Commissioning bespoke animation: a comprehensive guide to understanding the costs and processes involved
understanding animation
In the realm of marketing and storytelling, bespoke animations have emerged as a powerful tool for engaging audiences and communicating even the most complex messages effectively.
A preview into an animation we created using After Effects.
For marketing professionals, brands and charities looking to commission a bespoke animation, understanding the intricacies of cost, necessary expertise, and the production process is crucial.
We’ve created this comprehensive guide to shed light on these aspects, offering transparency and insight into the world of professional animation production.
how much does professional animation cost?
The cost of a bespoke animation can range from anything between £4,000 to upwards of £20,000, and is determined by several key elements:
complexity: Animations range from simplistic motion to intricate, detailed sequences. The more intricate the animation, the greater the time, skill, and resources required, leading to increased costs.
length and detail: Even in a short duration, meticulous attention to detail is necessary. Complex movements, backgrounds, and nuanced expressions all add to the production workload and subsequently, the cost.
style and quality: Animation styles vary from 2D, hand drawn to 3D, each carrying their unique production demands and costs. Higher quality visuals naturally incur more expenses compared to simpler styles.
script and storyboarding: Developing a well-crafted script and storyboard that will resonate with your audience demands expertise and planning, significantly influencing the overall cost.
A storyboard frame we created for a nature recovery animation.
voiceover and sound design: Often overlooked but pivotal in the overall animation finish, professional voiceovers and sound design enhance both quality and value proposition of your message, contributing to overall expenses.
essential animation skills and specialists
Behind every successful animation is a team of highly skilled creative professionals:
storyboard artist: Visualising the script, storyboard artists lay the groundwork for the animation's success.
illustrator/designer: These artists craft the visual elements—characters, backgrounds, props—forming the animation's foundation.
A hand-drawn design we created for a nature recovery animation.
animator: The core of animation, animators bring static visuals to life, creating dynamic movement and narratives.
voiceover artist: Infusing narrative with personality, professional voice actors bring life to the animation.
sound designer/composer: Adding depth through sound effects and music, enhancing the viewer experience.
what is the process of creating an animation?
The animation production process unfolds through several phases, which typically look something like this:
concept & scripting: Ideation, concept outlining, script development, and storyboard creation form the genesis of the animation.
design & artwork: Creation of visual elements — characters, backgrounds— aligned with the animation's vision.
animation: Animators breathe movement into still visuals, bringing characters and scenes to life.
voiceover & sound design: Incorporating voiceovers, sound effects, and music to amplify the animation's impact.
review & revision: Feedback and revisions ensure alignment with the vision and message.
final delivery: The finished animation is ready for deployment in the desired format.
preparing to commission your animation project
Many marketing professionals, brands, charities and public bodies are leveraging bespoke animations to captivate audiences and convey their message with impact, resonating deeply for a lasting impression.
By understanding the intricacies of animation costs, necessary skills, and the production process, you’re well equipped to embark on your animation project with clarity.
is animation worth it?
It’s important to remember that while costs depend on things like complexity, style and duration, commissioning a bespoke animation is a valuable investment in engaging and impactful storytelling. Like this example we created for UK for Good:
“The video Majestical created has been a key talking point and attraction for new clients, as it perfectly represents the purpose of our business. The Majestical team scripted, designed and storyboarded an engaging animation that always inspires our audiences. Majestical are talented, kind, and purpose-driven folk!”
– Poppy Fitzpatrick, UK for Good
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Ever wondered how much professional animation costs, or what skills and specialists are involved in the process? In this article we give you everything you need to know before commissioning your bespoke animation project.