Author name: Donovan Hill

We live in a time where animation is everywhere from healthcare and education to entertainment and beyond. What was once a tedious, time-consuming, and expensive marketing tool has evolved into a fully digital, cost-effective medium. Animation has revolutionized how we perceive and engage with content, making complex ideas more accessible and storytelling more compelling. Today, brands increasingly use animation to bring their stories to life in a visually creative way. With its ability to simplify concepts and evoke emotions, animation has become a powerful business tool. It helps brands create memorable experiences, boost audience engagement, and establish a strong identity. Animation makes communication more dynamic and impactful, whether it’s explainer videos, product showcases, or heartfelt brand narratives. But what exactly are animated brand videos, and which ones stand out? In this article, we explore some of the best-animated brand stories of recent years. What Is an Animated Brand Story? An animated brand story is a powerful marketing tool that combines storytelling and animation to convey a brand’s message, values, and identity. By creating narrative-driven content, brands can engage their audience on an emotional level, making their message more memorable and impactful. At its core, an animated brand story focuses on delivering a compelling narrative that highlights the brand’s mission, history, and personality. The goal is to establish a meaningful connection with the audience, fostering trust, loyalty, and long-term engagement. Beyond just promotion, brand stories help communicate a company’s core values, showcasing the human side of the brand. These emotionally driven narratives influence consumer decisions, often becoming the key factor that sets a brand apart in a competitive market. Using animation, brands can simplify complex ideas, make content more engaging, and appeal to diverse audiences. Animation’s versatility allows businesses to create visually stunning, shareable content that leaves a lasting impression. Whether through explainer videos, product launches, or corporate storytelling, animated brand stories continue to shape modern marketing strategies. Reasons to create brand videos for your business Point Details Actionable Insights Video Popularity Videos are the most favored content type for consumers on social media. Focus on creating engaging and shareable video content for social media. Audience Reach Brands can connect with a broad audience through inspirational and informative videos that educate. Create videos that both inform and inspire to maximize reach and impact. SEO Benefits Google prefers videos, especially informative and unique ones, which help improve website rankings. Prioritize creating high-quality, informative videos to boost SEO and rankings. Impact on Purchasing Over 64% of customers are likely to buy after watching a brand video, improving credibility and understanding of core values. Leverage videos to build brand trust and educate potential customers on product value. Consumer Values Buyers prioritize sustainability, credibility, authenticity, and values, making brand videos a powerful tool to build trust. Emphasize brand values such as sustainability and authenticity in video content. The 10 Must-Watch Animated Brand Story Video Examples Let’s explore some creating brand narrative videos that showcase how animation brings together the elements of great storytelling, creating engaging and memorable experiences. These examples highlight the power of visuals, emotion, and creativity in creating compelling brand messages that resonate with audiences. 1. Airbnb: This is one of the greatest animated brand story videos ever created. Airbnb goes beyond just selling products or services it sells a compelling narrative. This video highlights ongoing discrimination on the platform and the steps taken to combat it. By transparently sharing how user data is utilized, the animation builds trust and loyalty, reinforcing Airbnb’s commitment to change. It effectively showcases the company’s vision and direction with this campaign. The storytelling is emotionally engaging, making viewers feel connected to the brand’s mission. Smooth animation and thoughtful narration add depth to the message. Every frame is created to resonate with audiences, ensuring lasting impact. By addressing a real issue, Airbnb strengthens its brand credibility. This video is a perfect example of how storytelling can drive meaningful conversations. 2. Hush Puppies: This is the origin story of one of Wolverine Worldwide’s most iconic brands Hush Puppies! Scott Albini’s mixed-media creation takes us on an incredible journey, showcasing how an unlikely idea transformed into a global phenomenon and a beloved household name. The video masterfully blends creativity and history, making the brand’s evolution both engaging and inspiring. And if you’ve ever wondered how the phrase ‘Hush Puppies’ came to be, this video delivers a hilarious and unforgettable explanation! With stunning visuals and compelling storytelling, it keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia, humor, and brand legacy. The combination of animation and live-action creates the experience, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. The brand’s journey from humble beginnings to cultural icon is truly inspiring. 