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VIDEO CONTENT
Complete
Animation
Process: Step-
by-Step Guide
(2024)
Laura Chaves
April 27, 2024
The State of Video in 2024
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Animated videos are dynamic marketing assets that foster
brand growth and audience
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stories, showcase products, and explain services in a fun
way that grabs people’s attention.
However, crafting impactful animations demands a firm
grasp of the animation process to ensure project success.
You can experiment with different styles, techniques, and
storytelling methods to create unique and impactful
animations.
Here is a step-by-step guide to the animation process to
assist you in preparing your upcoming animated video.
Content
10 Steps in the Animation Production Process
Most Common⚡Types of Animation
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How Much Does Animated Video Cost?
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DIY vs. Professional Animation Services
FAQs
Final Thoughts
10 Steps in the Animation Production
Process
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1. Know the Brand
Before diving into the animated project, it’s crucial to
research and understand the brand thoroughly so you will
be on the same page. This stage involves studying the
client’s brand guidelines, values, target audience, and
unique selling points.
By gaining insights into the brand’s personality and
objectives, animation studios can ensure that the animation
effectively communicates the brand’s values and its
powerful message and resonates with its audience.
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2. Prepare the Script⚡ Get your video estimate fast — take the VidiFit quiz! Start quiz
The script is the animation’s backbone, guiding the Get in
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characters’ storyline, dialogue, and actions. The pre- touch
production stage begins with brainstorming ideas and
refining them into an awesome narrative that aligns with the
brand’s objectives.
The video script outlines the scenes, character interactions,
and key aspects, providing a clear roadmap for the
animation [1] production process.
3. Storyboarding
Storyboarding is a part of the animation process that
transforms the video script into a visual storyboard,
depicting each scene and sequence of the animation.
A storyboard is part of the animation process. It involves
rough sketches or thumbnails to visualize the composition,
camera angles, and character poses. Storyboards help plan
the animation’s flow and pacing, ensuring a cohesive and
engaging story from start to finish.
4. Choose A Style ⚡ Get your video estimate fast — take the VidiFit quiz! Start quiz
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process steps in defining the look and feel of the animation. touch
This involves determining the art direction, color palette,
and overall aesthetic that best reflects the brand’s identity
and resonates with its target audience.
Whether it’s a minimalist design, a vibrant and colorful
approach, or a retro-inspired look, selecting the right chord
sets the tone for the entire video project.
5. Voiceover
Voiceover artists bring the script to existence by recording
the dialogue and narration that matches the visual part of an
animated explainer video. This animation step involves
casting the appropriate actors to capture the desired tone,
emotion, and character personalities through voice
recording.
Whether it’s a professional voice talent or in-house team
members, the voiceover recording adds depth and
authenticity to the video
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6. Illustration
Illustration is the visual realization of the script and
storyboard, where artists create animation characters,
backgrounds, props, and other visual elements of the style
frames.
This animation process involves translating the written script
and storyboard sketches into fully realized illustrations that
reflect the chosen visual style and capture the brand’s
essence. The style frames are meticulously crafted to
convey emotion, expression, and storytelling nuance.
7. Animation
Animators [2] breathe realism into the illustrations by adding
movement, gestures, and expressions to the characters and
objects.
Using animation software or traditional
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animators bring the detailed storyboard to life, creating fluid
motion andServices
dynamic scenes that engage
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target audience.
This step in the animation process requires careful attention
to timing, pacing, and character performance to effectively
convey the intended narrative and emotion.
8. Sound Design
Sound design enhances the audio-visual experience of the
animation by adding sound effects, music, and ambient
sounds. Sound designers select and create audio elements
that complement the on-screen action, heightening the
animation’s mood, atmosphere, and emotional impact.
From subtle background noises to dramatic music and
sound effects, sound design is created based on its eye-
candy illustrations, creating a more engaging viewing
experience.
9. Integrate & Deliver
In this production stage,
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audio, and effects, are integrated and synchronized to
create the Services
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This involves combining
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animated sequences with the voiceover, sound effects, and
music, ensuring that everything aligns seamlessly.
Once the animation process is complete, it is formatted and
delivered in the appropriate file format for distribution to the
client or audience.
10. Post-Production
Post-production involves reviewing the project and making
necessary edits or revisions to ensure quality and
consistency.
Post-production may include fine-tuning the timing of
animations, adjusting color palettes, refining sound effects,
or making last-minute changes based on client feedback.
