Abstract

2D animation, or the creation of movement in a two-dimensional space, maintains its relevance in an industry increasingly populated by 3D productions. 3D animation uses digital models in a virtual 3D environment, while 2D animation is fundamentally based on flat images, whether traditionally hand-drawn or created digitally. The future of 2D animation lies in its unique stylistic capabilities and its integration with new technology. Streaming platforms have increased the demand for diverse animated content, including adult animation and international series, creating new opportunities for 2D artists. Furthermore, 2D animation is no longer purely traditional. Modern productions often use a “hybrid” approach, blending 2D and 3D techniques. Films like ‘Klaus’ used custom-built digital tools to apply complex, 3D-style lighting to hand-drawn characters. Shows like ‘Arcane’ use 3D models as a base but overlay them with hand-painted textures and 2D effects to create a unique “living painting” look. This evolution means 2D animation is not being replaced by 3D; it is evolving alongside it, offering a distinct and valuable artistic voice.

Keywords: 2D Animation, 3D Animation, Hybrid Animation, Streaming Services, Animation Careers

When computer-generated (CG) 3D animation became an industry standard, some believed traditional 2D animation—the style of drawing movement frame by frame—was becoming obsolete. However, 2D animation continues to thrive. It is not being replaced by 3D; it is evolving, offering a distinct visual style and blending with new technologies.

A distinct artistic style

The primary difference between the two forms is in their creation. 3D animation uses digital “puppets” or models. Once a model is built, it can be posed and moved in a 3D virtual space. 2D animation is created on a flat plane, either with digital drawing tools or by hand.

This flat-plane approach gives 2D a unique power. Artists have direct control over every line and shape, allowing for a level of stylistic abstraction that 3D often struggles to replicate. 2D is a medium of graphic design in motion. This stylistic freedom is why 2D is used for projects that demand a specific, non-realistic look.

The rise of hybrid animation

The future of 2D animation is not a return to the past, but an integration with modern tools. Many of the most visually innovative modern productions are “hybrids,” meaning they combine 2D and 3D techniques.

  • ‘Arcane’ (Netflix): This series is a prominent example. The production team at Fortiche used 3D models for their characters and environments to get realistic camera movement and consistent forms. They then painted 2D textures directly onto those models and added hand-drawn 2D effects for elements like smoke and fire. This created a “painterly” style that feels both dimensional and hand-crafted.
  • ‘Klaus’ (Netflix): This film appears to be traditionally 2D, but it used groundbreaking technology. The studio developed a proprietary tool that allowed artists to apply complex, volumetric lighting to the hand-drawn 2D characters. This gave the flat drawings a sense of depth and form, integrating them perfectly into their richly lit environments.

New demands from streaming

Streaming services like Netflix, Max, and Amazon Prime Video have increased the demand for all types of animation. This has fueled a “glorious rise” in animation production, opening doors for shows that do not fit the traditional broadcast model. This includes a surge in adult animation (‘BoJack Horseman’, ‘Rick and Morty’) and diverse international content, much of which uses 2D or hybrid styles.

Modern tools for 2D artists

Modern 2D animation production rarely uses paper and scanners. Artists now work in powerful digital programs. Software like Toon Boom Harmony is an industry standard for television and feature film production. This software combines tools for traditional frame-by-frame drawing with advanced “rigging” systems for creating digital puppets. This allows studios to choose the best technique for their budget and schedule, making 2D production more efficient and versatile than ever.