3. LYFT: This is one of the best animated brand awareness videos out there. It takes us on a journey with two visionary thinkers who refuse to be mere commentators on environmental protection and unity. Instead, they boldly step up and create an impactful initiative to bridge societal gaps. Recognizing the disconnect caused by car culture, these innovators founded the peer-to-peer ride-sharing community, Lyft. The video beautifully tells the story of Lyft’s inspiring transformation, from a mere dream to a revolutionary reality. As it concludes on a futuristic note, viewers are left eager and excited for what lies ahead. The animation captures the essence of their mission with vibrant, dynamic visuals that hold the viewer’s attention throughout. Through clever storytelling, the video highlights how Lyft became a symbol of change in transportation. The characters are depicted as passionate changemakers, making the brand feel authentic and relatable. It’s not just about service it’s about shifting the way we connect with the world. This video is a masterclass in blending storytelling with purpose-driven branding. 4. Jack Daniels: Arnold Worldwide designed this striking video for Jack Daniels, using dramatic imagery to demonstrate how both the place of origin and the ‘process’ contribute equally to creating a brand to extraordinary heights. The video’s black-and-white visuals underscore the idea that branding is not

Welcome to our complete guide on creating stunning 3D objects in After Effects no plugins are required. This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to achieve impressive 3D effects using only built-in tools. Master expert techniques to create professional-grade 3D visuals that create your audience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced motion designer, this guide will help you reach the full potential of After Effects’ 3D capabilities. You’ll learn how to manipulate shapes, extrude text, and add realistic lighting and shadows for depth. We’ll also cover camera movements to improve your compositions dynamically. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the skills to bring your creative visions to life effortlessly. Let’s in and start building eye-catching 3D animations that stand out. What is an After Effects Plugin? Plugins also offer flexibility, allowing users to tailor the software to their specific needs without waiting for official updates. They streamline repetitive processes, saving time and effort on tasks that would otherwise be cumbersome. Additionally, plugins introduce new creative possibilities, expanding the range of effects and tools available. This makes After Effects more adaptable and efficient for various projects. Ultimately, plugins empower users to get more out of their software and push creative boundaries. With the wide types of plugins available, users can choose those that best fit their project requirements, ensuring they only add what’s necessary. These tools improve productivity and the quality of the final output by offering professional-grade features. Since plugins are often regularly updated, they provide ongoing improvements and new features to keep up with industry trends. Moreover, many plugins integrate seamlessly with other software, further expanding their utility. This level of customization and versatility makes plugins an essential part of any After Effects user’s toolkit. Is Duik the world’s best free plugin? Probably Understanding After Effects’ Advanced Creative Capabilities Before diving into the details of creating 3D objects, let’s first get acquainted with After Effects and its powerful capabilities. Developed by Adobe Systems, After Effects is a motion graphics and visual effects software. It provides a wide type of tools and features, enabling users to create stunning animations, dynamic motion graphics, and impressive visual effects. With its intuitive interface and robust functionalities, After Effects is widely used in film, television, and digital content creation. It allows users to work with layers, keyframes, and effects to bring their ideas to life. The software also supports integration with other Adobe products like Photoshop and Illustrator, making it a go-to choice for creative professionals. Understanding the fundamentals of After Effects will help you maximize its potential as we explore the world of 3D design. 