The end of the year is coming up quickly, and it’s time to adjust to the new animation trends. As the last decade ended, animation moved into new realms, changing what people thought was possible and believable.
Animation is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing industries in the world. It is always on the cutting edge of new ideas and trends.
Now, if you are an experienced animator or want to become one, you will want to know what is going on in the world of illusions.
Animation is getting better with age. So, we’re excited to share a compiled list of notable animation trends that will make 2023 fantastic.
#1) 2D and 3D Mixed Animation
2D and 3D Mixed Animation is a distinct type of animation that combines the two animation techniques to produce a highly detailed, visually stunning work of art.
The combination of 2D and 3D animation creates a sense of depth and realism that would not be possible with either technique alone.
Animators can combine the best parts of both styles, such as the artistry and expressiveness of 2D animation and the physical characteristics and realism of 3D animation.
This allows animators to create dynamic scenes with realistic movements, which is impossible with either technique alone.
Furthermore, mixed animation provides more flexibility regarding dynamic camera angles, making it helpful in producing films with exciting action sequences or expansive environments.
Due to its flexibility, artistic flair, and impressive visual effects, 2D and 3D mixed animation quickly became one of the most popular forms.
#2) AI-Integrated Animations
As AI technology entered the animation field, it improved and increased the number of animators, filmmakers, and designers working in animation. They can speed up the process and make high-quality graphic animation using AI animation tools and generators.
Tech giants like Google and Adobe have made a lot of AI animation tools and apps that make tasks that used to be challenging a lot easier. Some examples are Google DeepDream, Adobe Sensei, and many more.
AI technology has revolutionized animation production for the gaming industry. Animation is used for everything, including lifelike 3D figures and endless virtual environments.
Deepmotion is a motion intelligence platform that teaches characters and avatars advanced motor skills like parkour, dancing, sports, and martial arts.
Adobe’s sensei and other machine learning tools make designing complex motions easier for a character, such as walking and talking.
#3) Anthropomorphic Animations
Cartoons that feature characters or objects with human-like qualities and characteristics are known as anthropomorphic animations.
From classic shows like Looney Tunes and Tom & Jerry to more recent animated films like Finding Nemo, Zootopia, and The Lego Movie, they’ve been around for decades.
Anthropomorphism is frequently used in these films to add a sense of humor, emotion, and relatability to their stories. Anthropomorphic animations also aid in character connection by making them more relatable because they act more human.
This type of storytelling is incredibly effective when used to promote meaningful messages such as environmental awareness, racial equality, and conflict resolution.
Because of their universal appeal, anthropomorphic animations enable filmmakers to create meaningful stories that transcend language barriers and cultural norms.
Furthermore, these films frequently offer unique perspectives on current issues, which can help viewers better understand complex topics like racism, gender stereotypes, socioeconomic challenges, and mental health.
Finally, anthropomorphic animations provide a user-friendly medium for entertainment and education that can inspire people from all walks of life.
#4) Animation Collage
This animation combines artwork, photographs, and digital footage to produce a collage-like look and feel. The result is a carefully chosen mix of ideas that work together to tell a dynamic story or send a constantly changing message. With this type of animation, the focus stays on the main character throughout.
Animation collages can be used in several places, including online content, digital advertisements, music videos, and even movies.
This kind of animation is helpful since it adds texture to the content without making things too chaotic. This makes it an excellent choice for projects needing more visual interest without becoming too overwhelming.
#5) Anti-gravity and Floating
Floating in space is the new way to relax! The anti-gravity trend has taken over, and for a good reason.
With the anti-gravity trend, your viewers will feel like they are floating in space. It’s a great way to create mesmerizing motion graphics that amaze and engage your viewers. It’s so popular now that people will be talking about it for years.
Example: https://buck.co/work/microsoft-surface
#6) Oddly Satisfying Motion Graphics.
Motion graphics are a captivating and mesmerizing form of art. Motion graphics combine sound, visuals, and animation to create a visually compelling experience.
