Computer Animation Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents

Do you want to hire an animator to create a computer animation but aren’t sure how or where to get started? You’re in the right place! Video Igniter’s guide to computer animation has answers to all your top questions including:

How do I work with an animator/studio to create a computer animation?
How long does it take to create a computer animation?
What does it cost to make a computer animation?
How do I pick the right producer for my computer animation?
What are some ways I can save money on my computer animation budget?

All that and more coming up in this comprehensive guide. But first, let’s take a look at examples of the different styles of computer animation Video Igniter’s production team can create for you.

Computer Animation Examples

Video Igniter can make any kind of 2D or 3D computer 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 computer 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 relevant production samples.

How do I make a computer animation with Video Igniter?

Let’s take a quick look at the computer animation production process so you understand how to turn the idea in your head into a custom animated video.

1). Contact Us

When you’re ready to start production on your computer animation, send us a message or schedule a call to get a quote for your animation. Our team will work with you to develop a budget and timeline to create your dream animation.

2). Script

Video Igniter’s script writers will meet with you virtually to learn:

What do you want to say or show in your computer animation?
Who is your target audience?
What problems or challenges does your audience face?
What solution do you want to present to help your audience resolve their problem?

Then, we use this information to develop the first draft of the script for your computer animation. You will receive a digital copy of the script to review with your team. Add your feedback and revision notes to the script document and we will integrate your edits until the script is perfect.

Planning on writing the script for your animation? Learn about Video Igniter’s script to animation production service.

3). Storyboard

Next, we turn your script into a storyboard. The storyboard functions like a blueprint for your computer animation. It contains visual and written instructions for our illustrators and animators so they understand what to create for every part of your video’s script.

You will receive a digital copy of the storyboard to review with your team. Add your notes to the document and we will revise and update the storyboard until it’s perfect.

4). VoiceOver

You will receive multiple voiceover auditions to review. Give them a listen and let us know which voiceover talent is your favorite. We will hire them to record the full voiceover narration for your computer animation. You will get an opportunity to listen to the full recording and request edits, if needed.

5). Soundtrack

You will also receive several soundtrack options for your animation. Give them a listen and let us know which one is your favorite. We will take care of acquiring the appropriate broadcast & commercial license(s) so we can legally use the music in your computer animation.

6). Illustrations

As soon as your storyboard is approved, our art director will begin work creating concept art for your computer animation. The art director will review your storyboard and brand guidelines to develop multiple pieces of concept for your video. After you review the concepts, share your honest feedback with the art director. Our team will work with you to revise and polish your favorite visual concept until you love it.

Then, we’ll create all of the custom illustrations for your video. You will get an opportunity to review all of the illustrations and request edits before we animate your video.

7). Animation

Now that everything is approved, it’s time to make your computer animation! As soon as the first draft is ready, you will receive a link to download your animation. Give it a detailed review with your team and members of your target audience. Collect everyone’s feedback and send it our way. We’ll integrate your revisions and render out the final draft of your computer animation.

Deep Dive: How To Make Video Animations With Video Igniter

What does it cost to make a computer animation?

2D computer animation typically costs between $1,500-$7,500 to create a 60-second video. If you want to create an animation using hand-drawn frame by frame animation, your budget will need to be 2-3x larger.

3D computer animation costs 2-4x more to produce than 2D animation.

Send us a message to get a quote for your computer animation.

How long does it take to make a computer animation?

2D computer animation takes about 4-6 weeks to create a 60-second video. 3D computer animation takes about 2-4x more time to create a 60-second animation.

If you want to create a computer animation that uses frame by frame animation – aka hand drawn animation, your production timeline will take between 8-12 weeks to create 60-seconds of animation.

Rush delivery is available if you need to speed up production for a deadline.

Send us a message or schedule a call to figure out the production timeline for your computer animation.

How to pick the right producer for your computer animation

Most people think they can just look at a company’s animation portfolio and make a gut decision about whether or not they’re capable of producing the type of animation they’re looking for. This is true in most cases, but there’s more to be aware of.

In addition to reviewing a company’s animation portfolio, we recommend you check out the following data points to help evaluate which producer is right for you:

Pricing

Reach out to each company you’re interested in hiring and get a quote for your project.

Testimonials

Review the company’s testimonials. Don’t hesitate to ask the animation company for references so you can call past clients and ask about their experience working with the animation company.

Storytelling Ability

Just because a company makes pretty visuals doesn’t mean they’re good storytellers. When you evaluate a production company’s portfolio, check to see if their video tells a good story for the audience it’s intended for.

Production Timeline

When you reach out for a quote for your computer animation, we recommend asking how long it will take to make your animation. Some studios are faster than others. Make sure your production partner can complete your project by your deadline.

Computer Animation Budget Saving Tips

Combine these tips to save $1,000 or more off the cost of hiring Video Igniter to produce your computer animation:

1). Write The Script For Your Computer Animation

You can save $500 off the price of each minute of video we create for you if you provide the script for your computer animation. Download our script writing template for help getting started.

2). Create The Storyboard For Your Computer Animation

You can save an additional $500 off the cost of each minute of animation we produce for you if you provide the storyboard for your computer animation. Download our storyboard template and review the included storyboard creation guide for help getting started.

3). Record The VoiceOver For Your Computer Animation

VoiceOver recording and licensing costs can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to your production budget. If you record the voiceover yourself, we don’t need to invoice you for the licenses and we can add a $50 discount off the price of your computer animation. Watch 1:31 in this video to see how to record professional quality voiceovers at home.

4). Use Free (Legal) Music In Your Computer Animation

Music licensing costs can also add hundreds or thousands of dollars to your computer animation production budget. Sourcing free, royalty free tracks from sites like Incompetech or Facebook’s sound collection will enable you to avoid paying extra licensing fees. We’ll also deduct $25 from your production budget – the same amount as an average stock music license.

5). Start Production ASAP

The easiest thing you can do to save 10%-50% off your computer animation production budget is to start production ASAP. Rush delivery is available if you need to speed up production for a deadline, however, it can increase your production budget by 10%-50% – or more. Do yourself a favor and send us a message to start discussing your video project or schedule a call with our team to calculate your production budget ASAP.

Still have questions about computer animation?

Do you have a question about computer 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.

Computer Animation Production Resources

The following articles & guides are popular among people reading about computer animation:

Learn About Different Types Of Animation
How To Work With An Animation Video Company
How To Make Animations

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 An Computer Animation Company In The U.S.?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Computer 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.