1. Utilizing Shape Layers and Masks: One key technique for creating 3D Objects in After Effects without plugins is to leverage shape layers and masks. Shape layers are vector-based layers that can be used to create various geometric shapes, while masks define specific areas within a layer. By combining these two elements, you can achieve the illusion of depth and dimension. To start, create a new shape layer by selecting the “Rectangle,” “Ellipse,” or “Polygon” tool from the toolbar. Draw the desired shape on the composition window. Next, create a mask by selecting the layer and clicking the “Add” button under the “Masks” section. Adjust the mask’s position and size to define the area to which you want to apply the 3D effect. Experiment with different mask blending modes to refine the illusion of depth. 2. Applying Transformations and Effects: After defining the shape and mask, it’s time to apply transformations and effects to achieve the 3D look. After Effects offers a range of transformation options such as position, rotation, and scale. Experiment with these parameters to give your shape depth and perspective. To improve the 3D effect, you can also apply effects such as “Bevel Alpha,” “Gradient Ramp,” or “Drop Shadow” to add texture, shading, and your object. Play around with different settings to find the desired visual effect that suits your project. Adjusting the blending modes of your layers can also help create a more 3D appearance. 3. Working with Cameras and Lights : After Effects provides built-in camera and lighting tools to further enhance the three-dimensionality of your objects. These tools allow you to simulate realistic lighting conditions and camera movements, giving your 3D objects a more immersive and professional look. By manipulating the camera’s position, angle, and focal length, you can create dynamic camera movements that bring your objects to life. Additionally, adjusting the lighting parameters, such as intensity, color, and direction, can dramatically impact the overall appearance of your 3D scene. Experiment with different light types, including point, spot, and ambient, to achieve the best results. 4. Animating 3D Objects: After creating your 3D object, you may want to animate it to add motion and interest to your composition. After Effects offers powerful animation capabilities that allow you to bring your objects to life. You can animate the position, rotation, and scale properties of your 3D object over time to create dynamic movements. Furthermore, you can utilize keyframes and interpolation to achieve smooth and realistic animations. Experiment with easing functions and timing to refine the motion of your 3D objects. Using the Graph Editor can help fine-tune animation curves for more fluid movement. 5. Exporting and Rendering: Once you have completed your 3D composition, it’s time to export and render your project. After Effects provides various options for exporting your work, including popular video formats such as MP4, MOV, or AVI. Choose the appropriate settings based on your intended use and platform. When rendering, ensure that you select the appropriate resolution and frame rate for optimal quality. Consider using hardware acceleration if available to expedite the rendering process. After Effects also allows you to render your composition in the background, enabling you to continue working on other tasks while it processes. Using the Adobe Media Encoder can help streamline the rendering workflow. 6. Troubleshooting Common Issues: While creating 3D Objects in After Effects, you may encounter certain

A company’s ability to communicate effectively is essential to its success. Traditional methods are losing their impact as businesses seek more engaging ways to connect with their audience. One innovative medium gaining popularity is whiteboard animation. Whiteboard animation videos are undoubtedly the future of marketing and sales. They align with the principle that “the more you showcase, the better you get.” Companies leverage whiteboard videos to create their digital presence and improve business communication. With a unique blend of creativity, simplicity, and visual storytelling, whiteboard animation offers multiple benefits for businesses looking to refine their communication strategy. It makes complex ideas easier to understand, keeps viewers engaged, and leaves a lasting impression. Studies show that visual content increases information retention, making whiteboard animation a powerful tool. Moreover, these videos are highly versatile and can be used for marketing, training, internal communication, and more. They break down complicated messages into digestible content, making them ideal for any industry. In this article, we’ll explore these benefits in detail. But first, let’s understand what whiteboard animation is. What Are Whiteboard Animation Videos? A whiteboard animation is a type of explainer video designed to mimic hand-drawn illustrations on a whiteboard. These videos typically feature a hand “drawing” animated objects and characters on a white background while a voiceover narrates the script. Whiteboard explainer videos usually begin with a blank canvas and gradually fill it with illustrations that align perfectly with the narration, guiding viewers through a structured journey. They are widely used in business to simplify complex concepts, showcase products, or explain services in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. More than just a visual aid, whiteboard videos create an interactive and actionable experience. They help deliver a clear, memorable message, ensuring your audience stays engaged and retains the information. What makes whiteboard animation stand out is its ability to break down information into digestible visuals, making even the most complex topics easy to grasp. The combination of hand-drawn illustrations, smooth transitions, and compelling storytelling keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. Additionally, whiteboard videos have a timeless and universal appeal, making them suitable for a wide range of industries. Whether used for marketing, education, or corporate training, whiteboard animations offer an engaging way to connect with audiences and drive better results. 