How Long Does It Take To Create An Animated Explainer Video?

The time it takes to create an animated explainer video depends on numerous factors. I covered some of these in my articles, What Is The Process for Making an Animated Video? and How Much Does Motion Design Cost?

In this article I want to dive a bit deeper and give you some more understanding of how these variables link together and affect how long it takes to create an animated explainer video.

Length of The Animated Video

This is probably the most important factor that affects the time it takes to create an animated video. A 30 second animated video could take as little as a week depending on the style and complexity, and a 2-minute animated video could take many weeks.

Complexity and Style of The Animated Video

After considering the length we have to consider the style and complexity. As mentioned, these two variables tie very closely together when determining the amount of time it will take to create the animated video.

Consider these two animated videos I created below which are about the same length in time:

This animated video above took me about 1 week to create from scratch. This was possible because the style of this animated video is very simple. There’s no characters or complex illustrations ,and there’s only two colours. It’s mostly circles and typography with slick transitions. In addition, there’s no voice over that I need to match the visuals to.

Another key thing that affected the amount of time it took to create the animated video, is the fact that my client needed the video very quickly. As a result of this need, I worked with the client on site and the feedback was virtually immediate. This saved a lot of time and we reached the deadline successfully.

Now this next video took me around 3-5 weeks to create:

This is because, as you can see, the video is much more complex. There’s animated characters, a script was written, custom made design elements, textures and a voiceover. One thing to bear in mind also is that because this was a passion project created for self-learning and enjoyment, there was not the usual client amendments. If this was the case, the video most likely would have taken longer to create.

Animation Assets Provided

Sometimes clients come to me with all the assets premade, in addition to a script and voiceover. In these cases all I would need to do is create a storyboard from the assets and tie everything together in my motion graphics design software, Adobe After Effects.

These scenarios are great because the time it takes to come up with a style is already settled and the animation process can move along faster. An example of this would be the animated explainer video I created for award winning designer Ian Paget:

Ian came to me with ready-made assets and a voiceover. I was needed to add in a few elements of my own and bring everything to life with animation. Altogether the animated video took around 2-3 weeks to create including a few tweaks to the script and feedback from Ian.

Amendments to The Animated Video

Another key factor in determining how long it will take to create an animated video is how fast feedback is delivered to me the animator/motion designer, as well as how complicated the set of feedback is.

If I share a first draft of an animation and a client takes a week to respond in addition to the feedback being major changes to the video, this will of course take up time. A week to receive the feedback, plus the time to implement the changes contributes to how long the whole process to create an animated video will take.

Ideal Scenario

If all goes according to plan, an animated explainer video like the below can take around a maximum of 4 weeks to create from scratch.

By according to plan I mean, a good briefing meeting at the start of the video project to make sure the overarching idea and vision is set in stone, and quick feedback from the client to make sure things keep moving forward smoothly in a timely manner throughout the process.

I hope this article made the animation process more clear for you. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

How Much Does Motion Design Cost?

As a freelance motion designer, the number one question I get asked is “how much does a motion design video cost?” And the answer is…it depends.

There are many animation companies out there that provide templated videos for prices that are usually fixed. The potential problem with these videos however, is that it’s not easy to shape these videos into the image and likeness of your brand.

When it comes to custom made motion design videos that fit exactly what you’re looking for, the price can vary greatly depending on many factors.

Based on my conversations with studio owners and my fellow freelance animators, the cost of a motion design video can range from £1,000 to £30,000 plus. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

People are often shocked when they see prices like this but there are a lot of things to consider. Just like anything else you would buy, there are many variables that determine the cost of a motion design video.

The two main things to consider are the complexity and the length of the motion design video. These two go hand in hand.

For example a photo real, 3D animated, motion design video, containing numerous walking characters, with a length of 30 seconds, could take well over 8 weeks to complete.

Part of the reason for this is because, 3D motion design projects are very complex and rendering a single scene can sometimes take hours. So this will be factored into the cost of the motion design video and affect the price.

But on the other hand, a 2D kinetic typography motion design video, that’s 1 minute in length, could take as little as a week to complete. Even though the length of the video is double that of the 3D example above. As a result, this video could be cheaper.

One also has to consider the intricate process that goes into making a single custom-made motion design video. Motion design videos often require as many as 9 different steps and numerous hours of work to complete.

And this doesn’t include, the zoom calls, emails, render times and WhatsApp messages to make sure the motion design video is just right. So you are paying for more than just the finished video itself.

Something else to consider when trying to work out the cost of a motion design video, is that every studio, freelancer and agency prices differently.

Let’s focus on freelance animators or motion designers for the moment. Some freelance motion designers charge £300 per day, others charge considerably more, as much as £600 per day.

This is determined by the skill level of the freelance motion designer, the popularity and also the years of experience.

