1. 3D Style – Always evolving and exciting

3D is a popular style of animation that is not a new animation trend, but it’s constantly evolving and designers and creatives are yet to surprise us. The 3D effects are becoming even more complex to execute, but what we notice is an urge for simplicity, rounded shapes, purity, and futuristic elements. Along with the futuristic designs, we will see a lot of nature-inspired elements – nature is again on trend in 2021.

Some of the benefits of 3D animation include:

1. 3D animation is visually limitless

2. 3D animation is dynamic

3. 3D animation boasts a positive ROI

4. Interactive options for 3D

3D animation has always been an on-trend thing since the technology keeps rapidly increasing in both efficiency and accessibility.

2. Live-Action & Animation Mix – The more real – the better

A mix of live-action and animation is something fresh we will see this year. This year, the animations are becoming bolder, livelier, more colorful, and popping! After all, the animation needs to be interesting, exciting, and to attract your attention. Weird shapes, writing, and science icons/elements will set the scene – they all add symbolism to the live-action footage (background). Don’t be surprised to see this, not only in music videos but also in explainer videos, fashion commercials, advertising, and more.

3. Use Textures – Achieve realism and add interest

Animations with texture will be always more enticing because they add realism even to the most strange designs. Also, people are tactile creatures and wired to recognize different textures and to like them. That’s why using and creating interesting textures is at the top of our list with animation trends and predictions for 2021. Textures in animation and other creative work can evoke different feelings in the observer. Think of a simple plain ball, for example, and one covered with fur. Which one would you like to touch and which creates a cozy feeling? Not in the last place, textures add depth to your animation and can help in creating a unique look for your animation.

4. Unique Characters and Illustration styles – Offer versatility

In 2021 the animation trends and predictions are marked by strange, unique characters. There are many different illustration styles that will appear on stage. Futuristic characters, popping colors and round shapes will be setting the trend. Geometric shapes, play dough like characters, cartoon characters, realistic characters with some kind of uniqueness to them are top picks in 2021.

5. Retro/Vintage Style Animations – A classic come back

Retro will always be modern. Pun intended. Retro textures, comic-book, and graphic novel styles are making a huge return. Although they pay a tribute to styles of another time period, today’s animations are a modern take on the classics. You will also notice outlined characters, stylized characters, backgrounds and the use of flat colors and some kind of texture. Other elements you will see are speech bubbles in highly-contrasting colors, dots and grain.

6. Storytelling – It will always be “the key”

No matter what kind of animation you’re going for, storytelling will always be the most important ingredient of your animation. Our brains are wired to understand, remember and to look for stories –that’s why, make sure you impress the audience with a rich narrative! One of the ways to connect with your audience is to tell the story of a character, that they can relate to. Create a character and describe his/her social status, emotions, problems and needs.