10 Benefits of Whiteboard Explainer Videos The way businesses engage with their audiences has seen a significant transformation. While written content remains important, visual content especially video has taken center stage. Among the most compelling forms of video, whiteboard animation stands out for its unique ability to create viewers while delivering clear and engaging messages. These videos create the illusion of hand-drawn illustrations appearing on a whiteboard as a story unfolds, making complex information more digestible. Whiteboard animation offers benefits ranging from cost-effectiveness to improved message retention and simplifying intricate concepts. Its dynamic and engaging nature helps businesses communicate ideas more efficiently, ensuring better audience understanding and recall. Studies show that people retain up to 80% of visual information compared to just 10% of what they read, making whiteboard videos an effective learning tool. Additionally, their minimalistic yet engaging style keeps distractions at bay, allowing viewers to stay focused on the core message. They also evoke curiosity, encouraging audiences to stay engaged until the very end. With their shareability, whiteboard animations can boost brand awareness and reach a wider audience effortlessly. Let’s explore the top 10 benefits of whiteboard animation and explore how it can create business communication. 1. Simplicity: Whiteboard animations are an effective way to simplify and convey complicated concepts interestingly. They excel at breaking down challenging or complex topics related to your company, products, or services, making them more accessible to your audience. The visual aspect makes it easier for viewers to grasp complex ideas in a short amount of time, which is essential in today’s fast-paced environment. 2. Retention: Studies show that when information is presented visually and audibly, rather than just through text, individuals retain it more effectively. The visual storytelling approach of whiteboard videos improves message retention, making it easier for viewers to remember key points. This approach caters to various learning styles, improving overall comprehension and knowledge retention. 3. Engagement: Whiteboard videos are more engaging, entertaining, and unique compared to traditional videos. The process of drawing the images grabs the audience’s attention and keeps it engaged throughout the entire video. The interactive nature of these videos creates a stronger emotional connection with the audience, making them more likely to remember the message. 4. Affordable: Whiteboard animations are often more budget-friendly than live-action videos. Since they don’t require actors, sets, or heavy equipment, they can be produced at a lower cost without compromising quality. This makes them an ideal option for businesses looking to create high-quality content without breaking the bank. 5. Versatility: Whiteboard animations can be used in various contexts, such as training, tutorials, company introductions, product demonstrations, and more. Whether B2B or B2C, they are an excellent way to communicate ideas clearly and creatively. Their flexibility allows for a wide range of applications, from internal communications to marketing campaigns. 6. Quick to Create: Compared to traditional video production, whiteboard videos can often be made more quickly with fewer resources. This makes them an ideal solution when you need high-quality content on a tight deadline. The fast production time helps businesses respond quickly to market changes or promotional opportunities. 7. Brand Consistency: By integrating your brand’s colors, logos, and themes into your whiteboard animations, you can improve brand recognition and maintain consistency across all your marketing materials. Consistency in visual branding reinforces your company’s identity and builds trust with your audience. 8. Shareability: Whiteboard videos are engaging and easy to watch, making them more likely to be shared on social media. This increases your brand visibility and helps expand your reach to a wider audience. The shareable nature of these videos encourages viewers to spread your message organically, further extending your brand’s reach. 9. Global Reach: Whiteboard advertising is a powerful tool for connecting with audiences worldwide.

