- By: PIXELDUST
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- Category: Uncategorized
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2021 Animation Trends
Illustrative approach
In a post-covid world, viewers around the world are much more used to animation replacing live-action, particularly in promos and advertisements. The standard ‘vector animation’ is no longer as interesting. In 2021 we’ve started to see a return to more expressive styles such as water color, pop art and other more vibrant ways of creating animation. For inspiration check out the US Department of Labor’s video to promote their Workers Owed Wages program. This ‘illustrative approach’ a la Juno mixes animated illustrations with live action.
Photo-Realistic Product Visualization
When it comes to product promos, nothing’s quite as trendy as a sleek 3D animated product visualization. It is the perfect way to show off a well designed product while tempting consumers with that extra premium look. Apple has been unveiling their iPhones every year with fast paced sleek product visualizations using live-action footage. The same style can be recreated at a fraction of the price with the use of 3D animation while allowing for even more creative flexibility than live-action footage. This sleek photo-realistic product visualization of Flawless’s NuRazor uses dazzling music and extreme close-up shots to show off the product design in a fashion more akin to a jewelry ad than a tech promo.
Dynamized Period Art
One animation trend that we’re likely to see this year is a move to dynamized period art. This style takes art from any time period and brings it back to life with the magic of 3D animation. Similar to the way colorized pictures create an entirely new appreciation for old photographs, dynamized period art peaks the interest of viewers by appealing to their nostalgic senses while fascinating them at the same time. With so many art styles to choose from whether it be Van Gogh, Picasso, or cave paintings, this animation style is a sure fire way to catch your viewers attention. Check out this reel from Curiosity Stream’s Bronze Age Series which features an beautiful array of ancient Egyptian art in motion.
Hybrid Styles
When in doubt, mix it up! This animation trend combines two or more different styles to create a fresh look. Some are trying to stand out by mixing animation and live video together such as Nucco Brain’s energetic work for Tottenham Hotspur While, other artists insist on blending 2D and 3D animation in a creatively fresh look like this ad for Viagra Connect.
Just like the new-normal we are becoming accustomed to around the world there is a new-normal emerging in the content creation industry. As we see society shift from physical retail to digital commerce, brands will have extra incentive to go the extra mile in order to keep customers in a highly-competitive environment. As technological advancements continue to make stunning animation more accessible we will start to see motion design creep into the live-action industry territory. Whatever the future holds, it is clear motion design is going to be increasingly important in the world of content production.
