2D or 3D animation ? What fits your company?
Animation is the marketing tool of our time. But which type of animation really suits your company and story? There are all kinds and styles of animations. The biggest distinction is the difference between 2D and 3D images. In this article we explain what the difference is and why you should really choose 2D or 3D.
2D animation
Most animations produced are 2-dimensional. Animations in 2D style have been made for more than 100 years. While these were drawn by hand 100 years ago, nowadays this is often done by computer. This provides more options and makes animating cheaper and increasingly accessible. A 2D animation is often simpler to produce than a 3D animation. Having 2D animation made is often cheaper. In addition, the production time is often lower than with a 3D animation.
2D animations are very suitable for explaining a service or an abstract concept. You can then use the image to support the explanation of your service or concept. Consider visualizing lists and coherence between parts. You can also explain and show products well using 2D animation.
Please take into account the limitations of flat drawings. There are numerous styles possible within 2D animation. This is a matter of taste. If you're not sure what you want, search a lot of animations on YouTube or Vimeo to find out what you like. Of course, animators or production companies can often also give you sound advice.
3D animation
The biggest advantage of having 3D animation made is the ability to create photorealistic images. You can include the smallest detail in your animation, but you are not bound by the laws of nature. This is a big difference with, for example, a real film. So you can give free rein to your creativity.
If you want to go the extra mile to distinguish yourself from your competition, then 3D animation is definitely worth considering. Below you can read interesting facts that may inspire you to choose a 3D animation.
Possibilities of 3D animation for the game industry
In principle, a 3D animator builds a small virtual world and films your animation within it. This ensures that you can go in any direction in your animation in terms of film angles. You do not have to rebuild a scene every time, but you can choose different camera angles within the already created “film set”.
This way of working is also widely used in the design of computer games, an industry worth no less than 300 billion dollars.* The growth and rapid development of the gaming industry ensures that 3D animations can also become increasingly beautiful, detailed and extensive. made.
Create CAD drawings with animation
Many companies that produce products or machines have technical drawings such as CAD drawings. These drawings can often be incorporated into an animation. An animator can then bring this to life. This way you can display the effectiveness of a machine or product in detail.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality may seem like a media form that is far removed from animation, but nothing could be further from the truth. As mentioned, the gaming industry plays a major role in this. Depending on how you build a 3D animation, you can use its framework to make a VR movie. So if you choose 3D animation, having a VR animation made within reach.
Blended animation
Of course, you don't have to choose between 2D or 3D for your projects; they can be perfectly combined. We have put this synergy into practice for our customer Alfen, a leading provider of energy solutions. In one project we achieved a dynamic integration of 3D and 2D elements. We created a 3D environment that puts Alfen's innovative energy solutions in the spotlight , with integrated 2D elements that enrich the information and visual accents.
This approach not only highlights Alfen's technical expertise, but also shows how animation can serve as a creative medium to present the company's unique value proposition in an engaging way. Don't be limited by traditional formats, but think about the ideal image of your brand. Our experts are ready to think with you about the technical possibilities to bring your vision to life.
Marketing objectives
The choice of a type of animation can have an impact on the image of your organization. For example, does your company stand for exclusivity and innovation? Then the choice for a 3D animation will further support this. Especially if your competitors fixate on 2D animation. So be sure to take the status of your industry, product and marketing objectives into account when making a choice. I work at Phil & Flo and, together with my colleagues, I can think along with you without obligation about how animation can contribute to achieving your goals.
Want to commission an animated video , AI video , whiteboard animation , or learn more about 2D and 3D animation? Schedule a free, no-obligation 30-minute session with our animation specialist now.