Animation has the remarkable ability to transform a series of static images into a dynamic, lifelike experience. This illusion of movement, speech, and emotion hinges on the animator’s skill in creating forms that feel both tangible and authentic. Achieving this effect relies on mastering the principle of solid drawing depicting figures and objects as three-dimensional, volumetric entities. Solid drawing is fundamental in establishing realistic poses, shapes, proportions, and perspectives, all of which are essential for creating convincing characters on screen. Recognized as one of the foundational 12 principles of animation, first outlined by Disney animators in the 1930s, solid drawing remains a vital technique for infusing modern animation with quality, depth, and personality. By mastering solid drawing, animators can breathe life into their creations, ensuring that each character feels grounded and believable within their animated world. This mastery not only enhances the visual appeal. but also deepens the emotional connection between the audience and the characters. For a visual explanation of the principle of solid drawing, you might find the following video helpful: The Elements of Solid Drawing Solid drawing, one of the 12 principles of animation, involves accurately depicting form, volume, proportions, perspective, and shape. By breaking down objects into simple 3D forms and observing the rules of light, shadow, and angles, animators can create figures that truly appear three-dimensional. This foundational principle ensures that characters and objects maintain consistency and believability throughout the animation. Even though solid drawing is more of a traditional principle for animation, it remains a foundational element in all animation. A deep understanding of the fundamentals of the object or character design process is essential for effectively applying other principles of animation. In 2D animation, solid drawing involves creating accurate drawings in terms of volume, weight, balance, and anatomy in a pose. For 3D animation, animators need to think about how to pose out their 3D character rig to ensure correct balance and weight, as well as a clear. To achieve effective solid drawing, consider the following aspects: 1. Form: Form refers to the three-dimensional structure of an object, encompassing its volume and the space it occupies. In figure drawing, forms include spheres, boxes, cylinders, and variations of 3D shapes that constitute the body. Simplifying complex structures into basic forms allows artists to grasp solid structures, which is crucial for both human and animal characters. This simplification aids in understanding the object’s spatial relationships and improves the artist’s ability to depict it accurately from various angles. 2. Volume: The volume builds upon the illusion of form to convey a sense of mass and weight. The strategic use of shadows and highlights communicates how forms occupy space and reflect light. Even in stylized art, shadows ground subjects and add life to movement. Understanding volume is vital for creating characters that feel tangible and grounded. By manipulating light and shadow, artists can emphasize the three-dimensionality of a character, making them appear more realistic and integrated into their environment. 3. Proportions: Proportions involve the relationships and accurate scale of body parts. While proportions can be exaggerated in certain styles, anatomical rules, and ratios ensure that subjects maintain structure and believability. Maintaining proper proportions while posing figures conveys authenticity and prevents distortion. A solid understanding of proportions allows artists to create characters that are both visually appealing and anatomically plausible, enhancing the overall credibility of the design. 4. Perspective: Perspective places forms logically in 3D space using techniques like foreshortening and point of view. A character appears disconnected from their environment if not properly placed. Utilizing horizon lines, vanishing points, and overlapping shapes creates depth and dimension, making characters appear integrated into their surroundings. Mastering perspective enables artists to depict scenes and characters in a way that feels natural and immersive, guiding the viewer’s eye through the composition. 5. Shape: Shape refers to the line quality of a form. Dynamic, energetic shapes and lines reflect action and mood. Shape language helps in caricature and visual development, making poses more readable and expressive. The psychological impact of different shapes can dictate whether a character or object is perceived as friendly, trustworthy, or dangerous. For instance, rounded shapes often suggest friendliness and approachability, while sharp angles can imply aggression or tension. By thoughtfully incorporating shapes, artists can create characters that resonate deeply with their audience, conveying specific emotions and traits through visual design. By mastering these principles, artists can create characters that are not only visually appealing but also convey the intended emotions and narratives effectively. Techniques for Mastering Solid Drawing