Animation is a powerful and engaging tool to market and communicate your brand. Animated video, as a format, is particularly compatible with storytelling and engagement. So with the advent of the digital revolution, more and more businesses and brands are discovering this format and exploiting it to attract their audience in fun and unique ways.

There are many aspects that you should consider while picking the animation style for your business video. For example, what are the main differences between the most popular styles of animation? Learn more about these differences and decide which type is right for your business.

2D vector animation

Nowadays, 2D vector animation is considered to be one of the most common styles of animation. It is called 2D because visuals are created in a two-dimensional environment, with programs like Adobe Illustrator or After Effects.

2D animation uses could be very different - from easy-going social media content to complicated data presentations. This type allows information to be conveyed engagingly and understandably, so it’s widely used for marketing and communication purposes due to its flexibility and versatile usage. 2D graphics is also easily adaptable. For example, animated character design could be used as a branding material or adapted to other media, like prints or outdoor advertisements.  

While 2D sometimes could look dull and less engaging than 3D animation, it should not be written off as ineffective. After all, 2D is a time-saving, budget-friendly style. And considered with the right creative direction, it can surprise and help elevate your brand communication to whole new levels.

3D animation

3D is one of the most known animation styles, produced with programs like Cinema 4D, Houdini, or Maya. Its additional dimension adds depth and allows to convey more realistic, detailed, dynamic visuals. The objects and compositions also could be dramatized and intensified through light and texture solutions.

3D animation production is a bit more complicated but rewarding as well. Because of vast amounts of data, 3D requires powerful computers and more production time than 2D animation. Modeling and animating 3D objects is a time-consuming process, involving a lot of technical knowledge, including physics and biology, to make the audience believe that what they’re seeing is real. But if all goes well, the end result could be very effective.

Some animators like to experiment between 2D and 3D styles. This mix tends to be surprisingly fun and attractive.

Stop motion animation

Stop motion is one of the oldest animation styles. This technique has been used for decades. It basically involves moving objects on a special set and then shooting them frame by frame. And when you watch it all combined, it gives you the feeling of movement. It’s similar to traditional animation in the way that it’s also a frame-by-frame process.

Stop motion requires intense and responsible pre-production. It’s crucial to compile a detailed script, take care of the set art, props, and solid lighting, because the quality of the final result will mostly depend on it.

Stop motion has a unique feeling that cannot be conveyed by other styles of animation. It showcases craftsmanship. Everyday objects could become alive and portray certain moods and emotions. So this animation is a definite go-to if you want to impress your audience with exceptional production. 

Cel animation

Cel or frame-by-frame animation is a modern-day interpretation of traditional animation. It is produced by using digital technologies, letting animators combine frames in real-time.  

It’s a very complicated and time-consuming process because sketches and frames must be created for every movement and then blended together to make smooth scenes. 

This method is the most expensive due to its human and time resources. So nowadays, fewer studies are developing such style, especially for business clients. However, it’s excellent for creating exceptional content. So if you have all the necessary resources, cel animation can you help implement even the most daring ideas.