Animation rendering engine for digital greetings

One or more non-transitory computer-storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform a method, the method comprising:

• presenting a user interface that enables customization of a greeting card;
• receiving personalization information useable to personalize the greeting card;
• generating an image file based on the personalization information;
• storing the personalization information;
• storing the image file;
• storing metadata associated with the image file, wherein the metadata is useable to discern characteristics of the image file;
• associating a link with the customized digital greeting card;
• receiving an indication that the link has been referenced;
• retrieving the image file and the personalization information;
• utilizing the image file and the personalization information to generate one or more textures;
• applying the one or more textures to a 3D model of a greeting card;
• generating a digital animated version of a greeting card from the 3D model, wherein the animated version presents a representation of the image file and that is consistent with the personalization information.