How To Make A 2D Cartoon Animation

Do you want to learn how to make a 2D cartoon animation but aren’t sure how to get started? If you want to work with an animation studio or freelance animator to create your 2D cartoon animation, you’re in the right place! Video Igniter’s guide to 2D cartoon animations has answers to all of your questions including:

What does it cost to make a 2D cartoon animation?
How do I work with an animator to make a 2D animation?
How long does it take to create a 2D cartoon animation?

All that, plus tips to help you save $1,000 or more off your production budget!

But first, let’s take a look at some examples of 2D cartoon animations that Video Igniter’s team can create for you:

2D Cartoon Animation Examples

Video Igniter can make any kind of 2D or 3D cartoon animation for you. You can see some of our favorite example videos below. For additional production samples, check out our animation portfolio or request access to our demo reels and price sheet.

Are you looking for a different type of animation example? Send us a message to let us know what kind of production example you want to see and we will follow up with some relevant production samples.

How much does it cost to make a 2D cartoon animation?

Most 2D cartoon animations can be produced for a budget between $1,500-$7,500 (for a 60-second video).

If you want to create an animation that looks more like the style of the Saturday morning cartoons we used to watch when we were growing up, you’ll need a bigger budget. This type of animation uses a labor-intensive style of production called “Cel Animation” or “Hand Drawn” animation. Cel animation requires a larger budget to make your video – starting at $7,500 to create each minute of video.

Get a quote for your 2D cartoon animation by sending us a message or scheduling a call.

How do I work with an animator to create a 2D animated cartoon?

Great question – let’s give you a high level overview of the production process so you understand how to go from the idea in your head to the final draft of your 2D animation.

Step 1: Get A Quote

Start by getting a quote for your 2D cartoon animation. In order to get an accurate quote, we recommend sharing the following types of information:

When do you need the final draft?
How long will the video be?
What style of animation do you want to create? (It’s extra helpful if you can share a link to an example of another video you like).

After we agree to the production terms, timeline and budget for your video, you will receive an invoice for 50% of your production budget.

Step 2: Write The Script

In order to write your script, our team will spend some time learning:

What you want to communicate in your animation.
Who your target audience is.
What problems they face.
What do you want viewers to do or feel when they’re done watching your 2D cartoon animation?

We’ll use this info to develop the first draft of your script. You will receive a link to a digital copy of your script that you can share with your team. Add your revision notes to the doc. Then, our writers will work with you to revise your script until you love it.

Step 3: Create The Storyboard

Next, we’ll turn your script into a storyboard so our production team has a blueprint for your 2D cartoon animation. The storyboard includes instructions that explain what we should show and animate during every part of your script.

You will receive a link to a digital copy of the storyboard that you can review online with your team. Add your revision notes and we’ll polish up everything until you love it.

Step 4: Record The VoiceOver

You will receive several voiceover auditions to listen to. Let us know which one is your favorite and we’ll hire that voiceover artist to record the narration for your 2D cartoon animation. You get an opportunity to listen to the full recording and request edits (if needed).

Step 5: Create The Art

After your storyboard is approved, our art director will review it along with your brand guidelines in order to develop concept art for your video. Give the concepts a review and share your honest feedback with the art director. You can collaborate with the art director to refine and polish your favorite piece of concept art until all the details are perfect.

Once the concept art is locked in, we’ll create all of the custom illustrations for your 2D cartoon. You get an opportunity to review all of the art and request revisions before we start animating your cartoon.

Step 6: Select Music

Our team will select several pieces of music that will set the tone for your 2D cartoon animation. Give them a listen and let us know which one is your favorite. We’ll take care of acquiring the appropriate license(s) so we can legally use the music in your video.

Step 7: Animate Your 2D Cartoon

Now that everything is approved, we can animate your 2D cartoon! As soon as the first draft is ready, you will receive a watermarked copy of the video to review. Give it a detailed look over with your team and target audience. Collect everyone’s feedback and send it our way. We’ll integrate your revisions and render out the final draft of your 2D cartoon animation.

