How to request an animation video: a guide for businesses

You may not believe this, but one of the hardest parts of creating an animation video for many businesses isn’t the animation itself — it’s figuring out how to request it in the first place. Sounds simple, right? Well, if it’s your first time, it can feel hard. 

There are plenty of reasons: you may not be familiar with animation formats, don’t know what is fitting for your brand, or simply don’t understand how to gather all of your ideas in one, proper request.

Don’t worry. We will sort it out. Read on!

Step 1: Watch, Watch, and Watch Some More

Before you even think about drafting your request, start by watching animation videos — lots of them.

Look at what’s already out there: See what your competitors have done or explore videos related to your industry. It’s not about copying but getting inspired.

Build your animation vocabulary: Explore different styles, formats, and tones. Vimeo, Behance, and other creative platforms are goldmines for this.

Pick your favorites (and your not-so-favorites): Make a list of references. Highlight videos you love and others you absolutely don’t want your project to resemble. Trust us, knowing what not to do is just as helpful as knowing what to aim for.

After all that binge-watching, you’ll likely have 2–3 solid ideas brewing in your mind. Don’t worry if they feel vague — this is where the fun starts!

Step 2: Moodboard It

A moodboard is basically a vision board for your project. Gather everything that resonates with your brand and the vibe you’re aiming for:

Visuals: Images, fonts, colors, and characters that capture the style and energy you want.

Themes: Houses, props, or objects you feel are essential to the story.

Inspiration from life: Anything uniquely local or authentic to your region. For example, if you’re based in Kyoto and the animation features cherry blossoms, you’ll want to provide specific reference photos to ensure they capture the charm unique to your area.

If putting this together feels overwhelming, ask the animation studio for help — they’ll love you for being so prepared. 

Step 3: Prioritize Your Key Points

Let’s face it: an animation video isn’t a 40-slide presentation. It’s short, snappy, and focused. To make it work:

Identify 2–3 core messages: These are the heart of your video. It could be a particular product feature, a specific action, or even the overall mood.

Communicate them clearly: Share these points with the studio, ideally in a few simple sentences. The goal is to get everyone on the same wavelength early on.

Step 4: To Animatic or Not to Animatic?

So, the animatic. What is it? It’s just a rough draft; a super simple, bare-bones version of the final video. It gives you a clear idea of how everything will look and flow, helping you spot any issues early on and avoid costly revisions later.So, should you invest in one?

For complex projects: Yes! Animatics help you visualize the flow and spot any issues before the final animation. Plus, you can make changes without major budget-busting revisions.

For simpler projects: Skip it. Save your time and resources for polishing the final product.

Discuss this with the studio. They’ll guide you on whether an animatic is worth the effort for your specific project.

When You Have No Idea What to Request

If you’re staring at a blank page and have no clue where to start, don’t panic. Animation studios are more than just a group of talented artists — they’re seasoned consultants who’ve been there, and done that. Here’s what you can do:

Schedule a consultation: Many studios offer this as part of their services. They’ll ask questions, listen to your ideas (or lack thereof), and help you shape a concept.

Lean on their expertise: Share your business goals, target audience, and any branding materials you already have. Even vague inputs like “We want something fun but professional” can spark ideas.

Collaborate: Treat the studio like a creative partner. The more open and engaged you are, the better they can translate your needs into a visual masterpiece.

Conclusion

Requesting an animation video might feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. By doing your homework, gathering inspiration, and clearly communicating your vision, you’re already halfway to a stunning result. Remember, animation studios aren’t just there to execute your ideas — they’re your creative partners, ready to bring your brand’s story to life.

Go ahead and make your vision a reality!