2D vs 3D animation: Pros and Cons for marketing videos

Animation is the term that refers to either cartoon-like or realistic characters. The common examples are animated movie characters from Disney and Pixar. The evolution of animation is a prominent aspect that has covered different applications in many domains. 

This art form is a major part of the domains of marketing and entertainment. Different applications of many sectors around us predicate animation for the effective execution of their content. 

There are also many reasons that make animation compelling to use. For instance, attractive message delivery, simplified concepts, and a better understanding of the audience with ease of access and shareability. 

 Animation has two major forms – 2D and 3D animation. This post will shed some light on their working and advantages that will clear the clouds in differences between them. 

Difference between 2D and 3D animation

Animation is not just one process. Instead, it is a fine combination of different technologies. There is a much difference in the functioning of each of these striking art forms. 

However, many people fail to understand the core differences between all of them. This leads to project-relevant failures and misconceptions as well. 

Below are the typical forms of animation: 

• Traditional animation
• 2D Animation
• 3D Animation
• Motion graphics
• Stop motion

This discussion will highlight 2D and 3D Animation. Both of these art forms are typical methods to produce animated content for marketing purposes and other motives in a seamless and simple way. 

In simple words:

2D animation is a flat representation of an object or a character. Whereas 3D animation offers visualization in a 3-dimensional space which develops realism in such characters. 

Let’s get started with discussing 2D and 3D animation in detail! 

What Is 2D Animation?

2D vector-based animation is among the most former and common styles of animation. It uses a 2-dimensional space to produce animations like cartoons. These are not realistic at all. The standard animating software used for 2D animation are Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

Bear in mind that 2D animation is the old version of 3D animation. It means that with technical implementation, you can modify 2D animation into 3D animation as per the project’s requirements. 

We can have a look at a 3D animation from different angles. Since it does not work like 2D animation. It is far more supportive of this function. 

Benefits of 2D Animation

2D animation is a preference for users in branding and marketing domains. This animation offers a higher degree of scalability and ease of accessibility as well. It is important to understand the benefits of 2D animation for better understanding.

Below are important benefits of 2D animation: 

1. Cost-Effective

In most cases, 2D animation is much more affordable if we compare it to 3D animation production. It is because the magnitude of the complexity of such animations is much lower. 

The production cost is also not high which makes them reasonable to invest in. But there are a few variables that set the exact price range for 2D animation. 

These are the number of details, type of animation, video’s duration, voice-over, music design, and marketing cost. 

2. Fast Production

These animations do not take much time to produce The flat representation allows the artists to quickly wind up the process. In this way, experts are able to cover bulk projects in a much less time-consuming way. 

In general, animated content takes up to 8 weeks for production. The time can also extend depending on the variables mentioned above. It not only will increase the time but also will impact the cost.

3. Easy Repurposing

2D animated content is easier to repurpose. It means you can select something from old 2D animations and repurpose it in a simple manner later. This whole process is less complex in comparison to 3D animation. 

One of the major benefits of using 2D animation is the shelf life of such content. It is also a contributing factor in the hot demand for 2D animation for its lovers. 

4. Printable

These animations are supportive to be printed on websites. Not only websites but PowerPoint designs, infographics, postcards, and business cards can also be the platforms to use 2D animation with ease. It works equally beautiful for all these platforms and never ceases to amaze the audiences as well. 

What Is 3D Animation?

3D animation has 2 important attributes that set it apart from 2D animated content. One is the production using a three-dimensional space. While second is the way it renders different views from all angles to the artists. 

There are many ways to produce 3D animated content. But one typical process of CGI – is computer-generated imagery. It refers to the procedure when these animations are formerly 3D models and were animated later. 

Advantages of 3D Animation

The additional flair of technology in 3D animated content is uncanny. It is becoming a huge source of entertainment for the whole global audience. However, 3D animation has a solid stance among animated movies but not in marketing. (augustafreepress.com)  

Marketing has been governed by motion graphics for many years and still. 

Following are some interesting benefits of 3D animation: 

1. Attractiveness

3D animation has the power to stun your audience with its visual magic. Not only for the children. But adults are also big fans of this type of content on all counts. Today, 3D animation is a big asset for the animation industry which is procuring various benefits from its nature and attributes. 

2. Versatile

It is also a versatile art form. This means there is a large margin to amend it as per the needs of the projects. It can perform well with storytelling just like in the case of animated movies.

 Plus, 3D animation software are also important for effortless production. You can also call it an impactful discriminator of 2D vs 3D animation since the previous art form might disappoint you in terms of versatility. 

3. Interactivity

3D animations are also much easier to be repurposed and re-used for audience interactivity than 2D cartoons. The process is simple and effective for production which is promising for improved sales and desired results. 

The Last Say

The debate to compare 2D and 3D animation has no limits. Since there are so many vast features available for both art forms. It gets pretty confusing to choose one from either. However, in any case, it is important to go for such an option that is befitting for your projects and clients’ needs.

A fine instance of a compelling manifestation of both these art forms is BuzzFlick – video animation company that has a striking portfolio of 2D and 3D animation services. Check out their profile to get mesmerized by the witty execution of these animation forms.