Before there was Woody, there was Steamboat Mickey — and even before that there was a traditional hand-drawn film like 1908 Fantasmagorie. Or even that old stop-motion classic of the 20s, The Lost World. Each and everyone blew the audience away. And there was a reason for that. Animation is a colorful, creative and highly effective way to get your point across.
To relate to your audience and seize their attention. Currently, the animation is a powerful tool that can help businesses convey their brand personality and message in a visually appealing way — it’s fast, simple, and very effective. It’s dynamic and speaks volumes on a business’ magic ingredient. That which they simply cannot convey any other way.
Choosing the right animation style for your video is crucial for capturing your audience’s attention, conveying the right message, and achieving your business goals. In this article, we will explore the different animation techniques and styles available and provide some tips for choosing the right animation style for your video.
Importance of Choosing the Right Animation Style for Your Video
Choosing the right animation style for your video is critical — it can impact your video’s effectiveness in getting your message and reaching your target audience. Different animation styles can tell and promote different emotions, connectors, and messages. For example, 2D animation can be used to create a fun and playful tone, while 3D animation can be leveraged to craft a more sophisticated and professional look. Matching the animation style to your brand personality and message can help create a stronger connection with your target audience and increase engagement.
Animation has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s, when the phenakistoscope was invented, a device that produced an illusion of motion through a sequence of drawings. This led to the creation of the zoetrope, which improved the illusion of motion by utilizing a series of drawings placed on a rotating cylinder. With the development of film technology in the late 19th century, animation evolved rapidly, leading to the creation of iconic animated characters such as Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny in the early 20th century — and those two basically lit the spark of the current animation revolution. In cinema, in digital, in television, and in business.
The use of animation in marketing began in the early 1900s, with companies carefully creating cartoon characters to promote their products. One of the first animated commercials was produced in 1914 by the J.R. Bray Studios for the brand R. W. Knudsen’s cider. In the 1950s, the advent of television allowed for the widespread use of animated commercials, with iconic characters like Tony the Tiger for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and the Jolly Green Giant for Green Giant vegetables becoming household names.
Now, in the 21st century, animation has become an increasingly popular tool for marketing, particularly with the rise of digital platforms and social media — and because it is not only cost-effective, but the technology available allows anyone to rapidly become an amateur animator. The versatility of animation allows for a wide range of styles and techniques to be employed, making it a valuable tool for businesses looking to create engaging and memorable marketing content.
Different Animation Techniques
There are several animation techniques available, including 2D animation, 3D animation, stop motion, and motion graphics. Each technique has its own strengths and weaknesses, making each suitable for different types of videos and messages.
2D Animation.
2D animation is the most traditional animation technique available — it involves creating characters and backgrounds in two dimensions. It is suitable for cartoons, explainer videos, and other types of videos that require a fun and playful tone.
3D animation
3D animation, on the other hand, involves creating characters and environments in three dimensions — it has become a staple of modern animated films due to Pixar’s fame and fortune in developing the art. It is suitable for creating more realistic and professional-looking videos, such as product demos or architectural visualizations. It’s also heavily employed in video games.
Stop Motion
Stop motion is an animation technique that involves taking photographs of a physical object or scene and stitching them together to create the illusion of movement. It is suitable for creating unique and eye-catching videos, such as claymation or puppet animations. This is how a Nightmare Before Christmas or those old Sinbad films were made.
Motion Graphics
Motion graphics, uses graphic design and animation techniques to create engaging and informative videos. It is suitable for creating explainer videos, infographics, and other types of videos that require a more professional and polished look.
Tips for Choosing the Right Animation Style
Choosing the right animation style for your video can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you choose the right animation style for your video:
Determine your brand personality and messaging
Understanding your brand personality and messaging can help you choose an animation style that matches your brand values and tone. Sit down with your department and think about what you’re trying to convey and to whom you are trying to convey it to.
Analyze your target audience
Knowing your target audience can help you choose an animation style that resonates with them and captures their attention. For example, hip, new, and creative types like to go the otaku route. Professionals look for more, well, professional overtones.
Consider your budget and resources
Some animation techniques may require more resources and budget than others. Consider your cost and resources before choosing an animation style. Each style has its pros and cons when it comes to how much a produced minute costs.
Working with an Animated Video Company
Working with an animated video company like Kasra Design can be the make-it-or-break-it decision in your journey — they can help you choose the right animation style for your video and adapt it to your needs and budget. Their team of experts can guide you through the animation process and help you choose an animation style that matches your brand personality and messaging. With their expertise and experience, they can create a visually appealing and engaging video that helps you achieve your business goals.