The 4 Strategic Types of Animation You Should Consider Before Starting Any Project

From the flickering shadows of the earliest cinemas to the dazzling digital landscapes of today, the art of animation has undergone a breathtaking transformation. Like a chameleon, it has adapted to the times, shifting and changing with each passing decade to remain a powerful tool for communication and storytelling. 

In this age of social media and digital content, animation has emerged as an indispensable ingredient for businesses seeking to captivate their audience. It has the power to convey complex information with ease, promote brand awareness, and create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression. Having access to experts in a nearby animation production studio is now as valuable as having a marketing team working on other mediums to promote a brand.

But, with so many types of animation to choose from, each with its unique flavor and flair, it’s crucial to select the right strategic approach that will bring your ideas to life. So, take the time to explore the vast landscape of animation, and discover the perfect approach that will set your project ablaze with creativity and inspiration.

The realm of strategic animation is a vast and varied terrain, replete with an array of sophisticated tools and techniques that can be used to achieve a multitude of goals. Like a painter’s palette, each type of animation brings its own unique hues and tones to the canvas of communication. 

Whether your aim is to elucidate, enchant, or enrapture your audience, there exists a strategic animation that can help you attain your objective. 

So, let your imagination roam free in the terrain of strategic animation, for who knows what uncharted territories of creativity and expression await you in this wondrous realm.

Different Types of Animation

Animation is the sorcery of making images come alive by conjuring the illusion of movement and transformation through a swift sequence of pictures. It is an enchanting art form that has woven its spell into diverse industries, including entertainment, advertising, education, and video production. 

There are several enchanting types of animation, including traditional animation, 2D animation, 3D animation, stop-motion animation, and motion graphics. 

Video animation services providers are creative wizards who masterfully bring animated characters and graphics to life, like alchemists of the digital realm. They have honed their craft to perfection and can create a wide range of animated videos that serve various purposes.

From spellbinding advertising and branding videos to wondrous educational videos, captivating explainer videos, and captivating promotional videos, they create stories that are imbued with charm and artistry. 

Now, let’s learn about the 4 strategic types of animation: 

Explainer Animation:

The first on the list is Explainer Animation. With its ability to distill complex concepts into simple visuals, Explainer Animation is the perfect ally when seeking to convey intricate ideas. 

Utilizing a range of animated characters and infographics, this type of animation unlocks the door to creative and engaging communication. You may even find it handy in situations where your friend’s thesis paper is as indecipherable as a foreign language.

Whiteboard Animation:

Next up is Whiteboard Animation, which can be likened to the original gangster of animation. Remember those days when your teacher illustrated concepts on a whiteboard to make them more relatable? 

Animated Illustrations:

Well, Whiteboard Animation employs the same approach, but with animated illustrations, to make learning fun and entertaining. 

This type of animation adds a creative touch to your ideas and ensures your audience stays entertained throughout. Who doesn’t love a nostalgic and timeless whiteboard?

2D Animation:

For those who prefer the classic look, 2D Animation is an excellent option. Flat graphics and movements come together in 2D Animation to create a two-dimensional effect that’s reminiscent of timeless cartoons like Tom and Jerry or The Simpsons. 

This animation style injects your video content with personality, adding a fun and engaging dimension to your brand. It’s the perfect way to showcase your creativity and attract attention in a crowded digital landscape.

3D Animation:

3D Animation is an art form that uses three-dimensional models and environments to create a realistic and immersive experience, making it an essential tool for industries like movies and video games. 

There are various types of 3D animation, each serving a different purpose but sharing the goal of creating an unforgettable experience that captures the audience’s imagination. With its mesmerizing power, 3D Animation is a magical realm that inspires awe and wonder.

Examples of Different Types of Animation to Seek Inspiration From

Following are some of the examples where each type of animation is used:

Explainer Animation: 

Dropbox’s “What Is Dropbox?” video is a prime example of explainer animation. The video combines animated characters and infographics to present its cloud-based file storage service in a simple and engaging way. 

The video starts by introducing a relatable character struggling with a common problem of sharing files with others and then proceeds to demonstrate how Dropbox solves the problem. The clear and concise explanation, accompanied by entertaining visuals, makes the video an effective tool for educating users about the product.

Another example of explainer animation is the video “The Internet of Things” by IBM. The video uses animated illustrations and graphics to explain the concept of IoT in a comprehensible manner. The animation starts with a simple example of a connected thermostat and then goes on to show how IoT can impact various aspects of our daily lives.

Whiteboard Animation: 

RSA’s whiteboard animations are renowned for their ability to explain complex topics in an entertaining and engaging way. One of their most popular videos is “The Power of Empathy,” where an illustrator draws images on a whiteboard as the narrator explains the concept of empathy. 

The video effectively conveys the message that empathy is an essential tool for building better relationships and creating a more compassionate world.

Another example of whiteboard animation is the video “How to Make Stress Your Friend” by Kelly McGonigal. In this video, the speaker presents scientific evidence that stress can be beneficial and shows how changing our mindset about stress can help us deal with it more effectively. The use of a whiteboard and simple drawings makes the video easy to follow and engaging.

2D Animation: 

Coca-Cola’s “Happiness Factory” commercial is a classic example of 2D animation. The video uses colorful and playful visuals to create a world where the ingredients of Coke come to life and work together to create happiness. 

The animation’s creative concept and attention to detail make it an excellent example of how 2D animation can be used to create a captivating story.

Another example of 2D animation is the TV show “SpongeBob SquarePants.” The show’s colorful and quirky animation style, combined with its humorous and absurd storyline, has made it a favorite among audiences of all ages.

3D Animation: 

Pixar’s movie “Toy Story” is a perfect example of 3D animation. In this movie, Pixar uses 3D models and environments to create a lifelike and immersive experience where toys come to life and have their adventures. The movie’s realistic animation and emotional storytelling have made it a timeless classic in the world of animation.

Another example of 3D animation is the video game “Fortnite.” The game’s detailed and dynamic environments, characters, and special effects showcase the incredible potential of 3D animation in creating immersive and engaging experiences.

In Conclusion

Animation is a vital ingredient in today’s digital landscape, and it holds the key to unlocking the creative potential of your ideas. Remember to consider the four strategic types of animation when launching your next project: Explainer Animation, Whiteboard Animation, 2D Animation, and 3D Animation. 

Each animation style comes with its unique benefits, so choose the one that best aligns with your needs. Happy animating!

 

Image Credit: Photo by Maxim Tolchinskiy on Unsplash