Compared to just a few years ago, these days, there are various types of cartoon styles that give marketers more room for creative freedom. But, with so many options out there it can get difficult to land on just one style for your next animation project.

This article explains what 2D animation is and explores the different types of animation styles. Helping you choose the right style for your marketing campaign.

So let’s get into it.

What is 2D Animation?

2D animation is a form of visual storytelling that is created moving two or more images in two-dimensional space, at a rapid pace. 

It involves creating characters, backgrounds, and objects in a flat plane. And making them move frame-by-frame to depict motion.

This style of animation started off by using hand drawings but with advancement in technologies it can now be produced digitally as well. Allowing for a wide range of artistic expression. 

These days, different types of animation are used in different types of cartoon styles. Helping modern marketing expand their reach, and produce better results. Thanks to its simplicity and charm.

Different Types of Animation

With so many forms of animation out there, it can be hard to understand the specifics of 2D animation. 

In this section we’ll break down the different types of animation, their advantages and what makes them effective. 

Traditional Animation

Traditional animation is one of the first types of animation styles. In this animation, artists draw characters, backgrounds, and scenes on paper or transparent celluloid sheets. Which are then photographed or scanned and played in sequence.

This style has a timeless and artistic appeal. Which is perfect for projects wanting to evoke nostalgia or a classic aesthetic, like early Disney cartoons.

Traditional animation allows animators to have highly detailed and expressive character movements. This handcrafted art adds a touch of the artist’s personality, which results in unique and emotionally rich animations. 

Kinetic Typography

Kinetic typography is a type of animation 2d style in which a text is animated to convey ideas and persuade an audience to perform a certain action. By altering text movement, size, color, and position, static words are transformed to create attention grabbing and emotional experiences. They are often seen in music videos, advertisements, and informational content.

Kinetic typography improves readability and retention. It’s cost-effective and allows creatives to create impactful animations without the need for extensive character or background animation..

Frame-by-Frame Animation

Frame-by-frame animation involves creating each frame individually, often digitally, allowing for precise control over motion and timing. This method is perfect for achieving detailed, fluid animations.

It excels in producing smooth, realistic movements, making it suitable for character animations in games or intricate motion sequences in films.

Frame-by-frame animation offers unparalleled control, enabling animators to fine-tune every aspect of their work. It ensures high-quality, detailed animations with meticulous attention to motion and timing, perfect for projects requiring precise and realistic animations.

Infographic Animation

Infographic animation uses animated graphics to present data and information in an engaging manner. It combines charts, graphs, icons, and text to effectively explain complex concepts or data sets.

This style makes information digestible and visually appealing. Commonly used in corporate presentations, educational videos, and marketing materials.

Infographic animation enhances audience comprehension and retention. By transforming data into animated visuals, it makes content more appealing and easier to understand, especially for explaining statistical data, processes, or complex concepts in an engaging way.

Motion Graphics

Motion graphics blend graphic design with animation, creating visually dynamic content by animating shapes, text, and other elements. It’s widely used in advertisements, explainer videos, and title sequences.

Highly versatile, motion graphics can be used across various media and are particularly effective for branding, incorporating logos, color schemes, and other brand elements.

This style creates polished, professional animations that effectively convey messages or enhance brand identity. Motion graphics simplify complex ideas into visually appealing content, capturing and retaining audience attention, ideal for professional and engaging presentations.

Stop Motion

Stop motion animation involves manipulating objects and photographing them frame by frame to create movement. Objects like clay figures, puppets, or everyday items are slightly altered between frames to simulate motion.

Stop motion offers a unique, tactile visual style, standing out from other animation forms. Its tangible nature adds charm, making it ideal for creative projects aiming to capture imagination.

This style encourages creativity and experimentation, providing a personal touch to the animation. Stop motion is perfect for projects seeking a quirky, artistic, or vintage look, achieving a handcrafted, unique feel that attract viewers.

Top 5 Animation Tools and Workflow

1. Adobe Animate

Adobe Animate offers an intuitive interface, advanced drawing tools, and robust frame-by-frame capabilities required in different cartoon styles. 

It supports a wide range of formats, making it versatile for different projects. 

Workflow: Start by creating your characters and backgrounds using the drawing tools. Use onion skinning to animate frame by frame, and then export your animation in the desired format.

2. Toon Boom Harmony

This industry-standard software provides a comprehensive toolset for drawing, rigging, and animation. It’s widely used by major studios for its extensive libraries and templates. 

Workflow: Design characters and assets, rig them using Harmony’s advanced tools, and animate your scenes. The software supports both traditional frame-by-frame and rig-based animation, allowing for flexibility in workflow.

3. Synfig Studio

Synfig Studio is an open-source, vector-based animation software with advanced controls like a bone system and bitmap support. 

Workflow: Create vector artwork and rig characters with the bone system. Use Synfig’s timeline to animate, ensuring smooth transitions and movements. Export your animations for various platforms.

4. Moho (Anime Studio)

Moho combines vector-based animation with bone rigging tools, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. 

Workflow: Start with character design using vector tools. Rig characters with bones for smooth animation. Animate using keyframes and Moho’s intuitive timeline. Export animations for web, video, or other media.

5. OpenToonz

OpenToonz, an open-source software used by Studio Ghibli, offers extensive customization and supports both vector and raster graphics. Draw or import artwork into OpenToonz. Use its versatile tools to animate frame by frame or with keyframes. Customize your workflow with plugins and scripts, then export your final animation in various formats.

Create an Impact with Different types of Animation

With 2D animation and types of animation style available, marketers possess the creative freedom to create powerful and impactful campaigns. And make their dream project become the next success. 

Need assistance in reaching your next milestone using 2D animation? We at Prolific Studios house a world class animation team ready to help you achieve your goals.