Choosing between (2D vs 3D animation) comes down to how you like to create. 2D animation builds movement from drawings on a flat plane, so it suits people who love drawing and design. 3D animation moves digital models in a virtual space, so it suits people who enjoy technical tools, sculpting and camera work. Neither is easier or better. This guide compares the two and gives you a checklist for choosing an animation program.
- Animation is a process in which images are used to bring the illusion of motion by the rapid movement of all the images in a sequence.
- If you want to start your career sooner rather than later, then obviously a short diploma or a certificate program suits you more.
- Although 2D animation and 3D animation have much in common, they are also different in so many ways.
Are you interested in 2D animation or video game development and considering joining a diploma or certificate program? It is indeed difficult to choose a specific program in the field of animation because it all depends on the personal interest of the student and what he or she is looking for.
Do not worry at all, as this blog will help you narrow down your list of programs.
2D vs 3D Animation: The Key Differences
| 2D animation | 3D animation | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Characters are drawn frame by frame or built as rigged digital puppets on a flat plane | Characters are modelled, rigged and posed in a three-dimensional virtual space |
| Core skills | Drawing, character design, timing, storyboarding | Modelling, rigging, lighting, texturing, camera work |
| Common software | Toon Boom Harmony, Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects | Autodesk Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D |
| Typical uses | TV series, web series, explainer videos, games, motion graphics | Feature films, visual effects, games, product and architectural visualization |
| Drawing ability | Central to the work | Helpful, but not always central |
Both styles share the same animation principles: timing, spacing, squash and stretch, anticipation and appeal. A character that moves well in 2D and one that moves well in 3D follow the same rules.
Is 2D or 3D Animation Right for You?
There are various diplomas and certificate programs on the market that you can choose from. Some programs are more generic, while others are specifically designed for a particular area.
Ask yourself a few questions:
- Do you fill sketchbooks? If drawing is what you enjoy most, 2D keeps it at the center of the work.
- Do you like solving technical problems? 3D involves more software setup, from building models to lighting a scene.
- What do you watch and play? Look at the credits of shows, films and games you admire and note which style they use.
- What kind of role interests you? Character animation, storyboarding, design, rigging and compositing all exist in both styles, but the day-to-day tools differ.
You don’t have to decide forever. The fundamentals transfer, and many animators learn both over time. But a program usually focuses on one, so it helps to know where you want to start.
If you want to first make a strong base and later opt for a specialization, then a four-year degree program might be more suitable for you. Degree programs can give you a stronger platform, but they take more time to complete and are considerably more expensive than a diploma or certificate.
However, if you want to start your career early, then a diploma or a certificate program in 2D animation can help you more.
Why Start with 2D Animation?
2D animation is a strong starting point for many students because it trains the skills every animator uses:
- Drawing and observation. Life drawing and perspective teach anatomy, weight and space.
- Character design. Shape, silhouette and expression decide how a character reads on screen.
- Timing. In 2D, every drawing is a deliberate timing decision.
- Storyboarding. Planning shots and pacing is the same skill whether the final film is 2D or 3D.
If you later move into 3D, these skills still apply. What changes is the toolset.
How to Choose an Animation Program: A Checklist
Use these questions to compare programs.
1. Does the curriculum match the style you want?
Read the course list, not just the program title. A 2D program should cover drawing, character design, animation principles and storyboarding. A 3D program should cover modelling, rigging, lighting and rendering.
2. Which software will you learn?
Check that the program teaches current, industry-standard tools for its style, and that you will spend real time producing work in them.
3. Will you finish with a portfolio and demo reel?
Studios and clients typically assess animators by their work. Look for courses dedicated to personal projects, a demo reel and a portfolio website.
4. How long is it, and what credential do you earn?
Programs range from short certificates to multi-year programs. Compare the credential, the total hours and the cost against your timeline and budget.
5. Does it include work experience?
Some programs include a practicum or work placement; others focus on portfolio projects instead. Ask directly, and don’t assume a placement is included unless the program page says so.
6. Is the institution certified?
In British Columbia, private career training institutions are regulated by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU). You can check an institution’s status on the PTIRU website.
7. What support is available?
Ask about instructor access, career services and how the program is delivered, so you know what fits your schedule.
2D Animation or 3D?
Animation is a process in which images are used to bring the illusion of motion by the rapid movement of all the images in a sequence. Over the years, despite so many technological improvements, the fundamentals of animation are still the same, i.e., the display of rapidly changing images in a sequence.
