In an increasingly tech-driven world, where photorealistic CGI and advancements in AI seem to often be the focus of discussion, the timeless charm of 2D animation remains an endless source of inspiration for creators and continues to captivate audiences worldwide. 

Writing for Shots, Nexus Studios’ Executive Producer Anthony Austin delves into the enduring magic of 2D animation, exploring how this 132-year-old medium continues to thrive and sheds light on its resilience and relevance in today’s creative landscape.

Throughout the article, Anthony brings in other voices from Nexus Studios, including director Fx Goby and 2D lead Bethany Levy. They bring an artist’s perspective and emphasise the continued importance of craft in this technical medium as well as the rawness this approach can evoke. “The magic of 2D always has the ability to capture people’s imaginations,” Anthony explains, emphasising its immediacy and universality. 

Anthony looks to critically acclaimed 2D work to illustrate his points. Included are Scavengers Reign and Blue-Eyed Samurai, as well as Fx Goby’s breathtaking 2D film for the BBC’s Olympics coverage. These examples help highlight the medium’s versatility from “classic cartoons to the gritty hyperrealism.” 

As Anthony points out, 2D’s ability to elicit emotion while adapting to a range of styles and genres guarantees its place in the future of creativity. It’s a reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean abandoning tradition—sometimes, it’s about reimagining it.

Read the full article on Shots here.