The Benefits of 2D Animation Over 3D

The rise of 3D animation in media has raised questions as to which method of animation production is superior: 2D or 3D. Both styles have created incredible and imaginative content consumed by millions around the world, and both have their pros and cons. This growth has also led to debates as to which style is ‘better.’

Of course, there is no ‘best animation style’ out there. If that were the case, then all animation and video games would look similar because production companies would just use the ‘best style.’ But with all the attention 3D animation receives in Hollywood and in video games, it might be a good idea to take a look at what makes 2D animation so strong.

Quicker and Cheaper

Simply put, it takes longer to produce 3D animation than it does 2D. The complexity of the artwork and production in a 3D animated piece is obvious when compared to something traditional. In 3D, artists and designers have to add more dimensions into their work to give the content a lifelike and realistic feel. Such matters are not important in the flatter world of 2D animation, saving animation production teams a great deal of time and effort.

Because of the relative simplicity, 2D animation is also cheaper and more cost effective to produce. Video production is not as lengthy and not as detailed as something 3D, so fewer resources are required for creation. Companies and groups looking for animation on a budget should consider 2D.

Freedom in the Art

With 3D animation, you have scenes far more bound to reality. 3D appears lifelike even if the characters are talking animals. What you have is something that mimics our world rather than escapes it.

2D animation is different. There can be strange explosions or odd background effects and we accept all that because of the style. Watch some Japanese anime and you can see how difficult

it would be to replicate some of the effects in 3D, especially in the action and comedy genres. It is the 2D style that helps with the visual world-building and artistic freedom.

Simplicity

Not every animated video needs to look lifelike, real, and incredibly complex. In fact, sometimes the simplicity is what attracts attention and success.

For example, the point of an animated explainer video is to explain a concept in a short and simple way. While more graphics and visuals might look interesting, 3D would divert the focus away from the actual message. In an explainer video, animation acts as an aid to what is being said.

With 3D animation, the depths and visuals can be stunning, but they can also be too much for certain projects. Our favorite mobile games, like Flappy Bird and Candy Crush Saga, certainly could have been produced in 3D, but the point of the game is simplicity, even if the games themselves can be frustrating.

Does all this mean that 3D animation is inferior? Of course not. 3D animation is an essential andamazing method of production, and it has given us truly remarkable content. 2D, however, can sometimes be overshadowed and ignored in favor of 3D. When given a second look, 2D animation has proven itself to be just as good, if not better, than the other methods of production.

Author's Bio:Powerhouse Animation is a traditional 2d animation studio based in Austin, Texas. Since 2001,Powerhouse has been making ideas come to life through animation, illustration, and motion graphics. With a staff of 35 in-house artists, animators, videographers and designers, Powerhouse works on a wide variety of projects and has created animation for companies including Disney, Sony, Marvel, DC, Old Spice, Coca Cola, Miramax, the USO and more.