Once all revisions are complete, the final product is rendered
and prepared for final delivery across great platforms and
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Most Common
Services Types of Animation
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Motion Graphics
Motion graphics types involve using text, shapes, and
graphics to create animated visuals that convey information
or tell a story. They are commonly used in advertisements,
explainer videos, and title sequences to add dynamic and
engaging elements to the content.
2D Animation ⚡ Get your video estimate fast — take the VidiFit quiz! Start quiz
2D animation involves creating characters, backgrounds, Get in
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and objects in a two-dimensional space and animating them touch
through a series of drawings or images.
It is a traditional form of animation production often used in
cartoons, animated series, and short films due to its
flexibility and accessibility.
3D Animation
3D animation involves creating three-dimensional models of
characters, environments, and objects and animating them
using specialized software.
It allows for more realistic movement and depth compared
to 2D animation and is commonly used in feature films,
explainer video games, and visual effects for its immersive
and lifelike qualities [3].
Stop Motion
It involves manipulating physical
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photographing them one frame at a time to create the
illusion of movement.
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It can be done using various materials such as clay, paper, or
fabric. It is often used in children’s television shows,
commercials, and independent films for its unique and
tactile aesthetic.
How Much Does Animated Video Cost?
An animation video project can cost $7,000 to $20,000 or
more. One primary factor is the complexity of the animation
project.
A great animated video with basic movements and limited
detail will generally cost less than more complex animations
that require intricate designs, advanced effects, or detailed
character animation.
Quality, determined by lifelike movement and polished
visuals, influences costs. Experienced animators command
higher rates, impacting the
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Additional factors such as specialized tools, voiceover,
music, and sound design contribute to the final cost.
Businesses should carefully assess the entire project needs
and budget constraints when estimating expenses.
DIY vs. Professional Animation Services
DIY animation involves creating animations independently
using online tools or software, often at a lower cost but with
limited expertise and resources.
On the other hand, professional services offer high-quality
animations crafted by experienced animators, ensuring
polished visuals and effective storytelling.
While the DIY animation production process may be budget-
friendly for simple projects, professional services provide
expertise, creativity, and customization for impactful
animations tailored to specific needs and audiences.
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A short animated video might take two weeks to complete,
whereas a feature-length animated film and TV show could
require several months or even years of production process.
Additionally, factors such as the availability of resources, the
size of the animation production team, and any unforeseen
challenges during the animation process can also impact the
timeline in the same way.
The duration of the animation process varies significantly
depending on factors like project complexity, ideal length,
and style.
When did animation first start?
The roots of animation can be traced back to the early
1900s when pioneers like Émile Cohl and Winsor McCay
experimented with techniques such
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However, the groundbreaking work of animators like Walt
Disney in the 1920s and 1930s propelled animation into the
mainstream, forever changing the entertainment landscape.
What is an example of animation?
Animation takes various forms and styles, from traditional
hand-drawn animation to computer-generated imagery
(CGI) and stop-motion animation.
An iconic animation example is Mickey Mouse, created by
Walt Disney and first introduced in the 1928 short film
“Steamboat Willie.”
Mickey Mouse quickly became a recognizable and beloved
animated character design in history, symbolizing the magic
and appeal of animations to audiences worldwide.
Why is animation important?
Animation plays a vital roleyour
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communication. It allows storytellers to bring a character
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and backgrounds.
Additionally, animation’s versatility makes it an invaluable
tool for conveying complex ideas, visualizing concepts, and
evoking emotions in ways that are not always possible
through other mediums.
From entertaining children with colorful cartoons to
conveying powerful messages through thought-provoking
films, it has the power to inspire, educate, and entertain
audiences around the globe.
Final Thoughts
The animation process is a multi-faceted journey that
combines creativity, technical skill, and storytelling prowess
to bring ideas to life in a captivating and visually stunning
manner.
From the initial concept development
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the final animation stages and post-production, each step
plays a crucial role in crafting
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animations
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that entertain,
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educate, and inspire audiences worldwide.
Whether it’s a short animated video, a feature-length film, or
an educational explainer video, the animation process allows
creators to unleash their imagination and connect with
audiences on a profound level.
Ready to elevate your content with compelling animations?
Use our VidiFit Quiz for a free estimate and unleash the full
potential of your ideas [4]!
References:
1. https://www.britannica.com/art/animation
2. https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/animation/discover/principles-
of-animation.html
3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/11/21/the-
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future-of-3-d-technology-and-how-it-can-help-your-
business/ Get in
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4. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-
release/2022/08/12/2497652/0/en/Video-Production-
Company-Vidico-Launch-Rebrand-To-Offer-Their-
Customers-Clarity-Precision-And-An-Even-Higher-Level-
Of-Communication.html
