Hey there, creatives! Are you ready to infuse your brand with captivating new videos that leave a lasting impression on your audience? Well, if you want to begin, but are a little unsure where to start with your brand vision, you have come to the right place.
Today, visual content has become the key to keeping audiences captivated and engaged, with the power to convey your brand’s message in a way that words alone cannot achieve. This is why it is so crucial you are informed of all the styles of video there are out there, as well as how to go about creating them in a way that complements your own unique style.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the exciting world of animation, exploring the benefits and distinctive features of both motion graphics and 2D animation. By the end of this read, you’ll have gained some valuable insights to guide you in choosing the perfect animation style for your brand. Whether you are a seasoned marketer, a small business owner, or simply a curious media-lover, we’re here to teach you more about these two styles, equipping you with the knowledge to elevate your brand’s visual storytelling game. So, let’s dive in and unlock the secrets behind motion graphics and 2D animation!
The power of visuals
As human beings, we are naturally attracted to visuals, with our brains able to process this information much faster than if it were presented to us in the form of written text. Also, considering the advent of apps like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, it is no wonder why your average consumer is far more drawn to brief, digestible visual information over long-form content.
In fact, according to a recent study, a record number of a record number of marketers (92%) have reported experiencing a good return on investment (ROI) through their video content, marking a significant increase from 87% in 2022. This compelling statistic showcases the undeniable power of visuals, particularly videos, in captivating audiences and driving real results.
In light of this information, embracing the potential of visual storytelling has become increasingly paramount for brands who are aiming not only to survive but to thrive in their business ventures.
However, with the sheer volume of video content out there, it can be tough for brands to produce content that stands out above the rest. To excel in this visually-driven landscape, brands must leverage creativity, originality, and a deep understanding of their target audience to craft video content that leaves a lasting impact and sets them apart from the rest.
Among the variety of visual mediums, animated content has taken centre stage, proving to be a game-changer for brands seeking to make a lasting impact on their audiences. Animated films and videos serve as core visual aids, capturing attention and conveying messages in a way that truly resonates with viewers. This specific art form focuses on storytelling through charming visuals and engaging narratives, making it a powerful tool to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Motion graphics
Motion graphics, (also known as “animated graphic design”), is a form of animation used in marketing to engage and communicate with audiences. Falling under the umbrella of graphic design, motion graphics describe moving artworks that bring visual elements to life on the screen, adding a dynamic touch to static images, text, or icons.
Where graphic design elements are still and unmoving, motion graphics breathe life into these images, doing so in a way that is both striking and informative. Imagine taking your brand’s logo and giving it a little dance or having text fly in and out with funky effects – that’s motion graphics in action! In fact, iconic brands like Coca-Cola are no strangers to motion graphics, using this medium to bring their brand alive and reinforcing their logo in a way that audiences will remember.
A memorable motion graphics video will capture the essence of your brand, doing so by crafting content that is memorable and visually striking. Motion graphics encompass a wide range of styles and techniques, from sleek and modern designs to hand-drawn motion graphics that exude charm and personality.
Benefits of motion graphics
Now we have a clearer idea of what motion graphics is, let’s explore some of the benefits of this style in advertising:
Visual Appeal
A well-executed motion graphic will instantly grab viewers’ attention with their visually captivating and dynamic style. The seamless transitions and movement within the graphics evokes an engaging experience that keeps audiences hooked.
Simplicity
A major benefit of motion graphics animation comes with its ability to convey very complex concepts in a simple, digestive way. This means that, whatever point you are trying to push to your audience, clever animations and concise messaging will lead the way, serving the info in a format that’s super easy to understand.
Brand storytelling
Motion graphics serve as a great tool to instil your brand with its own distinctive story. They allow businesses to narrate their brand’s history, values, and vision in a compelling and visually engaging manner, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Versatility
Motion graphics appeal to a variety of different brand objectives, and can be used across plenty of marketing channels, including explainer videos, corporate presentations, and social media ads, where concise messaging is paramount. This makes motion graphics an excellent choice for an array of industries, from entertainment and advertising to education and corporate communications.
Consistency in branding
By incorporating consistent motion graphics design elements across marketing materials, brands can reinforce their identity and create a cohesive visual experience for their audience.
Engaging social media content
Motion graphics are particularly effective for social media marketing. Short and eye-catching animated clips are more likely to capture users’ attention as they scroll through their feeds.
