The debate of comparison between 2D and 3D animation is endless. It is due to the fact that these two domains are equally beneficial for different sectors. It gets really challenging to choose one between the two.

It is inevitable for an animator to learn both these digital art forms. Ever wondered why? We are going to discuss this question with the help of further sections and different aspects of 2D and 3D animation as well. 

There are two main benefits of learning 2D and 3D animation:

• They make you a credible animator.
• These art forms can enhance the quality of animated content.
• 2D and 3D animation develop a higher degree of creativity. 
• Both of these are beneficial to produce animated videos.
• The extent to which dynamic animations originate from 2D and 3D art forms is unbelievably compelling. 
• Both art forms distribute the animations into onsite and offsite platforms.
• 2D and 3D animations can equally fetch clients for a brand with less effort and hustle. 

2D and 3D animations are not ordinary forms of animation. These have become the lifeblood for the sustenance of many brands around the world which showcases their significance in a remarkable way.  

2D vs 3D animation: Which one to go for?

Don’t make a fool of yourself by thinking 2D is better than 3D and vice versa. There is no wisdom to think like that. Instead, both domains have separate stances and interpretations for different companies. 

Take Mario 64 which is a famous video game is a fine example of 3D scope. Whereas another version of this game called Classic Super Mario was a 2D game. If you consider, these games are equally impactful and engaging for the users. No matter what art form they are produced in.

How to choose between 2D and 3D animation?

However, one discrimination that draws a line between these art forms is the channel. You see, the type of channel determines the type of the art form. A new video game, TV show, web series, or even a static medium such as a comic book will help you decide to choose one between these two domains. 

How does 2D animation function?

The illusion by using 2D animation is executed with the help of compiling different frames in one go. These sequences are separated on the basis of 24 frames. It means you can produce 24 individual drawings in one second of the animated video. 

It is the same method as flipbook cartoons or drawings. This was the former way to produce illusion in the least possible hustle. But as the technology advanced, different software came into action to recreate the same illusion for 2D content. 

The process to create a 2D illusion is more hectic than in flipbooks. Unlike flipbook animation, it works in a mobile manner. Since animation is all about ‘moving content’. The pages are replaced with layers to produce 2D animation with the help of different tools. 

How does 3D animation function?

3D animation is far different from 2D animation. It is because 3D animation works with 3D models of the characters to be animated. But before animating them, these are rigged properly with the help of 3D animation software. 

3D animation production process

The first step is to get inspired to generate an idea. After that comes the storyboard to re-develop your idea in form of sketches. These sketches are then 3D models to create animated characters them. 

Texturing and details are also crucial parts of these 3D models. These models are rigged which imparts a proper skeleton to them to give them a more realistic feel. 

After all of this, it’s time for flawless animation. The characters are given different poses. Keyframes in the 3D production process are for positioning characters in different scenes and shots of the videos or entire sequences. 

3D animation: From expert’s viewpoint

It is important for animation studios to appoint qualified professionals for this job. No matter whether they are working on a 2D project or a 3D movie, everything needs to be perfect. Or else it will lose its impact on the audience.

The best 3D animation company will adhere to the nature of the projects along with the proper execution of the skill of the animators. Beginners also need to be vigilant to cover all the steps of 2D and 3D animation production processes. 

It might be overwhelming for a newbie to learn all these steps of a pipeline. But these are foundational aspects to develop jaw-dropping animations each time. 

2D vs 3D animation: Which one is the best to learn? 

This decision funnels down to one’s own interpretation and the project requirements. Another factor that determines the choice is your inclination towards one of the two.

3D animation is for complex projects and animators who love to challenge themselves. While 2D animation is more on the subtle end. It’s much easier and more artistic while working on the projects. 

Another important factor is the price range. 3D animation is much more expensive than 2D animation. The cost of 3D animation ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 for normal videos. The price can exceed the limit if there are more intense animation and other features. 

Common grounds for 2D and 3D animation

2D and 3D animations are identical to each on terms of simplifying the complex concepts for the audience for better understanding and fetching more engagement. 

Both art forms are beneficial for the technical and medical sectors where these work effectively for modifying difficult concepts. So that the trainees can acquire authentic information in a fun and compelling way.

In a Nutshell

The execution of both art forms depends on the needs of the clients and their preferences. Also, the type of the project plays an important role to make this tough choice. 

In any case, it is important to understand to match the steps of both the pimples for desired results. So that the essence of animation remains intact and uncompromised as well.