How To Make A 2D Animation
Table of Contents
Do you want to make a 2D animation? If so, you’re in the right place! In this guide, Video Igniter will teach you how to make a 2D animation – even if you have zero video production experience. Learn how 2D animations are made when you hire an animation studio to create the video for you. You’ll also learn tips to speed up production and reduce your video production budget!
Learn How To Make A 2D Animation Video
Here’s a quick overview of the video production process so that you can get an idea of what to expect when you hire an animation studio, freelancer or Video Igniter to make your 2D animation.
Project Kickoff
The first step in the production process is to have a call with our production team. We will give you an overview of how to make a 2D animation so that you understand what to expect during the production experience. We will also ask you about the following details for your 2D animation:
✅ Who Is Your Target Audience?
✅ What Is Your Video Project’s Target Length?
✅ What Visual Style Do You Want To Use?
✅ What Are The Key Talking Points To Communicate In Your Video?
Script
Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template
Once we learn about your video’s target audience and key talking points, we will write a script for your 2D animation. You will get a copy of the script to review with your team; give it a detailed review and then let us know what edits you want us to make. We’ll incorporate your revisions and send the animation script back to you to sign off on before we move forward with production.
Storyboard
Download Video Igniter’s Free Storyboard Template
Next, we’ll turn your script into a storyboard. The storyboard is the blueprint for your 2D animation. It explains to the illustrators and the animators what they are supposed to create for each part of your video. Give the storyboard a detailed review and let us know if you want us to make any revisions before we move forward with production.
VoiceOver
Our team will audition voiceover talent and send you some recordings to review. Let us know which one you prefer. Then we’ll oversee the recording of the full voiceover and give you an opportunity to request edits. After you approve the final draft of the voiceover, we will purchase the license from the voiceover talent so that you can use their audio recording within your video.
Soundtrack
Music and sound effects are used to enhance the presentation of your animated video. Our team will select several options and send them to you to review. After you select your preferred soundtrack, we will purchase the soundtrack license so that you can legally use the music in your 2D animation.
Illustrations
Our art director will review your brand guidelines and storyboard and use that to develop custom concept art for a scene in your video. After you pick your favorite concept, you get to go back and forth with our art director to refine the visual style until you absolutely love it! Then, our illustration team will use the style reference to create all of the custom illustrations for your 2D animation. You get an opportunity to review all of the illustrations and request edits before approving the art for production.
Animation
Now that your illustrations and sound files are approved, we can finally make your 2D animation! When the first draft of your 2D animation is ready, give it a detailed review with your team and members of your target audience. Collect everyone’s feedback and send it to us. We’ll incorporate your revisions and then render out the final draft of your 2D animation for you to use.
2D Animation Examples
Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated video for you. Check out our animation portfolio here. Request access to our demo reels and price sheet here.
Contact us or schedule a call to start making your video.
Are you looking for an example of a different style of 2D animation? Send us a message to let us know what kind of animation example you want to see and we will follow up with relevant production samples.
How Long Does It Take To Make A 2D Animation?
It typically takes 3-6 weeks to create a 60 second 2D animation. More detailed 2D animation techniques like cel animation can increase the amount of time it takes to make your 2D animation. For a detailed look at how long each stage of the production process takes, here’s a companion article titled, “How Long Does It Take To Animate A 1 Minute Video?”
Need to speed up production for a fast approaching deadline? Video Igniter offers rush delivery animation to speed up the production process.
How Much Does It Cost To Make A 2D Animation?
There’s a wide range of costs for making a 2D animated video. 2D animations can be made for under $1,000 for a minute and the can also cost over $100,000 per minute of animation. Most 2D animations cost between $1,500-$10,000 per minute of video that’s being created.
Click here to get a quote for your animated video.
OR
Request access to our price sheet.
How To Find An Animator To Make A 2D Animated Video?
There are many places you can look online to find an animator to help you make a 2D animation. Popular options include:
Behance
What Are The Advantages Of Making 2D Animation for Businesses
When it comes to engaging your audience and simplifying complex ideas, 2D animation shines. Its versatility enables businesses to leverage it across various B2B contexts, including explainer videos, product demos, and marketing campaigns. With 2D animation, you can breathe life into your concepts and connect with your target audience on a deeper level. Here are the top advantages and benefits of making 2D animated videos for your business’s marketing and communication goals:
✅ Makes it easy for your target audience to learn and remember new information.
✅ More cost effective than filming live action video content.
✅ Easy to modify, revise and improve over time. You can actually test variations of your 2D animation to see which one converts more viewers.
✅ Faster to produce and less expensive than 3D animation.
