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The Most Popular Types of Animation

The styles of animation vary greatly – traditional styles are much different than

something like stop motion, despite some similarities. Each animation style presents

its own benefits and drawbacks, but certain styles have managed to become popular

within specific professional fields. Below are three types of professional fields and

the animation styles that are popular within each one.

Whiteboard (Education)

Whiteboard animation is popular not only because it is simple and easy to produce,

but because it is familiar. This type of style is entirely 2D as it mimics someone

writing and drawing on a whiteboard, much like in a school setting. It allows the

creator to have important information written down while they add commentary

behind the scenes. For educating children, it can be a great way to capture their

attention, quickly address a topic, and add a bit of entertainment to a lesson.

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Video Games

Video games come in a variety of genres, types, and styles. Because of this

versatility, games can be created using any one of the many animation styles out

there, whether traditional, 3D, stop motion or many others. With video games, nearly

anything goes.

Mobile games tend to be more traditional, such as Angry Birds. 2D animation is

easier to produce than 3D, and most of the games found on iPhones and Android

devices do not really need full 3D – they are simple games that are meant to be easy

to play. Depending on the platform or type of game, producers can use any one of

the styles available to them to create a unique experience.

Traditional/2D (Marketing)

Advertisements come in a variety of different forms that can employ animation

styles differently. However, much like video games, there are different types of

advertisements, which result in different types of standard styles.

Certain marketing videos rely on a specific type of style. Animated explainer videos,

for example, are generally produced using traditional animation because of the

simplicity that comes with the style. The point of the video is to explain an idea or

product, and the animation is used to make that explanation as easy and entertaining

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as possible. Companies can use 3D if they like, but the benefits do not usually

outweigh the costs.

Other companies combine real world documentation with a small amount of

animation, like in the Hamburger Helper commercials, for instance. Hamburger

Helper animates their mascot but leaves the rest of their advertisements in the real

world of live action video documentation, combining familiar video styles with an

unfamiliar, yet distinct, animated figure. When it comes to marketing and

advertising, there is no favored style as there is with education or mobile gaming.

With so many different styles available, some companies might feel overwhelmed

when considering animation for their plans. However, most types of business allow

flexibility with animation, and consulting with an animation production studio will

help paint a better picture of which style is most appropriate.