The world of the animation process can transport audiences to fantastical realms, evoke their emotions, and bring characters to life if done genuinely and adequately. In addition, animated clips can help you communicate your brand’s message. For example, an explainer or whiteboard animation video can help convey your product or services to potential clients.
However, behind the captivating visuals and seamless movements lies a meticulously crafted animation process that involves careful planning, skilled craftsmanship, and artistic vision.
That’s why, in this article, we’ll go over the animation process step by step, read on to learn what it takes to create animation videos.
So let’s embark on this journey through the world of the Animation Process.
#Step 1- Researching
Research is the first step in any animation process if you want to set the foundation for any animation project. However, gathering critical information about the project is essential before diving into the production process. This includes understanding the purpose of the Animation, identifying the target audience, and noting any specific requirements.
At Elior, we prioritize this stage by thoroughly familiarizing ourselves with the client’s project. We engage in meaningful discussions, asking pertinent questions and ensuring alignment between our team and the client.
In addition, we carry our entire team along for collaboration. By conducting thorough research and involving the whole team, you can lay a strong groundwork for the animation production, ensuring a clear understanding of project goals and requirements from the outset.
#Step 2- Concept and Storyboarding
The animation process begins with conceptualization and storyboarding. First, artists brainstorm ideas, define the narrative, and develop characters and settings. Storyboards, which consist of rough sketches or panels, help visualize the sequence of scenes, camera angles, and transitions. They act as a blueprint for the Animation, enabling the team to plan the visual flow and pacing.
#Step 3- Layout and Animatics
Once the storyboards are finalized, the layout artists take charge. They create detailed backgrounds and arrange the characters within the scene, considering composition, perspective, and spatial relationships.
Animatics, which are rough video representations of the storyboard panels with temporary audio, are often created to help the team visualize the timing and overall feel of the Animation.
#Step 4- Character Design and Modeling
In the animation process, character design plays a vital role. First, artists define each character’s appearance, personality, and unique traits. Next, they create model sheets that showcase nature from various angles and establish the style guide for consistent Animation throughout the project.
Once the designs are approved, 3D modelers or 2D riggers create digital or physical models of the characters, ready for Animation.
#Step 5- Animation heartbeat of the Process
Animation breathes life into static characters and objects. Skilled animators meticulously manipulate the characters and objects frame by frame, creating movement and conveying emotions.
Traditional hand-drawn Animation involves drawing each frame by hand, while computer-generated Animation relies on digital tools to manipulate 2D or 3D models. The animation process requires a deep understanding of timing, physics, and the principles of motion to create believable and captivating performances.
#Step 6- Texturing, Lighting, and Rendering
Texturing adds surface details and colors to the characters and environments, enhancing their visual appeal. Next, artists create virtual lighting setups to simulate real-world lighting conditions, adding depth, mood, and atmosphere to the scenes.
Finally, the rendering combines all the models, textures, and lighting elements to produce the final images or frames that make up the Animation.
#Step 7- Special Effects and Compositing
Special effects artists add visual elements such as explosions, smoke, water simulations, or magical spells to enhance the Animation. These effects are carefully integrated with the main Animation during the compositing stage. Compositors merge various layers, adjust colors, apply filters, and add final touches to bring the entire Animation together.
#Step 8- Sound Design and Post-production
Sound design is a crucial component of the animation process. First, good designers create and synchronize sound effects, dialogue, and music to enhance the emotional impact of the Animation. Then, in post-production, editors fine-tune the Animation, ensuring smooth transitions, adding final touches, and preparing the project for distribution.
About Elior: We offer
Explainer video
Explainer videos are a widely used animation in video marketing. Explainer videos use flat characters, objects, and scenarios to convey messages concisely and effectively. With vibrant visuals, clear scripts, and engaging narration, explainer videos explain complex concepts and captivate audiences.
The explainer animation is the best whether you want to introduce your brand, explain a product, or provide instructions. The most exciting part is that it varies across different styles for producing captivating content. Explore our portfolio for more examples of engaging explainer videos.
2D Animation
Regarding animation styles, two-dimensional Animation takes the spotlight with its distinctive flat characters, objects, and scenarios. The keyword here is “flat,” as this style is popular in video marketing.
To illustrate the animation process, we will primarily focus on two-dimensional Animation. However, the overall steps remain relatively consistent across various production styles. Explore our portfolio for a broader perspective to explore different examples.
Whiteboard Animation Video
Whiteboard animation is a captivating style simulating whiteboard drawing through hand-drawn illustrations and narration. With a marker creating visuals on a white background, this style engages viewers in the storytelling process.
Our whiteboard animation conveys information, explains processes, or educates the audience through storyboarding, scriptwriting, voice-over recording, and animating the drawings using digital tools. This style’s simplicity, versatility, and ability to engage and educate have contributed to its popularity in delivering memorable messages that grab attention and keep viewers interested.
Also Read: 5 Best Video Animation Production Companies in 2023
Conclusion
The animation process is a remarkable blend of artistry, technical skills, and boundless creativity. With the touches of research, storyboard, sound design, and post-production, each stage is crucial in bringing imagination to life and helping the brand fly.
Whatever you decide on, remember that you need animation videos to hit the right chord with the viewer for your brand.
You should visit our website today to check out our portfolio and past clients’ reviews.
