WHAT IS BEST TO LEARN: 2D OR 3D ANIMATION?
If you're passionate about animation and dreaming of a career in the industry, you've likely asked yourself: Should I pursue 2D or 3D animation?
The answer depends on your goals, interests, and your understanding of how the animation world works today—and more importantly, where it’s going tomorrow.
The State of the Industry
There are over 2,800 game companies in the U.S. alone, and nearly all of them rely heavily on 3D animation to bring their characters and worlds to life.
Major film studios like Pixar, DreamWorks, and Illumination have gone fully 3D. The speed, quality, and flexibility of today’s 3D animation pipelines have made it the gold standard in feature films.
But 2D animation is far from over.
There’s still a massive demand for 2D in TV animation. Shows like Rick and Morty, The Owl House, Castlevania, and Bob’s Burgers are thriving examples of 2D storytelling.
What most people don’t realize is that while 2D animation is often produced overseas (in Korea, Canada, etc.), the storyboarding and design work is done in the U.S.—or in the originating country of the IP. This is where creative control lives.
Where Traditional Training Falls Short
Most colleges and online programs offer limited training in either 2D or 3D. They often emphasize software over real-world production experience.
Hollywood Animation Academy is the first school that specializes in real-world, studio-style production training.
We train students to animate in 2D, then transition those skills into professional storyboarding, using Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, just like the studios do.
Our students learn to break down performances, build animatics, and create boards that feel like finished animation—an essential skill for getting hired.
The Masterclass: Make Your Own Film
Our advanced Masterclass Program is a program we see recent graduates of other schools’ traditional training programs inquire about. There, students take everything they’ve learned and:
Create their own professional-level 2D short film
Collaborate with Hollywood directors
Learn how to submit their film to global film festivals
This is the real deal—hands-on experience with industry mentorship that launches careers.
The 3D Animation Boom
Meanwhile, 3D animation is evolving at lightning speed. Tools like:
Unreal Engine
Maya
Blender
AI-powered animation tools
...are transforming how animation is made.
Game engines are becoming the next generation of filmmaking tools. For the first time, individual artists can produce studio-quality content without an entire team behind them.
Independent creators now have the power to compete with major studios.
So - should you learn 2D or 3D animation?
The truth is: you don’t have to choose just one.
2D teaches you storytelling, timing, posing, and acting.
3D unlocks interactive worlds, cinematic visuals, and real-time filmmaking.
At Hollywood Animation Academy, we train well-rounded artists who can move fluidly between both worlds.
Whether you want to storyboard for TV, animate for games, or direct your own film—HAA is the only school designed for where animation is going next.
Ready to Start?
Are you a beginner - and want to get a taste of what its all about to see if this is a career that might be for you? Check out our 8 week Online Courses.
Are you looking for the right college-level training program that will get you into an industry career? Read about our 2 Year Certificate Program.
Are you a graduate looking for the skills that will get you hired? You need to learn about our Master Craft Program.