Mastering the principle of solid drawing is essential for animators and character animation studios aiming to create lifelike and convincing characters. This involves understanding and accurately depicting forms in three-dimensional space, including poses, shapes, proportions, and perspective. Regular practice of these techniques cultivates the intuitive skills vital for effective animation. Achieving proficiency in solid drawing is a gradual process that requires continuous effort and dedication throughout an animator’s career. Therefore, no amount of life-drawing practice is wasted when striving for rock-solid animation. Every stroke is an opportunity to understand the nuances of form and movement. Consistent effort transforms initial sketches into refined art that captures both depth and dynamism. By embracing the iterative nature of practice, artists develop a keen sense of balance and structure. This steady accumulation of skills ultimately empowers animators to bring characters. 1. Line of Action: The line of action reveals the primary axis and flow of a pose. This energizing, dynamic line adds appeal and movement to a drawing. It emphasizes the curves in a subject’s spine to achieve natural, interesting poses. The line of action guides the overall direction of the figure, helping artists create more fluid, expressive body language. It also simplifies complex movements into an easy-to-read form, enabling animators and illustrators to communicate action efficiently. 2. Turnarounds: Turnarounds involve drawing a figure as it rotates 360 degrees. By visualizing forms from multiple angles, animators understand their volume. Turnarounds test observation of proportions from different perspectives. This exercise develops an artist’s

The film, video game, and television industries have grown rapidly, driven by the constant demand for fresh and innovative content. To stay ahead, creators must optimize every aspect of production, ensuring resources are used efficiently while delivering visually compelling experiences to their audiences. One of the biggest challenges in content creation is securing the right location for filming. In many cases, the ideal setting is either difficult to access or doesn’t exist especially for sci-fi and fantasy productions. When real-world locations can’t bring a vision to life, they must be created instead. This is where the art of matte painting comes in. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about this powerful technique. Matte painting has revolutionized visual storytelling, allowing filmmakers to transport audiences to worlds that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. From alien landscapes to historical reconstructions, this technique bridges the gap between imagination and reality. It blends digital artistry with live-action footage, integrating elements that improve the visual depth of a scene. With technological advancements, matte painting continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in film and gaming. So, without further ado, let’s get started: What is Matte Painting? Matte painting is a powerful technique used in the film, television, and video game industries to create highly detailed and realistic backgrounds that would be too costly, impractical, or even impossible to achieve through traditional on-location shooting or physical set design. This technique involves creating 2D or 3D digital paintings that blend with live-action footage or computer-generated imagery (CGI), improving visual storytelling and bringing imaginative worlds to life. Matte painting allows filmmakers and game developers to construct landscapes, futuristic cities, and historical settings with remarkable. It has evolved from traditional hand-painted glass panels to advanced digital techniques that integrate dynamic lighting, depth, and motion. With the rise of real-time rendering and AI-assisted tools, matte painting continues to push creative boundaries, making it an essential part of modern visual effects. Although similar, matte painting differs significantly from virtual production and is distinct from photo manipulation. The term “matte painting” dates back to the early days of cinema when artists painted detailed backgrounds on glass and positioned them in front of the camera to create immersive environments. While modern matte painting is predominantly digital, the core principles of creating realistic backgrounds remain unchanged. Some believe the technique evolved from painted theatrical backdrops used in live performances. Today, traditional glass matte paintings are rare, yet they still hold value among art enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication required for hand-painted works. More importantly, there are still artists who continue to create them, preserving this timeless art form. Digital matte painting, on the other hand, relies on powerful software like Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Nuke, and Autodesk Maya, as well as various 3D modeling and rendering tools. These technologies offer greater flexibility and precision and enable artists to construct intricate and visually stunning scenes with integration. With