5 Types of Animation: Explore Animation Style and Inspiration With Examples

There are different types of animations out there. Let’s learn 5 of the most prominent types of animation before you become an animation artist.

Post on 21, November 2021

5 Types of Animation

Are you interested in starting your career in 3D animation? Then you should have a strong understanding of the different types of animation. As a beginner, it is better if you can master one type of animation. Then you can understand the basics of it. Along with that understanding, it will even be possible for you to proceed with exploring other types of animation.

Here’s an overview of 5 types of animation that you can find out there in the world as of now. While learning about these types of animation, make sure that you also invest in developing your artistic vision, passion to work with animations, animation skills, and expertise in animation software.


1. Traditional Animation

Let’s start with the basics. Experts in traditional animation also call it cell animation. This is where the animation artist draws every frame by hand. Then this collection of frames will be combined in order to create a complete animated scene. Due to the same reason, traditional animation requires a lot of time and expertise.

Animators would usually continue withdrawing the animation on top of a light table. This allows the animation artists to have a clear view of the previous animation, as they continue to draw via the top paper layer. Even though this is a time-consuming form of animation, we can still see how several companies out there use it. 

Disney is a perfect example of such a company. However, we can see how the animators are using computers that have special tablets to continue with traditional animation.


2. 2D Animation

2D animation is all about vector-based animation. As of now, we can see how 2D animation is gaining more attention among animators. That’s because available technologies can help them to proceed with 2D animations with ease. However, it is also possible for the animation artists to proceed with creating frame by frame. 

If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to master 2D animation. That’s because 2D animation provides flexibility for beginners. You don’t have to entirely rely on drawing skills to become a successful 2D animation artist.

Check out our 2D Animation Course available in Hindi


3. 3D Animation

3D animation is another popular form of animation that we can see as of now. People use to call this computer animation. If you do a cross-comparison between 3D animation and traditional forms of animation, you will notice some significant differences. However, the animation artists should still adhere to the basic principles of composition and movement while creating an animation.

3D animation artists will not have to do a lot of work with their hands to draw the characters. That’s because they use computer applications to create 3D animations. However, it is also important for them to be aware of the laws of physics so that they can make their 3D animations look more realistic.


4. Stop Motion Animation

Stop animation is quite similar to traditional animation. That’s because stop animation is made from a series of still images. These still images show some slight movements, and the combined images will deliver a comprehensive animation at the end of the day. The biggest difference between stop animation and traditional animation is that stop-animation uses photographs of real objects for creating the animation.

Stop motion artists will continue to take photos of a scene or object while moving it. This is a repeated process, which makes them end up with a large number of photos. Then all the photos are included in frames and played. This is quite similar to a flipbook that contains photos. If you are interested in exploring stop motion animation, you need to understand that it is highly organic. It can help you to deliver a natural appeal to your animations.


5.  Motion Graphics

Motion graphics is different from all forms of animation mentioned above. That’s because motion graphics are not driven by storylines or characters. Instead, motion graphics focus more on the capability to move graphical elements, text, and shapes, with the objective of creating an animation.

We can often see how motion graphics are helpful at the time of creating explainer videos and television promotions. Even animated logos fall into the category of motion graphics. If you want to become a motion graphics animator, you need to equip yourself with a unique set of skills. That’s mainly because there is no need for you to animate facial expressions or body movements. Advertisements tend to rely heavily on motion graphics.

These are the 5 most prominent types of animation that you can find out there as of now. As mentioned earlier, you can pick a form of animation and follow a course, so that you can become an expert in it. Along with that expertise, you can venture into other forms of animation.


Launch your GraphyLaunch your Graphy
100K+ creators trust Graphy to teach online
SkillSiya 2024 Privacy policy Terms of use Contact us Refund policy