Types of Animation

While we only use a couple types of animation here at Digital Brew, we thought it would be fun (and interesting) to check out the different techniques in the world of motion graphics. Some of these styles may not be mutually exclusive, but here are some broad stroke forms of animation:

Cel (Traditional)

To kick off our types of animation , we’re going to start with cel animation. Sometimes referred to as simple “hand-drawn animation”, this style is what you see when you watch classic Disney or Looney Tunes films. Here, the animated characters are drawn and inked directly onto celluloid frames. Ever notice how sometimes the characters in your favorite cartoons are slightly more vibrant than the backgrounds? That’s because the character frames are placed over a stationary background. This way the animators don’t have to redraw every aspect of every frame you see. 

Digital 2D Animation / Traditional Animation

2D animation creates a similar look to traditional animation but is done in a digital space. One of the advantages of digital 2D is that instead of having to animate frame-by-frame, you have the ability to treat objects and characters, a little like puppets. You can record the movement of that character waving instead of having to draw each frame of it.

3D/CGI Animation

3D animation is what Pixar is known for. This is where animators create characters and objects that appear three-dimensional, but unlike stop-motion animation, 3D animation is fully digital. The characters, the environments, the lighting; everything you see is created in the digital space. Now, that’s not to say you couldn’t put a 3D character into live-action footage. Ever see any of those chipmunk movies?

Motion Capture

The cool thing about motion capture animation is that it can fully capture an actor’s performance. You’ve probably seen the photos of actors in black suits covered in tiny dots. For example, take Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy; he’s a fully CG character but his movements and animation are based off of Andy Serkis’ performance. That’s probably the earliest well known example of motion capture in the movies, but video games have been using this technique since the late 80’s!

Motion Graphics

Motion graphics animate abstract shapes, icons, and text to communicate ideas clearly and dynamically. This style excels at simplifying complex concepts like data flows, software processes, or timelines. It’s often used in explainer videos, especially in SaaS and tech, where visual clarity is key and branding through motion amplifies recall.

Stop Motion / Cutout Animation

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is probably the most famous example of this type of animation. This technique relies on manipulating real objects (often times made of clay, which is where this technique got its other name: claymation) frame by frame, and taking a photo each time. It’s a little like cel animation in a real space but instead of drawing the new frames, you’re physically moving the characters for each frame. But stop motion doesn’t necessarily have to use 3D objects. Did you know that the original South Park pilot was created with construction paper using stop motion? 

Rotoscoping

Developed in the early 1900’s, rotoscoping involves animators drawing over live action footage frame-by-frame. Nowadays we use computer programs that run rotoscoping processes, but it’s rare that full features are rotoscoped (even though Richard Linklater has done it a couple of times). More often it’ll be an element or a character for specific movements, but rotoscoping can also be used for live-action footage. The lightsabers in Star Wars are rotoscoped over to create the effect we see in the final film.

Typography Animation

Typography animation brings words to life through movement, timing, and style variations. It transforms static text into engaging visual statements—great for emphasizing benefits, quotes, or key features. This technique adds rhythm and emotion to your message, drawing attention precisely where you want it.

Animation with Live Action (Mixed Media)

Animation blended with live-action footage combines the authenticity of real-world scenes with inventive visual storytelling. Whether that’s animated overlays, graphics, or characters interacting with filmed elements, this hybrid style adds creativity and energy to real-life context. It’s especially effective for demonstrating apps, services, or environments where props or typed-out info benefit from animated clarity.

Whiteboard

Whiteboard animation mimics drawing illustrations in real time—think hand-drawn characters, icons, or diagrams appearing as if sketched on a whiteboard. This narrative style is incredibly effective for teaching and explaining concepts step by step. The evolving visuals guide the viewer, fostering comprehension and retention.

Frame-by-frame / Traditional Animation

Frame-by-frame animation (sometimes called cel or traditional) involves drawing each frame individually to create fluid motion. Though labor-intensive, it produces a handcrafted feel that’s vibrant and expressive. Brands use this technique to stand out visually or evoke nostalgia, tapping into the timeless appeal of classic animation.

Let’s Draw Together!

We may not use all of the types of animation listed above at Digital Brew (you won’t find anyone inking film cels in our office) but we have a talented team of award-winning animators here to help bring your marketing ideas to life through the magic of animation! When you’re ready to make your next marketing video, feel free to reach out and we can help figure out which animation style works best for you.

Conclusion

Choosing the right animation style depends on your goals, your audience, and the message you want to convey. Motion graphics and typography animation excel at delivering clarity and polish for professional brands. Live action with animation adds real-world authenticity while still allowing for creative flair. Whiteboard animation is a go-to for education and training, and frame-by-frame delivers unmatched artistry and personality. By matching your style to your story, you ensure your video not only looks great but also resonates with viewers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of digital animation exist?

There are several types of digital animation, including motion graphics, typography animation, whiteboard animation, 2D vector animation, frame-by-frame (digital cel) animation, 3D animation, and hybrid formats. Each has its own strengths and is suited for different storytelling needs, budgets, and audience expectations.

What is digital cel animation?

Digital cel animation replicates the traditional frame-by-frame method but uses digital tools instead of physical acetate cels. Artists draw each frame individually, allowing for fluid, expressive movement that retains the handcrafted feel of classic animation.

Is cel animation still used today?

Yes, cel animation—both traditional and digital—is still used by studios and independent creators who want a unique, artisanal aesthetic. While it’s more time-intensive, it offers a level of detail, texture, and personality that automated methods can’t fully replicate.

Digital cel vs vector 2D. What’s better for my video?

It depends on your goals. Digital cel animation offers a handcrafted, artistic look that works well for brand storytelling and emotional impact. Vector 2D animation is cleaner, more scalable, and easier to update, making it ideal for explainer videos, corporate communications, and content that needs to adapt over time.

What types of digital animation exist?

Digital animation encompasses a wide range of animation styles that build on traditional animation principles while using modern software and tools. While the techniques differ, they all rely on timing, movement, and visual storytelling to bring ideas to life.

Some of the most common types of digital animation include 2D vector animation, which uses scalable shapes and rigged characters for clean, efficient motion animation, and digital cel animation, also known as traditional cel animation recreated digitally. This frame-by-frame approach mirrors classic hand-drawn workflows seen in early animated films, but without physical cels.

3D animation is another major category, where characters and environments are modeled in three dimensions and animated digitally—commonly used in animated movies and cinematic storytelling. Motion graphics focus more on animated text, icons, and abstract visuals, making them ideal for explainer videos and branded content.

Other digital approaches include cutout animation, where characters are built from separate pieces and animated like puppets, and digital stop motion, which adapts stop motion techniques into a software-based workflow. Each of these animation styles serves different creative goals, budgets, and audiences, proving that digital animation is less about replacing traditional methods and more about expanding what animation can be.