What is cartoon animation?

Definition and origin

Originally, "cartoon" meant a comic strip or caricature in newspapers and magazines. Nowadays, we use the term cartoon animation to refer to a drawn or cartoon-like animated video with simplified shapes, character-driven storytelling, and often humor. The style can be hand-drawn, vector-based, or 3D toon-shaded, but the goal is the same: to convey meaning quickly through strong visualization. In everyday language, cartoon animation is often equated with cartoons or animated videos. The distinction lies less in the technique and more in the visual style and tone of voice: light-hearted, accessible, and immediately understandable. Want to better understand the basics of 2D? Read: What is 2D animation?

Why does cartoon animation work for businesses?

• Attention and recognition - Contrasting shapes, character expression, and humor attract the eye and linger, especially in feeds and on mobile devices.
• Complex to simple - You translate abstract processes, data, or rules into clear scenes and metaphors that everyone understands.
• High information density - Voice-over and images work together. You can convey more in 30-90 seconds than in a lot of text.
• Brand consistency - Characters, colors, and iconography seamlessly align with your corporate identity and campaigns.
• Versatile - From explanatory animations and onboarding to product launches, e-learning, and social ads.

Types and styles within cartoon animation

• 2D character animation - Drawn characters with expressive acting, ideal for storytelling and explanations.
• Motion graphics with a cartoon look - Smooth typography and icons in a playful style, perfect for data and processes.
• Whiteboard animation - Drawn line on white surface, clear and educational.
• Frame-by-frame - Hand-drawn motion for an organic, artisanal feel.
• 3D tone-shaded - 3D models with a flat-colored cartoon look for added depth and dynamism.
• Retro/newspaper comic style - Nostalgic look with thick lines and limited colors.

A complete overview of possibilities can be found here: What animation techniques are available?

Production process in brief

1. Strategy - Determine the goal, target audience, and channel. What should the viewer think, feel, and do?
2. Script - Package the core message in a short, rhythmic story with a clear call to action.
3. Storyboard - Visualize shot by shot how the script will be brought to life on screen.
4. Style frames and design - Design characters, colors, and icons in the desired cartoon style.
5. Animation - Animate movement, timing, and transitions for maximum readability and emotion.
6. Audio - Voice-over, music, and sound design add energy and clarity.
7. Feedback and delivery - Iterate until everything is right, export for web, social media, and presentations.

Would you like to see examples of styles and applications? Take a look at our animation portfolio.

Difference between cartoons, anime, and animation

Cartoon animation is a style. Anime is a subgenre that originated in Japan. Animation is the overarching technique. The comparison below will help you choose. Are you unsure whether to go for 2D or 3D? Read about the difference between 2D and 3D animation.

Comparison in broad terms

• Origin/style: Cartoon — Western, simplified forms and exaggeration; Anime — Japanese aesthetics, detail, and dramatic framing; Animation (general) — Technique for making still images move.
• Tone and purpose: Cartoon — Lighthearted, humorous, and quick explanation; Anime — Wide range of tones: from lighthearted to very serious; Animation (general) — Neutral, applicable to any style or tone.
• Technique: Cartoon — Usually 2D, sometimes 3D toon-shaded; Anime — Mainly 2D with characteristic timing; Animation (general) — 2D, 3D, stop-motion, motion graphics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a cartoon include?

Traditional: cartoons, caricatures, and newspaper comics. In video: animations with a playful, simplified style and clear expression. Think of explanatory animations, social shorts, educational clips, and brand mascots in motion.

What is the difference between anime and cartoons?

Anime refers to Japanese animation with specific aesthetics and storytelling pace. Cartoon is a Western, simplified style with an emphasis on exaggeration and humor. Both are forms of animation, but with different cultural and visual conventions.

What is the meaning of "cartoon"?

Historically: a cartoon or caricature. In modern video marketing: an animation in a drawn, accessible style that allows you to convey information quickly and sympathetically.

What types of cartoons are there?

These include gag and comic cartoons, editorial cartoons, 2D character animation, whiteboard, motion graphics with a cartoon look, and 3D toon-shaded cartoons. You choose based on your goal, target audience, and channel.