advancements in AI and real-time rendering, the future of matte painting is evolving rapidly, allowing for more dynamic and interactive environments. Many blockbuster films and AAA video games use digital matte painting to create worlds that immerse audiences in ways never before possible. This technique continues to bridge the gap between art and technology, proving its importance in the visual effects industry. Whether traditional or digital, matte painting remains an essential tool in storytelling and world-building. History of Matte Painting Matte painting has a rich history tied to the evolution of cinema and visual effects. What began as traditional hand-painted glass mattes, stained glass window art, and fine art gradually transformed into today’s advanced digital techniques. This progression reflects the continuous innovation in filmmaking, enabling the creation of breathtaking, immersive worlds that blend with live-action footage. Here’s an overview of the key milestones in the history of matte painting: 1. Early Cinema (1900s-1920s): The use of matte painting in cinema can be traced back to the early 1900s. In these early days, artists painted directly onto glass panels (called “glass mattes”), and canvas backdrops, which were then placed in front of the camera. This technique allowed filmmakers to create background elements or settings that were not physically present during shooting. Early silent films and pioneering filmmakers like Georges Méliès utilized matte paintings to create fantastical and imaginative worlds. The method proved essential in bringing the unreal to life, creating landscapes and cities beyond the limitations of the set. 2. Development of Miniatures (1930s-1940s): During the 1930s and 1940s, matte painting continued to evolve as artists painted backgrounds for miniature sets. These miniatures were often used to depict large and elaborate locations, like cities, that were too costly or impractical to build full-scale. The combination of matte paintings and miniatures became a standard technique for many Hollywood productions. This development allowed for the portrayal of scenes on an epic scale, especially in genres like science fiction and fantasy. Films like King Kong (1933) and The Wizard of Oz (1939) showcased how matte paintings could blend with live-action footage to create immersive worlds. 3. The Golden Age of Cinema (1950s-1960s): The 1950s and 1960s are often considered the “Golden Age” of matte painting. Artists like Albert Whitlock and Matthew Yuricich became renowned for their work in creating highly detailed and realistic matte paintings for classic films, including The Ten Commandments (1956) and Ben-Hur (1959). Their contributions elevated the use of matte paintings to new heights, with integration into film scenes that created audiences. The skillful application of matte paintings during this period set the standard for realism and visual storytelling in Hollywood, shaping the visual language of cinema for decades to come. These artists pushed the boundaries of imagination, creating elaborate landscapes and fantastical worlds that felt tangible on screen, adding depth and grandeur to epic productions. 4. Transition to Digital (1980s-1990s): With the advent of digital tools and digital technology, matte painting began to shift away from traditional, hand-painted techniques. Computer-generated imagery (CGI) and digital compositing tools allowed artists to

Explainer videos are here to stay. everyone is using them startups, established businesses, mom-and-pop shops, NGOs, government institutions, giant corporations, and top brands. If you’ve somehow missed this animation-driven marketing revolution, an explainer video is a short, engaging video that typically simplifies a message or showcases a product or service through animation. Often called simply an “explainer,” it has become a powerful tool in video marketing strategies, helping countless businesses connect with their audiences. These videos break down complex ideas into easily digestible visuals, making them perfect for capturing attention in a fast-paced digital world. They can boost conversions, improve brand recall, and keep viewers engaged longer than traditional content. Whether it’s a sleek 2D animation, a whiteboard sketch, or a dynamic motion graphics clip, explainer videos come in various styles to suit different needs. The key is to keep them concise, visually appealing, and storytelling-driven for maximum impact. These explainer videos share similarities with product video production techniques, focusing on clear messaging and audience engagement. They combine compelling storytelling with visuals to simplify complex ideas and make information more accessible. Whether used for brand awareness, product demos, or educational content, explainer videos are a game-changer in digital marketing. What is an explainer video? An explainer video is a short video that effectively explains how something works, making complex concepts into easy-to-understand visuals for its target audience. These videos are commonly used in marketing to highlight the benefits of a product or service and demonstrate how they function. Explainer