Animator explains why Arcane is mostly 2D

It is still a 3D animation, but the props are not 3D models. Instead, they are painted and projected to the primitive background. Yes, the floor and walls are in 3D space, but they mostly serve as shadow catchers.

[thatguythere]

I find it funny how part of the explanation for why this looks so good is "they don't have as much money". If it's both cheaper and better looking, I would think more studios would be using 2D backgrounds more often.

[Ben-rzcf]

They're actually both. Their workflow involves paintovers of 3D scenes and camera projection. So they get accurate lighting reference from 3D, then paint over it to make it feel hand painted, then bring it back into 3D to give it dynamic camera movements.

[davidedwardsme]

I would still build a lot of this out in 3d and do a 2d paint over. Sometimes it's just quicker to paint over 3d, especially with paint conversion tools like Topaz Impression which can assist in breaking down the 3d look. Depends on the artist. Though agree most of Arcane appears to be 2d with simple card / low poly projections.

[lanewallace.]

I really don’t think that only the characters are 3D. The camera moves around so much in scenes and the environments and objects are clearly 3D in the fore ground and mid ground. The backgrounds are painted. And I’m sure that if the camera is stationary then other things are painted as well. But not everything is painted.

[ashparagus]

Mind blowing how good it looks 🤯🤯 So much respect for the insanely skilled painters that worked on this show (and just for everyone who worked on it lol), everything seemed seamless even with the 2D 3D mixing.

[helion__]

Man, all you need to do is look at the credits to see there are plenty of 3D environment and prop artists. Yes, there are a hell of a lot of matte painters and texture artists too, but it doesn't make as much as you claim to be 2D true. An animator outside the company who didn't work on this production can't really make claims like these.

[intensitydigital]

I would still classify it as 3d, even if they use a non-standard texturing method for their models.

[hexcodeff]

The focus is on 3D elements, so it's still 3D. This title is just bait.

[davidunoi]

The first shining example of amazing 2D that ive ever seen was "Klaus". That had my brain scrambled for a long time. Amazing technique when done right.

[andreww]

"only the characters" that's like a huge part of the whole thing.

[Gilgamesh]

Theres definitely 3D being used for backgrounds, i wont say every background is 3d cause i dont know, but some are for sure. it 100% would take longer to 2d paint every background for every scene very accurately. using 3d actually saves alot of time when making enviornments so i dont really think saying everything in arcane is 2d except characters is accurate. sorry to say

[magnuskno]

Arcane is the best looking animated series I've ever seen in my 46 years of life of watching animated series, so this technique works incredibly well.

[carmenramirez]

the 2d painting is so beautiful i hope they keep it up

[MJ.]

this is the best art and visual composition i have ever seen i want the whole world rendered this way

[ErnestoGuidos]

I mean this with no exaggeration, this show is an absolute masterpiece and imo one of the best pieces of fiction in the last decade, and up there as my favorite ever along side Spider Verse. I am lost for words as to how incredible this show is and what Riot did is nothing short of legendary and historical. The animation is drop dead gorgeous and revolutionary, the writing and story is superb and carry so much weight and emotion, the music is impeccable, the performances and voice acting is amazing, the sound effects are stellar and I can go on and on. Truly a remarkable piece of fiction that deserves every ounce or success they have received and continue to receive. I can seriously go on and on with this show. Although I am not emotionally ready for season 2, I hope it’s just as perfect if not more so than season 1. Riot truly did something special as Arcane really is something legendary. There is nothing like Arcane. This show is unbelievably special and will always hold a special place in my heart. It is peak. Chefs kiss😘🎊

[computeraccow]

THANK YOU SO MUCH ZEYU REN YOU ARE THE BEST!
I never knew art station existed, and when I found out about the free courses I was crying of happiness
THANK YOU SO MUUCH

[Oridore_]

This is literally one of the most expensive animated show ever made

[daviewz]

*Arcane is as 2D animation as how Lion King is live action 🥲.*



It’s 3D animation because the content is 3D. Fortiche tells the Arcane story primarily in 3D animation. There are a lot of 2D animation elements in the background and overall atmosphere. However, those aren’t what takes the main stage.

[Joenah]

Funny how the money saving option is what looks so much better than if it was all 3d

[ZephyrinSkies]

Some 3D might still have been used to block things out that then get painted over. Pretty common in the industry, saves time and it's easier to iterate before settling on the final angle. Is why Blender is so popular with concept artists.