Memorability
Motion graphics have a strong impact on viewer memory. Their combination of visuals, movement, and audio creates a memorable experience, increasing the chances that the audience will recall the message later on.
2D animation
If you are unsure what 2D animation is, simply think back to your childhood, when Saturday mornings were synonymous with colourful cartoons and larger-than-life characters. Can you remember them? This is because 2D animation is so good at conveying nostalgia and memorability, tapping into the emotional core of audiences all around the world. It brings characters to life with personality, capturing hearts and building positive connections. If you want your brand to ooze charm and a dash of nostalgia, 2D animation might be your golden ticket.
Typically, 2D animation involves drawing each individual frame by hand or using digital software to achieve the same result. Ranging from fun and cartoony (think Homer Simpson) to realistic and detailed, 2D animation offers endless creative possibilities and is suitable for both entertainment and marketing purposes.
Benefits of 2D animation
Some of the benefits of 2D animation in advertising are listed below.
Emotional connection
2D animation has the ability to evoke emotions through relatable characters and compelling storylines. By tapping into viewers’ emotions, brands can forge a strong and lasting connection with their audience, fostering brand loyalty.
Brand personality
With 2D animation, brands can bring their characters and mascots to life, infusing them with personality and endless charm. This unique brand representation helps humanise the brand and makes it more relatable to consumers.
Creative freedom
2D animation allows for boundless creativity, giving brands the opportunity to craft imaginative and visually captivating stories. The flexibility of the medium allows animators to experiment with different styles, colours, and design elements to match the brand’s unique identity.
Memorable, shareable content
The playful and lively nature of 2D animation makes it inherently memorable. Viewers are more likely to remember and share animated content, increasing brand visibility and organic reach.
Global Reach
Language barriers are less of an issue with 2D animation, as visuals and actions can be universally understood. This facilitates communication with a diverse global audience.
A Case Study Series with Molecular Sound
They aim to enlighten potential customers about the importance of Sonic Branding and demonstrate the hands-on, creative process behind their work. To kick off the series, we highlighted their project for Huel, showcasing the detailed and innovative approach Molecular Sound takes to create impactful audio identities. This series aims to educate and inspire, underscoring the value of sound in brand recognition and customer engagement.
What is the difference between motion graphics and animation in advertising?
In the world of advertising, the key question remains: What sets motion graphics apart from animation? Well, here’s the deal. Motion graphics and animation both involve movement and visual storytelling, but they tackle things in their own unique styles. Animation encompasses a broader range of techniques to bring characters and scenes to life, while motion graphics focus on using text, shapes, and other design elements to create eye-catching and informative visuals. So, in a nutshell, they share the common ground of movement but shine in distinct ways when it comes to brand expression.
So, which is best for my brand?
Well, in the ongoing battle between motion graphics and 2D animation, it is safe to say that there is no clear winner, as both styles have distinct advantages depending on your brand’s needs and objectives. For example, 2D animation could be your best bet if you’re looking to create a commercial, short film, or attention-grabbing post that is going to engage audiences. Motion graphics, on the other hand, will be better suited for informative pieces such as explainer videos, tutorials, and walkthroughs.
2D animation is fantastic for storytelling and character-driven narratives. It brings life to characters and scenes through fluid movement, making it ideal for conveying emotions and building connections with your audience. If your brand has a strong focus on storytelling, 2D animation might be a great choice.
However, motion graphics excel in presenting information and concepts in a visually engaging way. They use text, shapes, and design elements to create dynamic visuals, making complex ideas easy to understand. If your brand needs to communicate information concisely and effectively, motion graphics can be a powerful tool.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your brand’s personality, message, and target audience. You could even consider using a combination of both approaches to leverage the strengths of each. Take some time to assess your brand’s unique requirements and the type of content you want to create, and that will lead you to the best choice between 2D animation and motion graphics for your brand.
Need a hand?
Here at Perspective Pictures, we help brands to thrive through strong video content which demonstrates your brand’s image and builds trust with consumers. In our minds, animation holds a huge place in the marketing world today, and it is only up from here. We specialise in creating digital-first, social-friendly content for brands, so we can help make your vision a reality, however wacky it might be (in fact, the wackier the better!)
So, if you are looking to create motion graphics or 2D animated videos for yourself, contact us today and we would be happy to explain our services in more detail.
