2D and 3D Animation Production: What’s the Difference?
We will take you to the differences in the production process
Are you one of the millions of people who are curious about the world of computer animation? Maybe you still find it difficult to describe the difference between 2D and 3D animation?
You’ve come to the right place!
To understand this topic better, we are going to break it down into a few simple points to help you see the unique characteristics of each type of animation.
Before that, let us give you a simple definition of 2D and 3D animation. 2D animation is usually a flat, two-dimensional drawing.
The 2D animation process involves the creation of characters, storyboards, and backgrounds in two-dimensional space.
It starts from simple sketches and develops into detailed designs and images.
Whereas 3D animation is the process of creating characters or pictures in a digital environment in a three-dimensional space.
Unlike in 2D, the moves in 3D are unlimited, it shows you the images or characters from every angle.
Here are a few points you can see for the difference between 2D and 3D animation in the production
1 — Flexibility of Revisions
Yes, honestly, 3D animation often looks much cooler because of the more realistic appearance, but it also means that it is 2–3 times harder to make any revisions because of the complexity of 3D animation.
Why is it complex?
Take a look at the pipeline:
Briefly, there are some mechanical processes such as:
- Modeling — the process of taking shape and molding it into a completed 3D mesh
- Texturing — this is where the art begins; it’s the part of giving clothes to the 3D
- Animation
- Lighting — combination with texture, camera angles, etc.
- Rendering — the last but not least of this final step of 3D production
For that reason, it makes the editing or revision process in 3D animation more complicated because of the technical and mechanical things above.
Meanwhile, with 2D animation, you can easily make revisions to the character because of the drawing method that is used in this animation.
2 — Production Time
2D animation uses a drawing method that is more “flexible” to save time producing, while 3D animation uses full computerization for production which makes it more complex.
Of course, the result is going to be different too.
While 2D animation often only shows flat and without-depth animation where you can only see one angle of the character, with 3D animation, you can see the character from every angle.
Both animations still take time to produce good quality animation, but 3D animation takes more time because of the complexity involved in achieving the more detailed result.
3 — Frame Rates
Frame rate is the speed at which those images are shown, usually expressed as “frames per second’’ or its famous abbreviation “fps”.
Another interesting difference between 2D and 3D animation is in the frame rate and the movement. So, let’s say the standard is 24 frames per second.
In 2D animation that means that there is a drawing in each frame, which is a lot!
But (good news!) when there are no large movements or changes from frame to frame, we can affect any motion or change by drawing only 2–3 frames per second instead.
However, it’s different in 3D animation if a character doesn’t move at all — it looks kinda odd.
That’s why in 3D animation, there’s always movement to make the character look alive (because it’s supposed to be).
4 — Cost
Before we talk about the cost difference between those animations, let’s look at the video samples below.
As you can see in the videos above, 2D animation looks flatter, without depth, and just focuses on one angle in every movement.
But in 3D animation, you can see the picture with depth and in every angle by moving it in every direction, which makes it more interesting and realistic to watch. So, it’s quite obvious that 3D animation costs more than 2D animation.
It’s true that by using 3D animation, you can show more complex and realistic footage.
But, it certainly doesn’t mean that 2D animation has no place in your video!
2D animation still helps you to show very direct information in an eye-catching and creative way.
In addition, you can create more imaginative ideas with the character because of the hand-drawn technique used by the illustrator to create them.
Every animated video uses different software to support the animation process, be it the drawing in 2D or the modeling in 3D animation.
3D software costs more than 2D animation because it offers more complex, realistic, and precise delivery of your content.
In the end, it’s true that 3D can be more precise, but on the other hand, 2D can be more fluid in its result. But still, it all depends on your preference.
Do you like the realistic and complex effects offered by 3D animation? Or do you prefer the drawing and creative method offered by 2D animation?
Each of them has equally good factors, both in cost and quality, and it really depends on which animation suits the content best.
So, does this help you to understand more about 2D and 3D animations? I hope it does! But, you don’t have to worry about producing an animated video by yourself.
Fortunately, Breadnbeyond is very interested in helping you with that. Our team is able to make those videos in both 2D and 3D elements without you needing to work your brains off trying to do it by yourself.
Contact us here. We are very eager to help you illustrate your own creative ideas with an amazing video!