As soon as your final invoice is paid, you will receive the final, unwatermarked version of your video.

How long does it take to create a 2D cartoon animation?

There are two answers to this question.

1). If the 2D cartoon animation is produced using modern computer animation techniques, it will take about 4-6 weeks to create a 6o second animation.

2). If the 2D cartoon is produced using a traditional style of animation where every frame is drawn by hand (on paper or on a computer/tablet), the production timeline will be closer to 8-12 weeks for a 60 second animation.

Need to speed up production for your deadline? Video Igniter also offers rush delivery animation.

2D Cartoon Animation Budget Saving Tips

Combine these tips to help you save $1,000 or more off the cost of hiring an animator or studio to create your 2D cartoon animation:

1). Write The Script For Your 2D Cartoon Animation

You can save $500 off the cost of a 60-second 2D cartoon animation if you write the script for your video. In fact, you can save $500 off the cost of each minute of video we produce for you. Download our free script writing template for help getting started.

2). Record The VoiceOver

Each voiceover used in your 2D cartoon animation can cost between $50-$500 to record and license. If you record the voiceover(s) yourself, we can remove this from your production cost. Watch 1:31 in this video to see how you can record professional quality voiceovers at home, without having to buy expensive equipment or professional software.

3). Create The Storyboard

You can save an additional $500 off the cost of a 60-second 2D cartoon animation if you provide the storyboard for your project. That’s right, you can save a total of $1,000 off each minute of video we create for you if you provide the script & storyboard for your video. Download our free storyboard template for help getting started.

4). Find Free, Legal Music

Music licensing costs can be as little as $19 but they can also be over $10,000. Producing some custom music for your 2D cartoon animation will run you at least $1,500. Instead of paying for expensive commercial and broadcast music licenses, you can source free, royalty-free music from sites like Incompetech and Facebook’s sound collection.

5). Start Production ASAP

The biggest and easiest thing you can do to keep your budget low is to start production as soon as possible. We offer rush delivery animation to help you speed up production if your deadline is coming up quick. However, rush delivery can increase your production budget by 10%-50% or more! Avoid rush delivery by getting the ball rolling today – send us a message or schedule a call to discuss your 2D cartoon animation project with our production team.

Still have questions about 2D cartoon animation?

Do you have a question about 2D cartoon animation that wasn’t addressed in this FAQ? Use this form to send us your question and we’ll follow up with an answer. We’ll also post the question and answer to this page so other people can benefit from the knowledge.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

Video Igniter Animation is an online animated video production service. By working with our team online, you can get your custom animated video produced faster and for less than hiring a brick and mortar animation studio.

Watch the demo reel below for examples of the kinds of animation our team can produce for you.

Looking For A 2D Cartoon Animation Production Company In The U.S.?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

2D Cartoon Animation Success Stories & Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it – these testimonials highlight Video Igniter’s reliability, creativity, flexibility and ability to deliver animations that exceed expectations. When you choose Video Igniter Animation, you can rest assured that you are working with a trusted and reputable studio.

“Video Igniter were very easy to work with and the entire process for creating and suggesting edits was seamless and stress-free. I would work with them again and would recommend to others looking to create a modern and stylish explainer video.”

Clair Simpson – VP Marketing, Repool.com

“I run a video production company and outsource animation. The team at Video Igniter did a great job in taking the concept I very crudely drew out and making it into a beautiful animation. The review process was easy and their turnaround time was very quick. I’d def recommend them if you’re looking for an animation project.”

Pat Henderson – Founder, Path8 Productions

“Video Igniter offered us the critical combination of creative value, clear communication, and patience with stakeholder feedback. We ended up with truly high-quality design assets for our video series largely due to the extra level of commitment — and the right balance of efficiencies with flexibility in the process when called for.”

Larry Schlessinger – Sr. Creative Program Manager, Amazon Web Services

“Video Igniter came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

Get in touch!

Schedule a call to discuss your animated video project.

Get a quote for us to create your animated video.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief for your video and we’ll begin production as soon as we receive your production deposit.