If you’re a marketer or business owner looking to get an animated video made, you’re probably wondering which animation style to choose.
In this article, we’ll look at two popular 2D animation styles and compare them so you can decide what’s best for you.
The two styles we’ll highlight are whiteboard animation and motion graphics.
First, let’s understand each one separately.
What is whiteboard animation?
Whiteboard animation is a style of animation that’s reminiscent of school whiteboards. If it’s a live-action whiteboard video, then it involves drawing images on an actual whiteboard or a similar surface, while a camera records the drawing process.
Digital whiteboard animation videos are more popular and can be created using digital illustrations animation software such as Adobe Animate or After Effects.
The final animation shows the drawing process sped up. A voiceover can be added and the finishing touches include sound effects and music.
Whiteboard animation is characterized by its simple, minimalist visual style, with black and white drawings and a focus on storytelling through the drawing process.
Here’s an example of whiteboard animation from our video animation company, MotionCue.
Related: Top 10 Whiteboard Animations
What are motion graphics?
On the other hand, motion graphics is a type of animation that involves creating digital graphics and animations using software like Adobe After Effects or Cinema 4D.
Motion graphics can range from simple text animations to complex 3D graphics. It often includes elements like typography, icons, and illustrations.
This type of animation is characterized by its smooth, fluid movements, vibrant colors, and use of special effects like lighting and particle effects.
Here’s one our team made for a client.
Like what you see? If you want a video like this, feel free to contact us. We’d love to bring your video idea to life.
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In terms of their visual appearance and techniques used, whiteboard animation typically has a simpler, more minimalist visual style.
While motion graphics feature more complex graphics and animations, with a focus on visually stunning experiences.
Now let’s take a closer look at the differences with respect to purpose, strengths and limitations, techniques and tools, video production process, and cost/time.
Related: 12 Best Motion Graphics Videos That Will Inspire You
Whiteboard animation vs motion graphics—a side-by-side comparison
Purpose
Whiteboard animation
Whiteboard animation is often used as a visual aid for storytelling, presentations, and educational content.
It can be an effective way to simplify complex ideas or concepts. This makes them more engaging and informative for the audience.
Furthermore, whiteboard animation is commonly used in industries such as education, marketing, and non-profit organizations, as it’s a great way to create compelling content that can communicate important messages or ideas.
Motion graphics
Motion graphics, on the other hand, can be used to create visually stunning and engaging content for a wide range of industries and purposes.
It can be used for product demos, explainer videos, branding, and advertising, among other things.
The ability to create 3D graphics and special effects allows motion graphics to create more immersive and dynamic experiences for the viewer.
Strengths and limitations
Whiteboard animation
One of the key strengths of whiteboard animation is its ability to create a sense of connection with the audience. The drawing process can be seen as a form of personal communication.
Additionally, the simplicity of the visual style can make it easier for viewers to focus on the core message, and retain information more effectively.
However, one of the limitations of whiteboard animation is its relatively limited visual range, as it typically relies on a flat drawing style.
This can make it less suitable for certain types of content that require a more complex or visually stimulating approach.
Motion graphics
One of the key strengths of motion graphics is its ability to create high-quality visuals that can capture the viewer’s attention and keep them engaged.
However, one of the challenges of motion graphics is the technical expertise required to create high-quality animations.
It can be a time-consuming and expensive process. It requires a skilled team of designers and animators to produce professional-grade content.
Techniques and tools
Drawing techniques
Traditional whiteboard animation
Traditional whiteboard animation typically relies on a hand-drawn style, which involves using markers, chalk, or other materials to draw images, shapes, and text on a physical whiteboard.
Digital whiteboard animation
While digital whiteboard animation is done by using drawing software to draw on screen and animation software.
Illustrations for digital whiteboard animation are made on apps like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Animation is done in Adobe after effects or Animate. For businesses, this is the more popular style of whiteboard animation.
Motion graphics
<otion graphics rely on digital drawing techniques that can include shapes, text, and images.
These are created using specialized software that allow designers to create complex graphics and animations.
Hardware
Traditional whiteboard animation
To create traditional whiteboard animation, artists require a physical whiteboard or similar surface, markers or other drawing materials, and a camera to record the drawing process.
Digital whiteboard animation
Alternatively, for digital whiteboard animation, a computer or laptop with a graphics tablet and a stylus is the primary hardware used.
Additionally, a high-quality monitor with accurate color reproduction can be beneficial for creating and reviewing animations.
Motion graphics
Similar to digital whiteboard animation, a computer or laptop with a graphics tablet and a stylus is the primary hardware used for motion graphics.
A powerful computer with a dedicated graphics card is often necessary to handle the demands of the software and the complexity of the animations being created.
