Make an animation project cheaper: how to get a great video and pay less (part 1)

We all love animated videos, don’t we? They’re like the shiny toys of the marketing world, luring our audience in with their captivating visuals and charming narratives. Animation comes in all shapes, so are the prices for it.

Different studios have different pricing policies, and before you start working with one of them, take a moment to count your pennies and see if the price tag doesn’t make you do a double-take.

Some studios charge more because their location is fancy, or they can’t offer you a lower price due to the experience. It doesn’t always reflect the quality of the work. If you think, “cheaper means worse”, quit that mindset now. We’ll tell you how to squeeze a tight budget into an animation production that grants you a tangible outcome. Read on.

Plan and Set Clear Objectives

The key to any successful animation project is careful planning. Start by defining clear objectives and goals for your animation. What message do you want to convey? Who is your target audience? What style of animation will best suit your needs? When you have a well-defined plan, you can avoid unnecessary revisions and costs.

Don’t Chase for a Hype

Yes, sometimes, you just have to do that. Still, hype doesn’t often bring you the best you can get. So choose smartly what format or means of conveying ideas you are choosing.

Embrace Minimalism (But Not Too Much!)

Fewer scenes mean less work and less work means fewer dollars spent. Just be careful not to turn your animation into a toddler’s drawing – there’s a fine line between minimalism and a snooze fest. Each new scene in an animation project demands time and effort to come up with the concept, design, and animate. Mull it over.

Rethink Characters

Characters are important because people get attached to them emotionally, but they can be expensive and cause problems. When it comes to characters, you’ll probably have a lot of discussions with your studio.

Since characters are relatable, everyone has their own thoughts about them, and that can make the approval process take longer and cost more money in the early stages of a project.

Isn’t it Too Long?

Making videos longer usually leads to higher expenses. Longer videos often require a larger budget because they involve more work, such as having a bigger team or spending more time on production. So, if you want to cut down on animation costs, one of the quickest ways is to make your video shorter.

Upcycle Like a Pro

Got old content lying around? Don’t let it gather dust. Repurpose it into your animation project. It’s like turning leftovers into a gourmet meal – budget-friendly and delicious. All you have to do is to give a material in a proper shape to your animation studio.

Music can be Different

Many people desire original music for their projects, but sometimes budget constraints can be a hurdle. In such cases, there is an alternative: using stock audio options. While stock audio may not have the same level of impact as custom-made music, it can still be a valuable choice if used thoughtfully. It’s a cost-effective alternative that can save a substantial amount of money while still enhancing your project’s auditory experience.

Don’t Forget Post-Production

Last but not least, remember the final touches: editing, sound, and voiceovers. They’re the sprinkles on your animation sundae. Plan for these and avoid any surprise bills.

Ask a Studio About Your Options

…And learn what outcomes you will get. Many studios find opportunities where clients can use animation effectively and get the best results for the projects. If a studio can make a bigger impact by investing more resources, they offer this choice to the clients. Then, it’s up to them to decide what results they want.

Conclusion

There is a simple formula to understand if your animation video is really going to work: the studio gets what kind of value it is supposed to bring you. Great thing, if they also understand how to make it happen for a price you can pay.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our money-saving animation adventure. We’re just getting started on our quest to help you create a fantastic video without draining your bank account!