertaining manner. It is an ideal way to put forward a new product, service, or business.
Typography animation, if done correctly, can inspire and captivate a target audience. It can help viewers to understand a concept and even evoke emotion.
Cut Out Animation
> Traditional Paper Cut Out Animation
Traditional paper cut out animation is a type of stop motion animation which usually tells a story with little to no narration. The beauty of this animation is in its simplicity.
Paper cut out animation consists of drawings that are cut out and moved in a sequence along a flat surface under a camera, usually positioned above.
Different cut-outs with simple changes in illustration, such as limb movement or facial expressions, work together to create a fun and quirky video
> Digital Cut Out Animation
Animated Infographic
Animated infographics are related to motion graphics animation in that it uses graphic elements, logos, text and numbers to convey a message, rather than using human characters.
Infographic videos are best used when a large amount of data, facts, and statistics need to be demonstrated and understood by an audience.
This information is conveyed using animated design elements; icons, symbols, eye-catching graphics and narration to keep the audience entertained while educating them on otherwise complex, time-consuming details and concept understanding
Live Action Video with Animated Elements
If you’re looking for a way to jazz up a live, non-animated project, why not throw in some animation for a fun and entertaining video? This type of animation or style provides the audience with both a personal/human side of sending a message, while animated graphics add a playful touch!
Whether you’re a professional animator, a hobbyist, or simply an appreciator of animation, understanding the different animation styles is a great way to gain a deeper appreciation for the medium. The versatility of using video animation in business is one of the main aspects as to why this method works so well with the consumer.
If you need an animated video to boost your business, contact Pyro Media today! We treat all of our projects with a fiery passion.
Our Animation Services Include:
- Corporate videos
- Health & Safety videos
- Induction videos
- Training videos
- Technical/Mechanical 3D animation
- Medical 3D animation
- 3D Product Animation
- Financial Services videos
