Pre-Production: Building the Foundation
This phase is where ideas are turned into actionable plans. It can save you up to 30% of total costs if done right!
1. Creative Brief
Think of this as the mission plan. Your creative brief should include:
Project goals (What do you want to achieve?)
Target audience (Who are you speaking to?)
Key messages (What should they remember or do?)
Budget and timeline
Brand guidelines (Colors, fonts, tone of voice)
Pro Tip: A strong creative brief increases project success by 75%!
2. Scriptwriting
The script is the backbone of your animation. Keep it clear, concise, and engaging.
Aim for 150 words per minute
Use a conversational tone
Make the call-to-action clear
Try This: Read your script out loud — if it feels awkward, rewrite it!
3. Storyboard
Your storyboard is like a comic strip showing how each scene will look.
Include:
Camera angles
Character positions
Scene transitions
Timing notes
Production: Bringing It to Life
This is where your animation starts to breathe. It's the most time- and resource-intensive stage (around 60% of the total timeline).
4. Asset Creation
Visual elements are created:
Backgrounds
Props
Color palettes typography
Did You Know? A 2-minute video can have 200+ individual assets!
5. Animatic
An animatic is a rough version of your video using the storyboard frames and timing.
Helps spot pacing issues
Saves time before full animation
Syncs basic sound and visuals
6. Animation
Here’s the magic! This step adds movement, emotion, and storytelling.
Includes:
Character animation
Motion graphics special effects
Camera movements
A single second of animation contains 24–30 frames!
Post-Production: Finishing Touches
Now that everything is animated, it’s time to polish.
7. Sound Design
Sound is half the experience! Add:
Background music
Sound effects (SFX)
Volume balancing and mixing
8. Rendering
All parts are stitched together into the final video.
Includes:
High-resolution export
Format versions for web, TV, mobile
Quality checks
9. Delivery Distribution
Your animation is ready to meet the world!
Final files in required formats
Platform-specific versions (YouTube, Instagram, email)
Backup copies for future use
Launch strategy (ads, SEO, social posts)
Animation Styles You Can Choose
Choose the style that fits your message best:
| Style | Best For |
|---|---|
| 2D Animation | Explainers, tutorials, brand storytelling |
| 3D Animation | Product demos, virtual tours, character work |
| Motion Graphics | Data visualization, title sequences, logos |
Typical Animation Timeline
| Week | Phase |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Pre-production |
| 3–4 | Asset creation |
| 5–8 | Animation Voiceover |
| 9–10 | Post-production delivery |
Budget Breakdown (Per Minute)
| Type | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Basic Animation | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Premium Animation | $8,000 – $50,000 |
| Custom Character Design | +30–50% additional |
Final Thoughts
Creating an animation is a creative journey. With solid planning, a clear script, the right team, and great visuals, you can make a video that informs, inspires, and connects with your audience.
Whether you're working with a studio or building it solo, understanding the animation process helps you stay in control — creatively and financially.