These graphics frequently incorporate geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and slow-moving animations, which have a calming effect on viewers.
The satisfaction that comes from watching a complex pattern unfold in front of your eyes in an orderly fashion as it follows a predetermined path is what makes them so enjoyable.
Oddly Satisfying Motion Graphics can illustrate stories that need to be told more dynamically or explain abstract concepts that require visual representation.
They can also provide entertainment by establishing an environment that encourages viewers to explore it at their own pace.
Artists can capture emotion in ways that static images cannot, making motion graphics powerful tools for effective visual communication.
#7) Flat Graphic Animation
This style has been around for a long time, is still popular today, and will continue to receive attention in the years to come.
Flat graphic animation is streamlined, modern, and, most importantly, it conveys information quickly while seeming clean and fresh.
This type of animation is a great way to create engaging and visually appealing videos, explainer videos, product demos, and more.
#8) Vivid and Bold Colors
As the decade goes on and we continue to learn more about the animation industry, designers hope to give viewers a great time by using bright and bold colors.
Vivid and bold hues are an excellent approach to making your animations stand out. They will ensure that viewers remember your work for a long time after seeing it.
Example: Checkout this video on Adobe Creative Suite by oddfellows
#9) Alternative Art Animation
Alternative Art Animation uses traditional fine art mediums like drawing and painting to combine technical skill and creative expression.
This art style is known for its striking visuals, bold color palettes, innovative storytelling techniques, and intricate detail.
Alternative Animation pushes boundaries by combining various visual arts styles with digital technology to create one-of-a-kind works of art that are distinctively modern while maintaining an undeniable link to traditional methods.
It provides a platform for artists to explore their style while creating meaningful content to engage their audience in new ways.
Furthermore, because they work directly with physical materials rather than pre-made templates or software programs, this animation allows creators to explore themes outside of traditional mainstream representation while having complete control over their work.
Check out this animation art by Valentina Stakhnova
#10) VR
Imagine immersing yourself in a virtual world that feels more real than the one you live in daily.
That’s what VR could do for the creative industries.
That potential is expanding, and it will continue to do so.
If you’re into virtual reality, the Metaverse is the next level. It is a digital world that goes beyond today’s internet.
It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself and interact with other people in far more engaging ways. VR is the key to unlocking that potential, and 2023 will bring a host of new developments in the field.
#11) AR
Augmented reality has changed animation in significant ways. AR has also allowed for the creation of more sophisticated and intricate animations.
Putting computer-generated effects on top of real-world settings has given audiences a new level of immersion.
AR is somewhere between reality and virtual reality. It takes data from the real world and shows it in a way that makes sense, making virtual things look and feel as much like the real world as possible.
#12) Grainy Gradient Textures
Gradients can often be smooth and soft, but adding a layer of grain can give depth to the gradient, giving it a rough, natural look.
This technique is often used in vintage-inspired animation, as it helps give videos a nostalgic feel. Adding texture makes the visuals look rough and less artificial. In addition, grain effects can also help make videos stand out from the rest, making them more captivating.
Example: Here is a sample work posted by Nextatlas
#13) Claymation
Clay animations used to be made by hand and photographed, but as technology has improved, so has our desire to see how things used to be.
Because of this, 3D artists today make 3D and CGI animations that look like claymation. There is something extraordinary about adapting the style and technique of earlier animations to a modern art form.
Example: This creative claymation was produced by Buck for Airbnb. In it, they construct a little architectural dreamland entirely by hand while a cast of computer-generated people characters wanders around it.
Conclusion
As we say goodbye to 2022, we must reflect on the changes that have taken place in the world of animation.
The industry has seen much growth and advancement over the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down.
The many exciting graphic and animation trends promise to make 2023 an even more exciting year for animators worldwide.
So, as an animator, once you’ve mastered these motion effects, you’ll be able to create new graphic designs and elements.
