Animation is a multifaceted marketing tool, adaptable to diverse industries and objectives. This is evidenced by the impressive growth of the global animation market, which is projected to reach $400 billion by the end of this year. Such a staggering figure underscores the surge in popularity of animation, as it has become an integral part of communication in the digital age.
Whether you’re looking to simplify complex concepts, showcase product features, or tell a compelling brand story, animation should be at the centre of your marketing strategy.
With 85% of businesses considering it a key component of their marketing strategy and 76% reporting an increase in sales performance after utilising an explainer video, animation has proven to be the key to enhancing business communication and marketing efforts.
But understanding why to use animation is just the beginning. It’s equally important to discuss how you start an animation project to ensure your project runs smoothly and results in high-quality content that aligns with your strategic goals.
We have been experts in creating premium animated video content for brands since 2014, and we understand the journey from concept to final product.
In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive step-by-step animation client guide to help you understand what to expect when partnering with an animation studio. Our guide will ensure you’re well-prepared for this exciting creative journey, giving you the insights you need to bring your vision to life effectively.
Step 1: Initial Inquiry
How do you make the first contact?
Your journey begins with the initial project inquiry. Reaching out to an animation studio is the first step towards turning your ideas into reality.
Start by filling out the contact form on the studio’s website, emailing, or making a phone call. These are the primary channels through which you can express your interest.
Once a business expresses an interest in our services, we book a chemistry call between them and our Strategy and Creative Partners. We share our approach and get a sense of the creative brief the prospective client is looking to fulfil. This is a great opportunity to discuss your ideas and expectations with an expert who can guide you through the animation process.
If you know you’re already interested in using animation services, you can book a call directly with our Partners here. They’ll walk you through the process, clarify any questions, and set the wheels in motion for your project.
For those who are still exploring the idea and want to learn more about what animation entails, don’t worry, we will go through the complete process in this guide!
Step 2: Consultation
What happens in a client consultation?
After your initial inquiry, we’ll arrange a client consultation to dive deeper into your project. This discovery stage is all about animation project planning, where we get to understand your vision and goals.
Here’s what typically happens during this initial meeting:
- Discussing The Vision: The client consultation is a thorough analysis of your project. You’ll discuss your vision, objectives, and the message you want to convey through the animation.
- Exploring Ideas: It’s a collaborative session to explore and refine ideas . The creative team will ask questions to understand your brand, your audience, and your expectations. It’ll explore various creative approaches and discuss how we can align our animation services with your objectives.
- Setting the Scope: You’ll outline the project’s scope, including timelines, target demographics, and desired outcomes. This helps in creating a roadmap for the project.
To ensure that the client consultation is productive, you should prepare a creative brief prior to the consultation.
This should typically include:
- The Project Scope: What is the animation for? Is it an explainer video, a marketing campaign, or something else?
- Objectives: Come with a clear idea of your project goals. Know what you want to achieve with the animation.
- Target Audience: Who are you trying to reach with your animation?
- Timeline: What are your expected deadlines?
- Budget: Know your budget range.
- Inspiration: Share examples of animations that you like or that reflect the style you’re aiming for.
You can learn more about how to create a strong creative brief here.
Step 3: Proposal and Project Quote
What should you expect in your animation proposal?
Based on our consultation, we’ll prepare a customised animation proposal for your animation project.
This document would include:
- Timelines and scope: This document is a blueprint of how the studio plans to bring your vision to life.
- Detailed Breakdown: Expect a detailed breakdown of the project stages, deliverables, and the resources required.
- Transparent Pricing: The proposal will include a project quote, providing a clear and transparent pricing structure for the services offered.
It’s important to review the animation proposal carefully and provide feedback. Let us know if there are any adjustments needed or if you have any concerns. Our goal is to ensure that the proposal meets your expectations and sets the foundation for a successful collaboration.
When reviewing the proposal, here’s what to look for and how to respond:
- Alignment with Vision: Ensure that the proposal aligns with your project’s vision and goals discussed during the consultation.
