Top 7 Animation Styles Explained For Beginners

Animation has come a long way—from hand-drawn flipbooks to mind-blowing 3D movies. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming an animator or just curious about how your favorite cartoons come to life, understanding animation styles is the perfect first step.

In this article, we’ll explore 7 of the most popular animation styles, explained simply and clearly for beginners. I’ll also share examples, tools you can use, and tips to help you decide which one fits your creative goals best. Let’s dive in!

1. Traditional Animation (Hand-Drawn Animation) ✏️

Traditional animation is the grandparent of all animation forms. It started long before digital tools existed. Every frame was drawn by hand on paper or cels (transparent sheets).

Think of classics like The Lion King (1994) or Snow White. Every movement you see was drawn frame-by-frame. Painstaking, yes—but also incredibly artistic.

How it works:

• The artist draws each frame slightly different from the last one.

• When all frames are played quickly in sequence, it looks like motion.

Pros:
✅ Highly expressive and artistic
✅ Full control over each frame
✅ Timeless, nostalgic look

Cons:
❌ Very time-consuming
❌ Requires a lot of drawing skill
❌ Harder to fix mistakes once inked

Tools beginners can try:

Pro tip: Start with short sequences, like a bouncing ball or blinking eye, before going big with full characters.

2. 2D Vector Animation

This is the modern evolution of hand-drawn animation. Instead of drawing on paper, artists use computers to create clean, scalable graphics. It’s faster, smoother, and perfect for explainer videos or cartoons you see on YouTube.

Popular examples? Rick and Morty and Archer.

How it works:

• Characters are drawn using shapes and lines called “vectors.”

• You can move or rotate parts without redrawing everything.

Pros:
✅ Clean, smooth visuals
✅ Easy to edit and reuse characters
✅ Ideal for digital content and marketing videos

Cons:
❌ Less “organic” look than hand-drawn art
❌ Can feel robotic if not animated carefully

Tools to explore:

Pro tip: Learn about keyframes and easing — they’re the secret to smooth, realistic motion in vector animation.

3. 3D Animation (Computer Animation)

If you’ve seen Toy Story, Frozen, or Shrek, you already know how magical 3D animation can be. This style uses computer software to build characters, environments, and objects in three-dimensional space.

How it works:

• Artists create digital models.

• These models are rigged with bones (skeletons).

• Then animators make them move like real-life characters.

Pros:
✅ Realistic visuals
✅ Perfect for movies, games, and advertising
✅ Easy to control lighting, camera angles, and effects

Cons:
❌ Requires powerful computers
❌ Steep learning curve
❌ Can look “uncanny” if not done right

Tools beginners can try:

Pro tip: Start with simple shapes—animate a bouncing cube before moving to characters.

4. Stop Motion Animation

Stop motion brings real-world objects to life by moving them a little bit, taking a photo, then repeating the process. When those photos are played back, the object appears to move on its own.

Examples? Wallace & Gromit, Coraline, or even short Instagram claymations!

How it works:

• You position your object (like clay, paper cutouts, or toys).

• Take a photo.

• Move it slightly and take another.

• Combine hundreds of frames to create motion.

Pros:
✅ Hands-on and fun
✅ No fancy software needed
✅ Unique tactile look

Cons:
❌ Time-consuming
❌ Small mistakes can ruin a scene
❌ Requires patience and steady hands

What you’ll need:

Pro tip: Always mark the position of your objects and camera to avoid shaky shots.

5. Motion Graphics

Motion graphics are everywhere—from YouTube intros to brand ads and infographics. Instead of storytelling characters, this style focuses on moving text, shapes, and icons.

Think of it as “animated design.”

How it works:

• Designers create elements like text, logos, or charts.

• Then they animate them to make videos engaging.

Pros:
✅ Simple and clean
✅ Perfect for marketing, social media, and presentations
✅ Easier to learn than full character animation

Cons:
❌ Limited storytelling
❌ Not ideal for emotional or character-driven content

Tools to use:

Pro tip: Learn timing and rhythm — matching your animation with sound effects or music can make it unforgettable.

6. Rotoscope Animation

Rotoscoping is a fascinating mix of live-action and animation. Animators trace over real footage frame by frame to create realistic movement.

It was used in early Star Wars films for lightsabers and in A Scanner Darkly for its dreamy, surreal visuals.

How it works:

• Record a live-action video.

• Trace over each frame digitally.

Pros:
✅ Extremely realistic movement
✅ Unique, stylized look
✅ Great for blending live action and animation

Cons:
❌ Time-consuming
❌ Can look odd if traced poorly

Tools you can try:

Pro tip: Keep your traced lines loose and artistic—don’t just copy the footage exactly. Give it your own style.

7. Cut-Out Animation ✂️

Cut-out animation uses flat shapes (often made from paper or digital layers) that move like puppets.

South Park and old-school educational videos are perfect examples. It’s simple but has a distinct charm.

How it works:

• Characters and backgrounds are created in pieces (arms, legs, heads).

• These parts are moved around or rotated frame by frame.

Pros:
✅ Easy to start for beginners
✅ Works well with digital tools
✅ Quirky, fun visual style

Cons:
❌ Limited movement
❌ Can look stiff if overused

Tools to explore:

Pro tip: Try using layers smartly—simple rigs can make your animation smoother.

Comparison Table: Which Animation Style Fits You Best?

Animation Style	Skill Level	Realism	Tools Needed	Ideal For
Traditional	High	Medium	Drawing tools	Artistic storytelling
2D Vector	Beginner	Stylized	Digital drawing apps	YouTube, explainer videos
3D Animation	Intermediate	High	3D modeling software	Movies, games
Stop Motion	Beginner	Medium	Camera setup	Creative projects
Motion Graphics	Beginner	Low	Design software	Ads, intros, branding
Rotoscope	Intermediate	High	Video + tracing tools	Experimental visuals
Cut-Out	Beginner	Low	Simple animation tools	Fun projects, web shows

FAQs

Q1: Which animation style is easiest for beginners?
Motion graphics or 2D vector animation are easiest because they require minimal drawing skills and simple tools.

Q2: Can I make animations on my phone?
Yes! Apps like FlipaClip, Stop Motion Studio, or Animaker let you create animations right from your smartphone.

Q3: Do I need to learn drawing for animation?
Not always. For 3D, motion graphics, or cut-out styles, drawing isn’t mandatory—but it helps you understand movement better.

Q4: How long does it take to make a short animation?
It depends on the style. A 30-second motion graphic might take a few hours, while a hand-drawn short could take days or even weeks.

Q5: What’s the best free animation software for beginners?
Blender (for 3D), Pencil2D (for hand-drawn 2D), and Synfig Studio (for vector animation) are excellent free options.

Final Thoughts

Animation isn’t just about moving pictures—it’s about telling stories through imagination. Whether you prefer hand-drawn art, digital graphics, or stop-motion puppets, there’s an animation style that fits your creative personality.

Start small. Experiment. Make mistakes. That’s how every animator—from Walt Disney to Pixar artists—found their voice.

So pick your favorite style, open your animation software, and bring your imagination to life. Who knows? Your next project might just inspire the next generation of creators!