Is 2D Animation Dead?

1. Is 2D Animation Dead? 2D animation, with its hand-drawn beauty, was a pioneer in animation. However, with the advent of computer-animated graphics (CGI), 3D animation has become a rising star in the field. In fact, the closing of Disney's traditional animation studio and the almost exclusive use of 3D animation in American feature films has led some to argue that 2D animation is dead. However, as the continued success of 2D animation studios testifies, 2D animation is far from dead. Instead, it continues to provide the beauty, power, and appeal needed for success in animated projects of all kinds. 2D Animation in Film From Disney's first major film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, until the advent of Toy Story in 1995, 2D animation was the way to create an animated film. The movies created with this type of animation (such as Bambi, Sleeping Beauty, and The Lion King) have become some of the most beloved films of all time. Thanks to the hand-drawn effects of 2D animation, these films reflected beauty, power, talent, and creativity that allowed them to come to life and consistently wow audiences. However, in 1995, Pixar broke new animated ground with the introduction of Toy Story. This 3D animated film quickly became a new classic, and was praised for its technological innovation. At the same time, while Disney's hand-drawn films still performed well, they slowly began to lose the runaway popularity they had once enjoyed. Since then, 3D animation has become the go-to form of animation for feature films. This popularity has led some to believe that 2D animation is dead. The truth, however, is that 2D animation is still succeeding, not only on the web and television, but in film as well. In fact, over the past decade, a number of successful 2D animated films have been created. These include the popular The Emperor's New Groove, and Lilo & Stitch. It also includes many films created overseas in Europe. The success of these films indicates that 2D animation is remains a viable and successful option for films. 2D Animation in Television While 2D animation has become less popular in feature films, it remains a popular tool in the creation of television programs, where its simplicity, efficiency, and cost effectiveness make it a desirable option. In fact, 2D animation is used more frequently on television than is 3D animation, and it has been the animation of choice for series as popular as The Simpsons and South Park. In addition, 2D animation has been a successful tool not only for these long-running shows but also for newer television successes such as Legend of Korra on Nickelodeon and Adventure Time on Cartoon Network. The use of 2D animation in these shows shows that the art is not only not dead but instead actually

2. continues to play a vital role in certain types of animated productions. In addition, the success of 2D animated television shows makes it clear that 2D animation still has much to say to viewers. Its ability to entertain and engage them remains, despite the popularity of 3D animation. 2D Animation on the Web Animation, due to its flexibility and entertainment value, has firmly established itself as a presence on the web. Even though the Internet wasn't around during the 1930's when Disney was first churning out 2D animation, this art form has already proven its worth in the digital realm. Animation itself is a natural addition to the web. Its ability to entertain, clarify, persuade, and engage make it ideal for advertising animation, animated web design elements, educational clips, branding efforts, mascot creation, and more. However, 2D animation in particular has succeeded online because of its cost efficiency and simplicity. In fact, almost every appearance of animation on the web is 2D animation in one form or another, and its web presence far outstrips that of 3D animation. Its ability to adapt to the needs of the web, the speed with which it can be produced, and the cost effectiveness it provides for small budgets make it ideal for a time-driven medium that requires fast production and top-notch work. Its ability to adapt itself to the new mediums of the digital world have made 2D animation a staple on the web, where it is not only far from dead but actually thriving. In fact, 2D animation companies are uniquely poised to offer high-quality 2D animation to fit any digital need, from character design to ad creation to the development of educational pieces. 2D Animation in Other Areas Film, television, and the web all still house the power and beauty of 2D animation. But they are not the only fields where animation still lives. Video game animation, explainer videos, and more all use 2D animation to great effect (and success). While 3D animation is enjoying popularity thanks to its own unique qualities, it is, at the end of the day an addition to the field of animation, not a replacement of what was already there. In addition, 2D animation has flexed and changed to fit into the new landscape, and it continues to thrive in many areas. Its power and appeal remain undiminished by the onset of new types of animation. Instead, these qualities make it uniquely effective, while its ease of production and its affordability allow even cash-strapped entities to enjoy its benefits. The result is a thriving and vibrant way to bring an animated project to life.