Animation is such a versatile medium, no wonder it’s a go-to choice for creating professional and engaging animated ads. Need to illustrate how medicine works in your body or explain the fascinating process of how your IoT device works? Animation turns these intricate concepts into compelling visuals.
Sure. Amateurish animated ads have their own quirky appeal, but if you want to captivate your audience, convey credibility, and leave a polished impression– especially for your business, professionally-animated ads are the way to go.
But, how do you create well-polished animated ads? You have two choices: learn how to animate yourself and work with an animation studio.
Do-It-Yourself Professional Animated Ads
So, you’re on a budget and interested in animation. Learning and creating your own professional animated ads might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s still achievable– though it needs more time because of the learning curve.
Start with a Clear Plan
Before diving into animation, take the time to outline your concept. What’s the message you want to convey? Who is your target audience? Where do you want to distribute the animated ads (e.g., for your social media marketing, email newsletters, homepage, etc.)
Create a storyboard to visualize your idea and map out the scenes. This step makes sure that your animation has a clear structure and flow so you can time and frustration later. Remember, even the simplest animations benefit from a well-thought-out plan!
Choose the Right Animation Software
Selecting the right tool is crucial for creating professional-looking animated ads. There are plenty of DIY-friendly animation software options, such as Toon Boom, Vyond, or Animaker, that cater to different skill levels and needs.
Look for software with a user-friendly interface, a wide range of templates, and features that match your project’s complexity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with free trials to find the best fit for your style and budget
Keep It Simple and Focused
When it comes to DIY animated ads, less is often more. A streamlined, focused animation will have more impact than one that tries to do too much at once.
Avoid overcomplicating your animation with too many elements or effects. Focus on a clear, concise message that can be easily understood within a short time frame. Aim for a clean design with simple visuals that highlight your key points. A straightforward animation makes it much easier for your audience to engage and remember your ad.
Use Consistent Branding
Make sure your animated ads align with your brand’s identity. Consistent use of colors, fonts, and logos throughout the animation helps reinforce your brand message and makes your ad instantly recognizable.
A no-brainer element like a specific color palette or a particular style helps you stay true to your branding and shows that your animated ad reflects your business’s personality and values.
Optimize for Multiple Platforms
Different platforms have different requirements, so it’s important to optimize your animated ad for each one. Whether it’s YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or your website, each platform has specific video dimensions, length limits, and aspect ratios.
Be sure to adjust your animation to fit these guidelines. It makes sure that your animation looks its best no matter where it’s viewed. Also, consider adding subtitles for accessibility, as many viewers watch videos without sound.
Made-in-Studio Professional Animation
When it comes to creating high-quality, polished animations that truly stand out, nothing beats the expertise of a professional animation studio. With a team of skilled animators, designers, and storytellers, a studio can take your vision to new heights.
But, it doesn’t mean that you should leave everything to them; collaboration is key. Your input is invaluable in shaping the animation to match your brand’s voice, message, and goals.
Do Your Research
Before you jump into working with a professional animation studio, take the time to do thorough research. Look at studios’ portfolios, reviews, and previous projects to understand their style and capabilities.
Consider the type of animation that best fits your needs, whether it’s 2D, 3D, or motion graphics. Research also includes understanding your target audience and what types of animations resonate with them.
Many animation studios offer free consultations. You can use it to discuss your ideas, clarify your goals, and ask questions about their process, timelines, and pricing. This is also a great opportunity to gauge their understanding of your vision and see if their creative style aligns with what you have in mind.
Set Clear Expectations
Establishing clear expectations from the beginning is crucial for a smooth collaboration with an animation studio. Define the scope of the project, including timelines, budget, and deliverables.
Be specific about your animated ad goals, desired style, and any branding elements that must be incorporated. The more detailed and precise you are, the easier it will be for the studio to bring your vision to life. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures the final animation meets your standards and objectives.
Provide Detailed Feedback
Throughout the animation process, providing detailed and constructive feedback is crucial for ensuring the final product aligns with your vision. Review drafts carefully and point out what you like and what needs adjustment, whether it’s pacing, color scheme, or messaging.
Be specific and clear in your feedback. You can offer examples or references when necessary. This helps the studio understand your preferences and make revisions that get you closer to the end result you’re aiming for.
Understand the Revision Process
Most animation studios offer a set number of revisions as part of the project. It’s important to understand the studio’s revision policy from the start. Clarify how many rounds of revisions are included, what types of changes can be made, and if there are additional costs for extra revisions.
Trust the Experts
While it’s important to communicate your vision and provide feedback, it’s also essential to trust the expertise of the animation studio. Professional animators bring years of experience and creative insight to the table, often offering suggestions or solutions you might not have considered.
Allow the studio some creative freedom to explore different ideas and techniques that can elevate your animation. Trusting their expertise can lead to a more refined and innovative result that you may not have imagined on your own.
Wrapping Up
A high-quality animated ad can make your brand more memorable, engage your audience more effectively, and convey your message in ways that traditional media simply can’t match.
While working with a professional animation studio might seem like a significant investment, the good news is that there are plenty of studios that offer top-tier animation at reasonable and affordable prices.
With the right studio, you can achieve a polished, impactful ad without breaking the bank. Remember that your ad can be an investment– and investing in professional animation is an investment in the success and longevity of your brand.
Author
Andre Oentoro is the founder of Breadnbeyond, an award-winning explainer video company. He helps businesses increase conversion rates, close more sales, and get positive ROI from explainer videos (in that order).
Twitter: @breadnbeyond
Email: andre@breadnbeyond.com
LinkedIn: Andre Oentoro