- Realistic Timelines: Check that the timelines are realistic and fit within your schedule.
- Clear Costs: Verify that the project quote is clearly outlined and that you understand what you’re paying for.
- Flexibility: Look for flexibility in the proposal to accommodate any potential changes or revisions.
- Feedback Loop: Provide feedback on the proposal. If there are aspects you’d like to change or clarify, communicate this with the studio.
A well-crafted proposal is a sign of a professional studio. It should give you confidence in their ability to handle your project and should serve as the foundation for the next steps in your animation journey.
Our team thrives on meeting new people and discovering exciting projects we can bring to life.
As an award-winning animation studio, we’re eager to share our passion and expertise with you.
Step 4: Project Scope and Agreement
Finalising the Details
Agreeing on the project scope is a critical step. It involves completing the details of the proposal and making any necessary revisions.
It’s not uncommon for the initial proposal to undergo revisions. These adjustments ensure that the project scope fully captures the client’s needs and the studio’s capabilities. A clear and concise project scope helps prevent scope creep, ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page, and sets the stage for a smooth workflow.
Open communication during this phase is crucial to address any changes and integrate them into the project plan.
Here are the steps involved in finalising the project details:
- Review the Initial Proposal: Go over the proposal provided by the animation studio to ensure it meets your expectations.
- Discuss Potential Revisions: Communicate with the studio about any changes or additional requirements you may have.
- Define Deliverables: Clearly outline what the final product should include and any milestones along the way.
- Set Realistic Timelines: Agree on a timeline that is achievable and allows for high-quality production.
- Negotiate the Animation Agreement: Cover all legal aspects, including payment terms, intellectual property rights, and revision policies.
- Sign Off on the Agreement: Once all details are finalised and both parties are satisfied, you can formally agree to the terms with signatures.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the project scope and agreement are comprehensive and tailored to meet the specific needs of your project, paving the way for a successful collaboration.
Step 5: Contract Signing
Sealing the Deal with a Contract
When you’re ready to move forward with an animation studio, sealing the deal with an animation contract is a pivotal moment. This formal agreement is not just about signing a document; it’s about establishing a clear and mutual understanding of the project’s terms and conditions.
Why is animation contract important?
A contract is the backbone of the professional relationship between you and the animation studio. It ensures that there is a shared vision and clear expectations, which are crucial for the project’s success. It also provides a legal framework that protects the interests of both parties.
What the Contract Typically Includes?
An animation contract typically encompasses several key elements:
- Rights: The contract should specify who will own the intellectual property rights to the animation once the project is completed. Typically this is the client, unless otherwise agreed
- Payment Terms: It should outline the payment schedule, amounts, and methods, ensuring financial clarity and preventing disputes.
- Deliverables: The agreement must detail the specific outputs expected from the studio, including formats, versions, and any other relevant specifications.
What to look for when reviewing the contract?
Before you put pen to paper, it’s essential to review the contract from a legal perspective.
Here’s some advice:
- Consult a Legal Professional: Have a lawyer experienced in intellectual property and contract law review the document.
- Understand Every Clause: Make sure you fully understand the implications of each clause in the contract.
- Negotiate Fair Terms: Don’t hesitate to negotiate terms that are fair and beneficial for both parties.
- Look for Red Flags: Be vigilant for any terms that may seem unfair or overly restrictive.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that the contract you sign is comprehensive and aligns with your project goals, setting a solid foundation for a successful collaboration with the animation studio.
Conclusion
Ready to Start Your Animation Project?
Taking the first step towards starting your animation project is an exciting moment. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the process.
If you have any more questions about the process of animation production or need advice on the best animation video for your needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to answer any questions you have.
If you are still unsure whether animated video production is the right move for you, check out some of our blogs explaining the processes, costs, and benefits of animated video:
Or if you are ready to start your animation project, book a call directly with our creative partner today and kick start your animation project. Our commitment is to make each project a success and to exceed your expectations.
