In an era where digital media dominates storytelling, animation remains one of the most captivating ways to engage an audience. From explainer videos to web series and advertising, animated content brings imagination to life. Among the various animation techniques, 2D animation stands as a timeless art form—one that continues to evolve with digital tools and modern demands. But really, what is 2D animation, and how is it used today?

What Is 2D Animation?

So, what is 2D animation? At its core, 2D animation is the process of creating movement in a two-dimensional space. Unlike 3D animation, which involves volume and depth, 2D animation focuses on height and width, working on flat surfaces.

This style involves drawing characters, backgrounds, and objects in a sequence of images to simulate motion. Traditionally, these frames were hand-drawn, but today most animators use digital tools such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or TVPaint to streamline the workflow.

Popular examples of 2D animation include:

• Classic Disney films like The Lion King and Aladdin

• Saturday morning cartoons such as Looney Tunes and The Simpsons

• Web-based animated explainer videos and mobile app tutorials

The Process of 2D Animation

Creating a 2D animation involves several steps, each essential for delivering fluid, engaging content. Here's a simplified look at the pipeline:

1. Concept and Script

Every project starts with a story. The script outlines dialogue, scenes, and key moments.

2. Storyboarding

Artists sketch out the animation sequence shot by shot to visualize the flow and pacing.

3. Design

This includes creating character designs, backgrounds, and props, establishing the visual style.

4. Animatics

An animatic is a rough version of the animation created by stitching together storyboards and temporary sound. It acts as a blueprint for timing.

5. Key Animation

These are the major frames of movement that define the beginning and end of a particular motion.

6. In-betweening (Tweening)

Artists or software fill in the frames between key animations to make the motion smooth.

7. Clean-Up and Coloring

Rough sketches are refined into clean line art and filled with color.

8. Compositing and Sound

Final elements like lighting effects, voiceovers, and background music are added during post-production.

While the tools may be digital, the underlying principles of timing, squash and stretch, and anticipation are deeply rooted in the classic animation traditions.

The Evolution: From Traditional to Modern Cel Animation

Before computers, 2D animation was created using cel animation—short for "celluloid animation"—where each frame was drawn by hand on transparent sheets and layered over painted backgrounds.

Today, modern cel animation revives that classic look using digital methods. Artists still draw frame-by-frame, but now use tablets and software to speed up production and reduce costs.

Modern cel animation is often praised for:

• Its organic, hand-crafted aesthetic

• Artistic versatility in styles and brush textures

• The emotional expressiveness that frame-by-frame work can offer

Studios like Studio Ghibli and Cartoon Saloon are known for preserving this frame-by-frame charm in the digital age. Even streaming services and ad agencies are embracing modern cel animation to stand out from generic content.

Why 2D Animation Remains Relevant Today

Despite the rise of 3D and CGI, 2D animation continues to be a staple in both entertainment and marketing. Here's why:

• Affordability: 2D animation is generally more cost-effective than 3D animation, making it accessible for startups and small businesses.

• Speed: For simpler projects, 2D can be produced faster than 3D, which requires modeling, lighting, and rendering.

• Stylization: 2D offers limitless artistic styles, from sketchy and minimalist to painterly and vibrant.

• Emotional Engagement: Hand-drawn or frame-by-frame animations often feel more personal and emotionally impactful.

In marketing, explainer videos, social media content, and educational series often lean on 2D animation to simplify complex ideas and make messages stick.

Spotlight: Animation Studios Toronto Leading the Way

If you’re seeking high-quality 2D animation, look no further than animation studios Toronto. The city has become a global hub for animation, with a growing ecosystem of studios, freelancers, and creative talent.

Why are animation studios in Toronto gaining such momentum?

1. Skilled Talent Pool

Toronto is home to some of North America’s top animation schools, churning out a steady flow of skilled illustrators and animators.

2. Innovative Storytelling

Studios in Toronto are known for blending traditional techniques with modern technology, creating unique visual experiences across genres.

3. Diverse Portfolio

From television series and film to brand videos and interactive web content, Toronto-based studios handle a wide range of 2D animation projects.

4. Government Incentives

Canada’s strong support for the arts—including tax incentives and funding—makes it an attractive place for studios and clients alike.

Notable Toronto-Based 2D Animation Studios:

• Guru Studio – Known for shows like Paw Patrol and True and the Rainbow Kingdom

• Nelvana – A long-standing studio producing children’s animated content

• Switch VFX & Animation – Combines 2D and VFX for film, games, and branded content

These studios are not only shaping the local scene but also making waves internationally, proving that animation studios Toronto are a force in modern 2D storytelling.

Final Thoughts

To wrap it up: What is 2D animation? It's both an art form and a storytelling tool, rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving through digital innovation. Whether it's through modern cel animation or motion graphics for a corporate campaign, 2D animation continues to capture hearts and explain ideas with clarity and beauty.

And as creators, marketers, and educators seek to connect with audiences in authentic ways, they’ll find incredible value in the timeless appeal of 2D animation. Whether you're a startup looking for an explainer video or a filmmaker developing an animated feature, consider tapping into the vibrant talent pool offered by animation studios Toronto.

Need compelling 2D animation for your brand or project?
Partner with a professional studio in Toronto to bring your ideas to life through expertly crafted visuals and emotionally resonant storytelling.