When I talk about 2D Animation and Whiteboard Animation I am referring to the context of putting an idea across – advertisement/information/education. My company has been taken on by consultants for example in which they needed to put an idea across to their colleagues or their client needed to communicate to their colleagues (B2B). For professors and presenters it is for educational purposes or for a presentation.
Main Factors
As my company does provide both, I’m often asked by my clients which is best – Whiteboard Animation or 2D Animation. The main factors affecting the decision are time, price and clarity. The typical 2D animation fills the whole screen. It normally includes a background and a foreground with a character animated with lifelike motion. By comparison Whiteboard Animation is sketched on a (normally) white background (with variations and animations often added in).
The complexity of 2D animation (many more possibilities to choose from too) make for more time and therefore a higher price. Whiteboard Animation is normally cheaper in comparison (very dependant on who you are employing to do it of course) because the format is simpler (less complications or choices to make) and it takes less time. For example I have done a whiteboard animation for a Top-Tier consultancy firm of 5 minutes in less than a month, and they were happy with the end result. This is more difficult to attain with 2D Animation.
Other Factors
Other factors to consider is what you need in your animation:
- Do you need lifelike animation, interaction between different people, animals, vehicles?
- Is it a script with many characters or is it a single voiceover?
- Are you wanting to have a rich scene with background, animated characters or a simple, clear eye-catching, follow-the-drawing presentation
Conclusion
This post is more over-simplified than over-complicated to help you decide. My last question to assist you is:
Do you want a rich, lifelike interaction in 2D or a clear, simple, eye-catching presentation that you follow being drawn on a whiteboard?
It will be unfair to compare 2D and whiteboard animation as they both are equally good and helping according to the requirement of the video.
Hi Scarlett. I appreciate your comment and agree that both are equally good as you have stated. I am trying to assist the client understand the difference between the two types of animation to help them come to a decision. If they have the time, money and good reasons I appreciate that for some it would be better to have a 2D animation. Thank you for your comment Scarlett.
Best Regards, Benedict
Great article and nicely differentiate the 2d animation and whiteboard animation.
Many thanks Jeff!
Best Regards,
Benedict
Do you mean no software for the viewer or for you? There is almost always a browser plugin needed to view these.
Hi Sarah. So long as they have a browser that can access the YouTube address I give them they should be able to see the video before I send them the finished video. After they’ve seen it, asked for whatever changes they require, I send them the actual video (usually using WeTransfer as it is a big file). Let me know if that isn’t answering your question. Best Regards, Benedict
I am looking to create whiteboard animation videos/animated advertising videos for my website. I know a few sellers at fiverr selling these type of video creation service for just $5 and in fact I ordered also. But the quality was not good. Also its not a long term solution as having low budget..
Hi Sienna. I understand your situation. It is possible to work out a very quick video (good quality) that can cost you less. Let me know if you have any queries about this and can describe your budget and what you’re wanting to communicate: benedict@czastudios.com. Best Regards, Benedict.
hi! benedict by reading your blog it seems that you are very experienced! I really need youR help I am a 2d video explainer and also provide whiteboarding Sir can you give me work? I am submitting my email ID and also we provide 5 services more kindly visit our website
Hi Harry,
At present there is no particular need for outsourcing, but I’ll check out your site and contact you should the need arise. Good luck with your search for the work.
Best Regards,
Benedict