Image: Janke (Wikipedia)
Author: VANAS Team
2D Animation Future Trends
Table of Contents
- What Even Is 2D Animation?
- Why 2D Animation Isn’t Going Anywhere
- What’s Next for 2D Animation?
- Why Teen Artists Are Getting Into 2D
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
What Even Is 2D Animation?
You know those cartoons where everything looks hand-drawn or super clean and flat? That’s 2D Animation. From classic Disney like The Lion King to anime like My Hero Academia, it’s the kind of animation that feels like it's been around forever—but somehow keeps feeling fresh.
Unlike 3D animation, where things pop out like in Pixar movies, 2D stays chill and flat—but don’t mistake that for boring. It's expressive, stylish, and totally coming back in new ways.
Why 2D Animation Isn’t Going Anywhere
Let’s get real: just because something is "old" doesn’t mean it’s over. Vinyl records came back. Baggy jeans are back. And yes—2D Animation is sticking around too.
Creators love it because:
- It’s faster (you don’t need a Hollywood budget)
- It feels personal (you can tell when a human hand was behind it)
- It’s easier to get started (even a simple tablet and some ideas can launch a project)
Even now, tons of games and shows are using 2D to stand out in a sea of 3D.
What’s Next for 2D Animation?
The future of 2D Animation looks wild—in the best way. Here’s a peek at what’s coming:
Mixing 2D and 3D
Some of the coolest shows right now don’t stick to just one style. They mix 2D characters with 3D backgrounds. It’s like old-school meets new-school, and it works.
TikTok Animators Are Taking Over
You don’t need to work at Pixar to go viral anymore. Teen animators are blowing up online with short 2D animations. If you’ve got a story, a message, or just a funny idea—you can post it and get real eyes on it.
More Jobs Than You’d Think
2D animators are working on stuff you probably watch or use every day—like YouTube channels, mobile games, ad content, even apps that teach languages or help people meditate. It’s not just TV and movies anymore.
AI-Assisted Animation
Yep, even 2D animation is getting help from AI tools. Think: less time drawing every single frame, and more time telling cooler stories. But don’t worry—it still needs your creativity.
Why More Artists Are Getting Into 2D
So many creators are jumping into 2D Animation right now—and not just because it looks cool.
- You don’t need a huge budget.
- You can tell your story your way.
- You can post it on TikTok or YouTube and actually build an audience.
- It’s one of the fastest ways to grow as a visual artist.
Even game designers and digital painters start with 2D skills. It’s like the foundation for everything.
VANAS Online Animation School offers Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Game programs. To launch your career, visit https://www.vanas.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the future of 2D animation?
- 2D Animation is evolving fast. With tools like AI, hybrid animation styles, and social media platforms, it’s becoming more powerful and more accessible than ever.
Is 2D animation dead?
- Not even close. It’s being used in indie games, anime, music videos, apps, and online content more than ever. It’s just changing forms.
Can you make a career with 2D animation?
- Yes. Studios are hiring, indie creators are going viral, and online schools like VANAS teach you the real stuff to go pro.
Is it hard to learn 2D animation?
- It takes practice, like anything else. But with free tools and courses online—and schools like VANAS—it’s more beginner-friendly than you think.
Do you need to know how to draw?
- Basic drawing helps, but tools like rigging and tweening make it easier. The main thing? A strong idea and the will to bring it to life.
