When it comes to animation what kind of cartoon style is right for your message? We explain the spectrum of styles.

1. Exaggerated - Political Cartoon

When people think of cartoons the first thing that pops in the mind are vintage Disney films orLooney Tune animations. These characters are intended to be over-the-top exaggerations of real-life. The exaggeration cranks up the drama and entertainment for the viewer. Saying to the viewer “laugh at me” and “isn’t this ridiculous.”

Plus: Entertaining and Funny

Minus: Can be offensive and rude (not good for sensitive topics)

Questions: Do you want to bring the comedy? Do you want to elicit a response and you're not afraid to offend? Then this style is right for you.

2. Exaggerated - Stylized 

Many cartoons today are stylized, that is a lot of attention has been paid to detail. This style is similar to the first the only difference is the charatcer has been rendered with a serious tone. These characters are intended to be an exaggeration of real-life for dramatic pruposes. The exaggeration turns up the emotion for the viewer. Like puppets or modern paintings they touch a viewer's subconscious taking them to an emotional place. 

Plus: Dramatic and Emotional

Minus: Can draw attention to the art instead of the message.

Questions: Do you want to stir emotions? Do you and your audience appreciate art? Then this style is right for you.

3. Safe-Cartoon

Safe-cartoon takes the exaggeration out of the character doing just what it says. It is a safe bet. This style is perfect for most corporate animations because it does not offend nor does it distract from the message. It is not the most entertaining choice however the primary aim of most companies is the company message. After all, if their aim was to entertain they would be in the entertainment business.

Plus: Interesting

Minus: A safe simple choice

Questions: Does your project have a lot of decision makers? Is your audience easily offended? Is your message’s focus on a concept rather than characters? Then this style is right for you.

4. Comicbook / Realistic-Stylized

Like Safe-cartoon, Realistic-Stylized is also a safe bet. The only difference is this style is a bit more like real-life.

Plus: Classy and Real

Minus: A simple choice

Questions: Does your project have a lot of decision makers? Is your message about real human characters? Then this style is right for you.

5. Realistic / Graphic Novel

Realism is also safe bet and this style is as close to real-life as you can get without filming someone. Hence the question… why not just film it? Going with realism lends more art to the animation. The only draw back is it can drain a budget if people get caught up in tweeking details. Details such as desk items, fashion, hair, cellphone types, etc.

Plus: Classic and very real

Minus: Can hurt a budget due to details.

Questions: Is your project about real-life situations and real human characters? Can the project avoid getting caught up in details? Then this style is right for you.

As stated above 70% of our business choose a safe-cartoon or comicbook for their style choice. Want to find out which animation style is best for you?