Animation is a creative field, and the courses in one program can be very different from another; therefore, it is important to have a closer look at it before you choose any animation program.
For instance, although 2D animation and 3D animation have much in common, they are also different in so many ways.
People usually ask which one is easy or difficult or which one is more in demand. None is easy or difficult, in demand or out of demand; it all depends on what type of industry you want to work in.
Since degree programs are longer, they can easily provide a mix of both 2D animation and 3D animation courses, but this is usually not the case in diploma or certificate programs. There are so many diploma programs on the market that offer 2D and 3D courses in a combined curriculum.
However, if you are specifically interested in only 2D Animation College in Canada, you can check out this 2D Character Animation Diploma Program offered by Edison College. This 2D animation program is a one-year intensive diploma program designed to get students ready for a career as a 2D animator.
It provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of 2D animation. It also includes real-world projects designed to give students hands-on experience. All courses are designed to flow one into the other with the culmination of two personal projects.
All of this will be combined together into a demo reel and portfolio website so that students have the resources to start their career as an animator.
Edison College’s 2D Character Animation Diploma
Edison College offers a 2D Character Animation Diploma, a 50-week, 1,000-hour program focused on 2D animation. Edison does not currently offer a 3D animation program.
| Area | What the program covers |
|---|---|
| Foundations | Art and design theory; digital tools |
| Drawing | Life drawing; perspective and background design; character design |
| Animation | Character rigging; animation practical skills and theory |
| Storyboarding | Introduction to storyboarding |
| Professional practice | Business practices for animation |
| Portfolio | Two personal projects; demo reel and website |
Students work with Toon Boom Harmony, Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere. The program does not include a practicum or work placement; instead, it ends with personal projects and a demo reel so students finish with work they can show. Edison also offers career services; employment is not guaranteed.
Want a closer look at the craft itself? Read Exploring the Art of 2D Character Animation.
Time duration of the program especially counts when you have a certain period in your mind to start your career. The duration of a degree program is most likely more than the diploma and certificate program and also costs you more money.
If you have time and money to invest, then you have the option to choose from a degree or long diploma according to your situation.
However, if you want to start your career sooner rather than later, then obviously a short diploma or a certificate program suits you more.
Importance of Practicum
Some animation programs have more components of practicum or hands-on training than others. Therefore, it is better to go through the curriculum of the program before enrolling yourself and see what kind of practicum it offers.
This matters a lot because hands-on training during the program not only refines your work but can also provide you an opportunity to make industry contacts while you are still a student.
It will give you an advantage over others if your college provides you an opportunity to make industry links, as part of a compulsory practicum as it will immensely help you find better work after you complete your program.
Reputation of College
Some people believe the reputation of a college is not an important factor when choosing any 2D animation or 3D animation program; they say what matters most for employers is your portfolio.
However, the reputation of a college is vital because good colleges not only regularly update their curriculum to meet industry requirements, but also provide continuous career guidance to their graduates.
What good colleges do is that they prepare their students early on and help build them individual portfolios so that by the time they graduate they have something to show to employers. Good colleges also have well-placed alumni who can also better guide the students in job placements.
Conclusion
All in all, just like choosing any other career, it is crucial to do some research before choosing the field of animation. However, like other creative fields, animation requires extra effort because it usually boils down to what interests you more and what kind of specialization you want to have.
Animation is a field that requires some time to develop an expertise in, therefore; it is better to choose your options carefully at the start and then gradually build your portfolio.
Contact us today if you want more information.
Read more industry-related blogs here.
Pictures by Freepik
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2D or 3D animation easier to learn?
Neither is easier overall. 2D relies more on drawing skill, while 3D relies more on technical software skills. The better choice depends on which kind of work you enjoy.
Can 2D animators move into 3D animation?
Yes, many do. Animation principles, timing, storyboarding and character design transfer between styles. Moving into 3D means learning new software such as Maya or Blender.
What software is used for 2D and 3D animation?
2D animators commonly use Toon Boom Harmony, Storyboard Pro and Adobe tools. 3D animators commonly use Autodesk Maya, Blender and Cinema 4D.
Does Edison College offer 3D animation?
No. Edison College offers the 2D Character Animation Diploma, a 50-week, 1,000-hour program focused on 2D animation.
Explore the 2D Character Animation Diploma
If 2D animation fits how you like to create, review the course list, admission requirements and start dates on the 2D Character Animation Diploma page, or contact us to talk with our team.
