Animation is more than Disney or Pixar. With the right animation technique, you can translate complex stories into clear, engaging content that converts. Below you'll find a list of the most important animation techniques, with practical tools to help you choose what fits your goal, target audience and budget.
November 10, 2025
Animation is the art of simulating movement through successive images or frames. Whether you manipulate pixels in software or move physical objects in front of the camera, the result is the same: you bring to life something that is in reality stationary.
2D animation takes place on a plane. Think motion graphics, icons and character animation in a graphic style. It is ideally suited for explainer animations, onboarding, e-learning and social content. With its stylized look, you explain processes at lightning speed and hold attention even without film shoots.
Advantages: quick turnaround time, scalable to different formats, relatively budget-friendly and excellent to brand in your corporate identity. In terms of technique, 2D ranges from keyframe animation in After Effects to frame-by-frame character work. Extras such as dynamic typography, infographics and animated UI elements make abstract topics concrete. For didactic explanations, many brands choose Explanimation.
3D animation visualizes objects in a three-dimensional space. Ideal for product animations, technical animations, medical visualizations and data visualization with depth and realistic lighting. You can explode internal parts, show cross-sections and change variants without filming again. For product features and operation in detail, Product Animation is particularly suitable.
Advantages: photorealistic quality, free camera movement, accurate simulations and reuse of models. Think CAD import, rigging for moving parts and possibly motion capture for natural movements. 3D requires more specialized knowledge and rendering time, but provides a timeless library of assets that can be reused for campaigns. For complex machines and processes, Technical animation works extremely well.
Stop-motion consists of physically moved objects photographed frame by frame. Variations include clay animation and cut-out. It gives a tactile, artisanal look that stands out in a digital feed. Perfect for brand stories that are allowed to feel warm and handmade, or for product shots with a playful twist.
In cell animation, you draw frames by hand. The style is expressive and character-driven, from sketchy to sophisticated. In modern productions, this is often combined with digital coloring and compositing. A strong choice when emotion and character are the carriers of your message.
Combinations often work best. Hybrid productions blend 2D UI, 3D product shots and typography into one consistent style. At Animation Agency , we advise you by purpose, audience and channel and translate that into storyboard, style frames and an efficient production.
Key styles include 2D motion graphics, 2D character animation, 3D animation, stop-motion and hand-drawn. In addition, hybrids such as 2D over 3D, whiteboard and iconic infographics exist by brand style.
Start with goal and target audience, write a script, create a storyboard and style frames. Produce animation in 2D or 3D, add voice-over, music and sound design, and export for your channels. Need help? We'll guide you end-to-end.
Price depends on length, style (2D, 3D, stop-motion), complexity, number of revisions and deadline. We work with custom quotes so you pay for exactly what you need.
Animated film is the umbrella term for all animation techniques. Cartoon specifically refers to hand-drawn 2D animation or its aesthetics.
Ready to make your story clear and compelling with animation? Contact Animation Agency for a free spa session and a suitable proposal.
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