Should I use 2D or 3D animation?

It’s a question that gets asked quite frequently as people who are looking to get the animation done often struggle with the choice between 2D and 3D. So what are some of the factors you need to consider before making the all-important decision? Let’s take a look.

The Price of Rendering the Animation

2D:

As compared to its 3D counterpart, 2D animation is relatively cheap and easy to do. This is because 2D doesn’t have to deal with things like camera angles, the field of depth, and other similar factors that affect the viewability of a 3D animation.

3D:

3D animation is expensive due to the amount of expertise involved in making such animations. Animators also need complete knowledge of all the software necessary for such an undertaking.

Visual Appeal

2D:

Think of your early days watching cartoons on TV. They didn’t need to be complex or realistic. The 2D art style suited them perfectly and allowed them to get their message across properly.

However, with the advancement of 3D animation and when compared to the more complex CGI in movies, 2D animation looks somewhat dull and boring.

3D:

These days, animating is all about realism. One just has to look at all the “live action remakes” being made of old, 2D animated cartoons. It’s basically just taking the 2D animations and turning them into 3D ones. Why is this done?

Well, simply put, 3D is just more attractive than 2D. All the things mentioned before, such as camera angles and field of view, add to the immersion that a viewer feels. And as technology gets better and this field continues to grow, the animations will only get more realistic.

Complexity

2D:

There’s only so much you can do with 2D animation. In a way, that’s the beauty of it. Because it’s so straightforward, it’s relatively easy to create.

3D:

On the other hand, 3D animation takes skill, time, and money. A mistake at any point in the process can be incredibly costly, so animators need to do their best work right from the get-go.

Which One Is Best for You?

Choosing between 2D and 3D ultimately depends on what you want to produce. If you want something realistic, then go with 3D. However, you should be willing to pay the required costs and deal with the time it will take to produce such an end product.

On the other hand, if your end goal is something simple – say, an instructional video – then you should go 2D. It’ll save you time, money, and it is a better representation of your end goal.