Software
Traditional whiteboard animation
To put together the footage, add voiceover, adjust sound levels, and add music/sound, you’ll need a video editor.
Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry standard when it comes to video editing. There are other alternatives such as Filmora, Davinci Resolve, and so on that you could try out instead.
Digital whiteboard animation
For digital whiteboard animation, popular software options include Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for making the drawings, and Adobe After Effects or Animate for animating the frames.
Motion graphics
To create motion graphics, animators use specialized software like Adobe After Effects. If you want to make a 3D motion graphics video, you’ll need to use specialize programs, such as Cinema 4D.
These programs allow animators to create complex animations using a variety of techniques, including keyframe animation, 3D modeling, and particle effects.
Typically, animators use a combination of different software to get the desired effect.
Production process and workflow
Traditional whiteboard animation
Scriptwriting: The first step in producing a traditional whiteboard animation is to create a script that outlines the content and message of the animation.
Storyboarding: Once the script is finalized, the next step is to create a storyboard that outlines the visual elements of the animation.
Recording: The voiceover for the animation is recorded.
Filming: The actual animation is filmed as the artist draws the images and text on the physical whiteboard.
Editing: The filmed footage is edited, and any additional sound effects or music are added.
Digital whiteboard animation
Scriptwriting: The first step in producing a digital whiteboard animation is to create a script that outlines the content and message of the animation.
Voiceover: The voiceover for the animation is recorded.
Storyboarding: Once the script is finalized, the next step is to create a storyboard that outlines the visual elements of the animation.
Drawing and animation: The artist creates the visual elements of the animation using software, drawing tools, and animation techniques.
Editing: The animated footage is edited, and any additional sound effects or music are added.
In general, the production process for traditional whiteboard animation is more labor-intensive, as the artist must physically draw each image and text element on the whiteboard.
Digital whiteboard animation, on the other hand, allows for more flexibility and editing capabilities, as artists can easily erase and modify their drawings using the software.
Motion graphics
Scripting: Like whiteboard animation, the first step in producing motion graphics is to create a script that outlines the key message and story of the animation.
The script should be concise, clear, and engaging.
Storyboarding: Once the script is complete, the next step is to create a storyboard that outlines the visuals that will accompany the script.
It involves creating sketches and drawings that map out the flow of the animation and the key images and concepts that will be included.
Voiceover: After the storyboarding is complete, the next step is to record a voiceover that will accompany the animation.
The voiceover should be clear and engaging and should complement the visuals and script.
Design and animation: The next step is to create the digital graphics and animations that will be used in the animation.
This involves using specialized software to create complex graphics and animations, using techniques such as keyframe animation, 3D modeling, and particle effects.
Here’s another video we made for a client. We worked with them to craft a script, picked the perfect voiceover, and by keeping their brand identity in mind, this is what we created.
Editing and post-production: After the voiceover is complete, the final step is to edit and refine the animation.
Adding music and sound effects, adjusting the timing of the animation, and adding any final touches or effects are all part of this step.
Cost and time considerations
Whiteboard animation
Length and complexity: The length and complexity of the animation are two factors that can significantly affect the cost and time required to produce whiteboard animation. Whiteboard animation videos are generally quicker to produce because the storyboarding process isn’t as lengthy as that of a motion graphics video.
Motion graphics
Design complexity: The complexity of the motion graphics design is a major factor that affects the cost and time required to produce motion graphics.
More complex designs that require 3D modeling, particle effects, or other advanced techniques will require more time and resources to produce, which can increase the overall budget and timeline.
Video length: The length of the animation is another factor that can significantly affect the cost and time required to produce motion graphics.
Longer animations will require more time and resources to produce, which can increase the overall budget and timeline.
The final verdict
Now that we’ve finished our whiteboard animation vs motion graphics comparison, it’s time to announce the overall winner.
And the metaphorical trophy goes too…
Motion graphics!
It has an edge because it is timeless, visually impactful, and is the preferred animation style within the animation community as well.
With that said, we can’t stress this enough that the ultimate choice depends on your goals and requirements.
For projects that require simplicity and clarity, whiteboard animation is an excellent choice.
While, for projects that require dynamic visuals and brand identity, motion graphics should be considered.
Overall, both types of animation have their strengths and weaknesses, and the decision ultimately comes down to the specific needs of the project.
By understanding the differences between whiteboard animation and motion graphics, you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your business.
Read more: Types of Animation for Businesses
If you’d like to explore the different animation styles and find out what’s best for you, work with us to create a winning video for your business! Our team specializes in several animation styles including whiteboard animations and motion graphics.
Want a video for your business?
