If you have an animation project in mind and you’re new to the world of motion design and animation, you might be scratching your head wondering what the process is.

I’ve been a motion designer and animator for nearly 10 years, and I’ve been through the process many times as the sole creator or working as part of an animation team. In this article I want to walk you through my process for creating an animated video.

Step 01: Briefing

At a time that’s convenient for you, we have a call to discuss your goals for the animated video and exactly what’s needed in the end.

We have a discussion about the purpose of your video, your target audience, your deadline and the main message you’re aiming to communicate.

We also discuss whether the video will need to be created in different formats. This could be for a specific social media channel or perhaps the video needs to be created with a voiceover in a different language.

I take all this information and create a project estimate for you. This will detail all the steps involved to create the motion design video and an agreed upon deadline. If you’re happy with the price and everything is all clear, we move on to Step 2.

Step 02: Script

Based on all the information provided in the briefing I write a script for the motion design video.

Normally my clients have a ready-made script and that’s absolutely fine. If I feel the script is not going to be effective, I advise on how it could be improved.

We tweak and refine the animation script until you’re happy and then we move on to Step 3.

Step 03: Voiceover

Once the script is signed off, I provide a variety of voiceover options that match your brand and message.

Some people want to add their own voice to the animated video to create a more personal touch. A great option also.

Once a voiceover talent is selected, they are provided with the signed off script and they record. Once the voiceover is completed, the recording is sent to you for your approval. Once approved, the audio is added to my motion design software(Adobe After Effects or Cinema 4D) ready for animation.

Step 04: Storyboard

Whilst the voiceover is being recorded, I put together the storyboard. The storyboard is basically the blueprint for your animated video, and the purpose is to make sure the visuals match up to the script and your overall message.

I sketch out all the keyframes for the video and present them along with the script and annotations, describing the motions in each scene.

Step 05: Style Frames

Whilst the voiceover is being recorded, I put together style frames. These are 1-3 scenes that give you an idea of exactly how your final video will look. These frames are based on the information provided in our briefing call and brand guidelines if you have them.

I’ll be communicating with you throughout the process, seeking your feedback and making sure you’re pleased every step of the journey.

Step 06: Asset Creation & Style Board

Once the storyboard and style has been signed off and your happy, I create all the assets for the final video and present them in a Style Board.

This displays each frame with the appropriate part of the script, in addition to annotations describing what will happen in each scene. At this stage you are now able to see your full video in image form.

Step 07: Animation

This is where the magic happens, and your visuals are brought to life. Before we start this step, we need to make sure you’re happy with all the previous steps and that they’re signed off. This is because, the animation step is the most complex and time intensive part of the process, and major amendments here can really slow down the process.

Step 08: Music Licensing and Sound Design

Music is a great way to help your audience feel and emotionally connect with your message. At this step I look for a selection of professional music tracks that fit the right mood for your animation.

Once you’ve chosen a track, I take care of the purchase of the music track and the licensing. At this stage we now have the voiceover and music track and we just need to mix it all together.

The music track is added to your video and edited down to match the exact length of the motion design video. At this stage sound effects are added to the video if you desire as well.

Step 09: Final Delivery

We’re at the end of the journey and the video is ready for the world. The animated video is exported in the format or formats you require, whether it be for social media, YouTube and so on.

Once exported, the animated video is delivered in a way that’s convenient, this is normally through wetransfer or google drive. Now we can sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of our labour.

Conclusion

As you can see a lot of work goes into creating a custom-made animated video! But in the end, it’s all worth it. Animated videos are one of the most effective ways to communicate your message to your audience.

This is the process most of the time, but every project is different. Sometimes parts of this process are left out completely due to time constraints or tight budgets.

For example, you might already have your assets designed and ready to go. This totally wipes out the style frames step. Some people feel they don’t need a voiceover for their animated video.

This process isn’t set in stone and I treat each animation / motion design project differently.

I hope you found this article useful and that it’s made the process of creating an animated video more clear.

If you have any questions feel free to ping me an email and I’ll happily answer your questions.