If you’re a business, brand, or marketing team planning to bring your ideas to life through motion, there are a few things you absolutely must understand before starting an animation project. This blog will walk you through everything from budgeting and timelines to creative clarity and communication best practices so your project runs as smoothly as your finished animation.
1. Understand Your Objective Clearly
The first step in any successful animation project is having a clear, focused goal. Before you even reach out to an animation studio or freelancer, ask yourself:
- What is the purpose of this video?
- Who is my target audience?
- What action do I want viewers to take after watching?
Is your goal to educate, promote, explain, or entertain? Each purpose requires a different tone, visual style, and structure. Defining your objective early ensures your team creates an animation that aligns with the end goal—whether it’s generating leads, onboarding users, or building brand awareness.
Pro Tip: Write a one-line mission statement for the project. Example: “Create a 60-second animated video that explains our new app feature to first-time users.”
2. Know Your Budget Range
Budget can be an uncomfortable topic, but it’s one of the most important things to sort out before starting an animation project. Animation costs vary widely depending on:
- Style (2D, 3D, whiteboard, motion graphics, etc.)
- Length and complexity
- Voiceover and sound design needs
- Revisions and delivery formats
- Timeline and turnaround urgency
A 30-second high-end 3D animation may cost significantly more than a simple 2D motion graphics explainer. Being upfront with your budget helps the studio recommend the most effective approach without wasting time.
Pro Tip: Provide a ballpark range (e.g., $3K–$6K or $10K–$15K) early in the conversation. Most professionals can tailor solutions to fit your budget.
3. Timeline Matters More Than You Think
Animation is a highly collaborative and time-consuming process. Even a 60-second video may take 4 to 8 weeks depending on complexity. Unrealistic timelines often lead to compromised quality.
A typical production timeline includes:
- Discovery and scripting: 1–2 weeks
- Storyboarding: 1–2 weeks
- Design and style frames: 1 week
- Animation and editing: 2–3 weeks
- Sound and delivery: 1 week
If you need a rush project, expect to pay a premium. Better yet, plan ahead and start discussions well in advance.
Pro Tip: Add buffer time for feedback rounds and internal approvals on your side.
4. Get Involved in the Script Phase
The script is the backbone of your animation. If the message isn’t clear or compelling in writing, no amount of stunning visuals will save it. Clients often underestimate how critical this step is.
Be sure to:
- Review the script carefully
- Provide input on tone and messaging
- Keep language concise and audience-focused
- Ensure the voice aligns with your brand
A typical voiceover script for a 60-second video is around 130–150 words. Keep it simple and impactful.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a script yet, most animation studios offer copywriting or scriptwriting as part of the package—use that to your advantage.
5. Know the Different Animation Styles
Choosing the right style is about more than aesthetics. It affects cost, timeline, and viewer perception. Here are some common styles:
2D Animation
Great for explainer videos, storytelling, and brand-friendly content. It’s versatile and cost-effective.
Motion Graphics
Ideal for abstract concepts, stats, and data-driven messaging. Clean and professional.
Whiteboard Animation
Perfect for step-by-step tutorials or educational videos. It mimics a live drawing on a whiteboard.
3D Animation
Best for product demos or cinematic visuals. It’s more immersive but also more expensive and time-intensive.
Pro Tip: Ask the studio for examples of each style to see what fits your brand and goals best.
6. Clarify Roles and Responsibilities
One of the major sources of delay during animation projects is unclear communication. Before production begins, make sure both you and the animation team are clear on:
- Who is the primary point of contact on both sides
- Who approves each stage (script, storyboard, animation, etc.)
- What the feedback timeline looks like
- How revisions will be handled
Many studios follow a milestone-based structure. Once a phase is approved, it typically can’t be revised without additional cost. Clear decision-making leads to smoother collaboration.
Pro Tip: Designate one main stakeholder to consolidate and deliver feedback, avoiding conflicting input from multiple departments.
7. Feedback: Be Clear, Timely, and Constructive
Feedback is a vital part of the creative process but it needs to be specific and on time. Avoid vague comments like “It doesn’t feel right” or “Make it pop.”
Instead, say:
- “The tone sounds too formal; can we make it more conversational?”
- “Can we change the character’s color to match our brand palette?”
- “Let’s adjust the pacing in this scene to slow it down slightly.”
Also, respect the feedback deadlines set by the production team. Delays on your end can push the entire schedule.
Pro Tip: Use annotated PDFs, Loom videos, or timestamped comments to give precise notes during animation review.
8. Plan for Multiple Formats
Before production begins, think about how and where the video will be used. Will it go on:
- Your website homepage?
- Social media (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)?
- Sales presentations?
- Email campaigns?
Different platforms have different specs (e.g., square vs. widescreen, captions vs. voiceover). Tell your animation team early so they can design with flexibility in mind or offer different versions optimized for each channel.
Pro Tip: Ask for editable project files or layered exports if you plan to localize the animation or make updates in the future.
9. Don’t Skip Sound Design
Sound is often the most underestimated part of an animation project but it’s critical for impact. Voiceovers, music, and sound effects help:
- Set the mood
- Guide pacing
- Reinforce actions and transitions
- Enhance emotional tone
Be prepared to choose between:
- Professional voiceover vs. AI narration
- Original music vs. royalty-free tracks
- Subtle SFX vs. energetic sound beds
Pro Tip: Ask for voiceover samples in different accents or tones. Test them with your audience if possible before selecting.
10. Review and Approval Stages Matter
Animation production is linear meaning each phase builds on the previous one. You can’t change the script once animation starts without causing major delays or rework. That’s why sign-offs matter at each stage:
- Script
- Storyboard
- Design frames
- Animation draft
- Final video
Review each version carefully and be sure it meets your brand and message expectations before approving.
Pro Tip: Build internal review checkpoints into your team’s calendar so you don’t miss deadlines or approvals.
11. Don’t Expect “Unlimited Revisions”
Most studios offer 1–2 revision rounds per phase. If you need more than that, expect additional charges or scope changes.
Unlimited revisions often lead to scope creep, project fatigue, and budget overruns. Respect the agreed process to get the best results.
Pro Tip: Make feedback count by compiling it all at once don’t send piecemeal comments.
12. Trust the Creative Process
Finally, remember: animation is a creative service. You hired professionals for their experience and artistic ability. Collaborate closely, but don’t micromanage every frame. Be open to suggestions they may have visual or narrative ideas you hadn’t considered.
Animation is both a science and an art. Trust the studio to guide you through the journey and elevate your message in ways you never imagined.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to expect before starting an animation project sets you up for success. With clarity on goals, timelines, budgets, and communication, you’re not just hiring an animator you’re building a creative partnership.
Great animation isn’t just about making things move. It’s about making ideas stick, resonate, and inspire. And with the right preparation, Before Starting an Animation Project won’t just be smooth it’ll be unforgettable.