So, when it comes to determining the cost of a motion design video, it’s not possible to give one blanket answer, it really does depend.

The best thing you can do is make a list of motion design freelancers and studios you like and just ask.

I hope you found this article useful and if you have any more questions about the cost of a motion design video, please feel free to email me.

What Is The Process for Making an Animated Video?

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.

Freelance Motion Designer vs Animation Company: Pros and Cons

So you’ve realised the benefits of animated videos and you’ve decided that you want to create one. But do you choose to go with a reputable animation company, or a highly skilled freelance motion designer / animator?

As someone who’s worked in house as a member of staff and someone who currently works as a freelance motion designer, I’ll be able to give you some insight.

There are pros and cons to working with both and in this article, you will learn what’s best for you and your animated video project.

Animation Company

Pros

There’s just something about the word ‘company’ that fills you with confidence, right? And it certainly makes sense to feel this way. Animation companies have a team of people working on your project.

You could have an account manager, producer, creative director, illustrator, sound designer all working on your project, all in addition to the motion designer doing the main bulk of the work. All these individuals come together with their unique expertise and experiences to make sure your video is polished and professional.

In addition to this there is only so much that one person can do when compared to an animation company. Because animation companies have the benefit of a team, they will be able to offer you various options for your project and present more than one solution.

Also due to having a larger team and likely many in house animators and motion designers, they will always be able to take on your project. An in demand freelance motion designer might be too busy to work on your animation project.

Cons

Of course, with all these extras you will need to pay. When working with an animation company, depending on the kind of project, you are looking at paying within the 5 figure range. Animation companies need to pay all the team members, pay the office rent and so on.

Working with an animation company also offers a bit less flexibility when compared to a freelance motion designer / animator. Once the brief is signed off and the money is exchanged, every little change you may need to a video later down the line will cost more than working with a freelance motion designer.

You also get a less personal experience and communication could be an issue. The person you are communicating with at the company (project manager / producer) is rarely the person who is creating the video (animator / motion designer). This has the potential to cause your message to not get across clearly which can waste time and money.

Freelance Motion Designer

Pros

One of the main advantages of working with a freelance motion designer is that they are usually cheaper than working with an animation company. You get to save money without sacrificing on the quality of the work. All motion designers really need is a laptop and the software’s to do the work. You are essentially paying for the work and work alone.

You also get the benefit of a more personal and tailor-made experience. Freelance motion designers rarely work on more than 2 projects at one time. In fact, often times one project at a time. This ensures your project gets the undivided attention of the freelance motion designer.

Freelance motion designers are also more flexible. Freelancers are not restricted by office hours or location. They can jump on a project as and when required; be it the weekend or 11pm on a Friday night. Because of this flexibility freelancers are also easier to communicate with. You will get faster responses to emails which will help to speed up the process of completing the animation project.

Projects also take a shorter time to complete. Because most freelance motion designers work on 1 – 3 projects maximum at one time, they will have more time to dedicate to your project and speed up the process.

Another reason for fast turnaround times is because there are less eyes looking at the animation before it gets over to you. There are no middlemen; it goes straight from freelance motion designer to you, the end client.

At an animation company the project is viewed and discussed by various members of the team. For example, It could go from motion designer to creative director to project manager to senior project manager to client. With so many subjective opinions this has the huge potential to waste time when at the end of day, the most important opinion of the animation is you, the end client.

Cons

Whilst working with a freelancer can be a great and personal experience and may save you a significant amount of money, only one person can do so much.

Unorganised Freelancers can sometimes commit to too many projects and this could put your animation project in jeopardy. Project deadlines could be missed, and this can affect the objectives that you have with your video.

Another potential disadvantage of working with a freelance motion designer, is that if something unfortunate happens to them (like a broken hand or family emergency), there will be no one to finish your project. Whilst at an animation company, another motion designer can jump on the project and finish it off.

Availability can also be an issue. You might have discovered a really talented motion designer that you like but their fully booked. Also, the freelancer may not want to work with you for personal reasons. Perhaps you’re looking to create a video that clashes with their moral views and they may opt to not work with you. You’re more unlikely to run into this issue with an animation company.

Conclusion: Freelance Motion Designer or Animation Company

So who’s better to work with? In reality both freelance motion designers and reputable animation companies are both great options, it just depends on what you’re looking for at the moment.

If you’re looking for a bit more security, a more structured experience and have the budget for it, go with the animation company. If you’re looking for quality work for less money, a more personal experience and better flexibility go with the freelance motion designer. You can get the same quality of work from both.

If you decide to work with an animation company, contact a few that you like and compare quotes and timeframes. If you opt for a freelance motion designer, make sure their trustworthy, experienced and organised. Also check that they’re not working on too many projects so that yours gets the time and attention it deserves.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this topic, I’m all ears.