videos are frequently shared on platforms such as YouTube and social media. However, they can also be strategically placed on your website’s homepage or product page to engage visitors and provide valuable information. With their engaging format, explainer videos help increase brand awareness and drive conversions by simplifying key messages. By using animations or live-action footage, these videos make complex ideas more accessible and memorable. Types of Explainer Videos  The four most common types of explainer videos are: Live-action explainer videos feature real people and non-animated visuals. They are best suited for businesses that sell physical products or provide people-focused services. Animated explainer videos use animation to simplify the explanation of intangible products or services, such as software, by visualizing complex concepts. Whiteboard explainer videos are a type of animated video where the illustrations appear as if they are hand-drawn on a whiteboard, offering a more personal and creative approach to storytelling. Screencast videos are a budget-friendly option that involves screen recordings, typically showing how users interact with a product or service online, making them ideal for demonstrating online processes or software. 35 Best Animated Explainer Video Examples Here are 35 excellent animated explainer video examples that can inspire your own content: 1. Google’s “Google for Work” – Animation Magic Meets Brand Identity: Explainer Type: Animation – Motion Graphics Google dominates the explainer video landscape, consistently producing examples like the “Google for Work” video. This animated gem harnesses Google’s signature colors and a conversational voiceover to create audiences. Instead of characters, dynamic motion graphics bring objects to life, perfectly synchronizing with the narration. This technique highlights how explainer videos can create businesses and marketing efforts showcasing products effectively, engaging viewers, and strengthening brand identity. By simplifying complex ideas, motion graphics make information more digestible. The fluid transitions keep viewers hooked, ensuring the message is clear and memorable. This style is a powerful tool for brands looking to leave a lasting impact. 2. TOMS’ Story – Emotionally Captivating with Stunning Visuals: Explainer Type: Animation – 2D Character Animation TOMS’ explainer video, “The TOMS Story,” shines as one of the best examples in the genre, blending an emotional narrative with breathtaking visuals. This video takes viewers on a beautiful, journey, evoking deep emotions and building a strong connection with the brand. The distinctive, painting-like illustrations combined with fluid animation and sincere narration create a memorable and impactful experience. Serving as a perfect example of how to craft an explainer video that goes beyond simply delivering information, it connects with audiences on a personal level through captivating storytelling and remarkable visual design. The video emphasizes TOMS’ mission, showcasing how every purchase helps others, further improving the emotional bond with the brand. The combination of artful animation and purposeful storytelling makes it an inspiring example for any company looking to make an emotional connection with its audience. It also demonstrates how powerful visual storytelling can turn a simple concept into a deeply resonant message. 3. Amazon’s Smart Home – Captivating Simplicity: Explainer Type: Animation – 2D Character Animation Amazon’s Smart Home explainer video is a prime example of narrative precision and brand consistency, making it one of the best in the genre. The soothing voice, reminiscent of Alexa’s tone, creates an immediate connection with viewers, reinforcing the brand’s identity. The sleek, minimalistic scenes, paired with a subtle color palette that evokes the brand, foster a calming and welcoming atmosphere. Character expressions are understated yet impactful, while thin-line illustrations with a grainy texture and shadows add a layer. This video highlights the importance of creating explainer videos with attention to detail and a deep understanding of your audience, delivering a clear and engaging message. The smart integration of brand elements with animation ensures that viewers not only understand the product but also feel a personal connection to it. The simplicity of the design mirrors the ease of use of the product, reinforcing its user-friendly appeal. Overall, this explainer video is a masterclass in aligning visual storytelling with brand ethos. 4. Facebook’s Brand Story – Pushing Boundaries for Clarity & Connection: Explainer Type: Animation – Character Animation Facebook challenges the conventional use of rigid brand colors in explainer videos with their creating examples. This video stands out by embodying best practices featuring a clear, conversational narrative, strategically placed interface scenes, and a visually striking design that includes unique colors and characters. The flawless animation further enhances the experience, making it both dynamic and engaging. While it steps away from traditional color palettes, the video still maintains a