Animation is one of the most compelling ways to tell a visual story. 

When you think about animation, what comes to mind? Is it a cartoon, or perhaps a Pixar film? It’s common for animation to be thought of in its bigger, motion-picture style—but in marketing terms, animation is more compact and has become a go-to method of communicating with customers.

Did you know that animation predates film altogether? The earliest forms of animation were used by the ancient Greeks, who used a series of visuals to tell a story or communicate with others. The first animated motion picture was, according to film experts, Émile Cohl’s Fantasmagorie in 1908, while the first full-length animated movie was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released by Walt Disney in 1937.

Perhaps—possibly—you’ve had a chance to take a step back and reflect on how much has changed in the last two years.

March 2020 was truly a different time. As a marketing leader, your priorities have undoubtedly shifted. Whether it was a short-term pivot to reach customers where they were (at home, in front of a screen) or refocusing your big-picture goals to account for all that was happening in your industry or the world…the point is, going forward, you’re going to need a solid plan.

Take a look at your browser tabs right now.

Or, check your phone real quick.

Is there an open or unfinished shopping cart floating out there? Chances are there is, but don’t worry—you’re the rule, not the exception.