How To Save Money When Making A 2D Animation
Here are a few simple ways you can save $1,000 or more on your production budget when you hire an animator to make a 2D animation:
1). Write the script for your video. Instead of hiring an animator to create the script for you, use our free script writing template to write the first draft of the script for your animation.
2). Create the storyboard for your animation. Animation studios are happy to help you create the script for your video project – but you can save time and money on your production budget by creating the storyboard yourself. Download our free storyboard template and storyboard creation guide to see how you can make it yourself.
3). Consider using pre-created stock assets to reduce your production budget. Instead of creating all of the visuals and illustrations from scratch, consider letting your production team use text, images, icons, clip art and vector illustrations to reduce the cost of creating all the visuals needed for your video.
4). Use free, legal music. Did you know you can get free music to legally use in your 2D animations? Facebook’s Sound Collection has a large library of free music you can use in videos you create for Facebook and Instagram.
5). Record the voiceover for your animated video. It’s possible to record professional quality voiceovers at home or in the office for free. No need for expensive software or professional equipment. Check out this video to learn how to record your own voiceover.
For more tips on how to keep your production budget low, check out this companion article that talks about how to create more affordable animations.
How To Start Making A 2D Animation
Here are a few ways you can get production started on your 2D animation:
Get a Quote for your 2D animation.
Request access to our current price sheet.
to discuss your 2D animation project.
Different Ways To Make A 2D Animation
When people research how to make a 2D animation, they often assume there is only one production method. In reality, there are several different animation techniques, each with its own advantages, costs, and production timelines.
Understanding the differences can help you choose the best approach for your project.
Traditional Frame-By-Frame Animation
Traditional animation, sometimes called cel animation, involves drawing each frame individually.
Because most videos play at 24 or more frames per second, creating just one minute of animation can require hundreds or even thousands of illustrations.
Benefits of frame-by-frame animation include:
- Highly expressive movement
- Unique artistic style
- Unlimited creative freedom
- Handcrafted visual appeal
Challenges include:
- Longer production times
- Higher production costs
- More intensive illustration requirements
This animation style is commonly used in animated films, television shows, and artistic projects where visual quality is prioritized over speed.
Motion Graphics Animation
Motion graphics animation focuses on moving text, icons, charts, shapes, and graphical elements.
This style is commonly used for:
- Explainer videos
- Corporate presentations
- Product videos
- SaaS marketing
- Financial services content
Motion graphics are often one of the fastest and most affordable ways to make a 2D animation because fewer custom illustrations are required.
Character Animation
Character animation brings illustrated characters to life through movement, facial expressions, and body language.
Businesses frequently use character animation to:
- Build emotional connections
- Tell stories
- Demonstrate products
- Create memorable brand mascots
Character animation is particularly effective when your goal is to make viewers relate to a specific problem or experience.
Whiteboard Animation
Whiteboard animation creates the illusion that drawings are being created in real-time on a white background.
This style remains popular because it:
- Simplifies complex ideas
- Keeps viewers engaged
- Is relatively affordable
- Works well for educational content
Many businesses use whiteboard animation to explain products, services, or technical concepts.
How To Make A 2D Animation For YouTube
YouTube remains one of the most popular platforms for animated content.
If your goal is to create a 2D animation for YouTube, consider these best practices:
Start With A Strong Hook
The first 5-10 seconds of your video are critical.
Give viewers a reason to keep watching by:
- Asking an intriguing question
- Presenting a surprising fact
- Demonstrating a problem
- Showing the final result first
Keep Scenes Moving
Animated YouTube videos perform better when something changes visually every few seconds.
This can include:
- Camera movements
- Character actions
- Text animations
- New illustrations
Frequent visual changes help maintain viewer attention.
Optimize For Retention
YouTube’s algorithm rewards videos that keep viewers engaged.
To improve retention:
- Remove unnecessary scenes
- Eliminate repetitive dialogue
- Use visual storytelling
- Deliver value quickly
How To Make A 2D Animation For Social Media
Social media platforms require a different approach than YouTube or website videos.
When creating 2D animations for social media:
Use Larger Text
Many users watch videos on mobile devices. Large text helps ensure your message remains readable.
Design For Silent Viewing
A significant percentage of social media videos are viewed without sound.
Include:
- Captions
- Text callouts
- Visual storytelling
This ensures viewers can understand your message even with the audio muted.
Keep Videos Short
Shorter videos often perform better on social platforms.
Popular lengths include:
- 15 seconds
- 30 seconds
- 60 seconds
You can always create longer versions for your website and YouTube channel.
Common Challenges When Making A 2D Animation
Even experienced creators encounter challenges during production.
Understanding these obstacles ahead of time can help you avoid delays and costly revisions.
Weak Scriptwriting
A great animation cannot compensate for a weak script.
Before animating anything, make sure your script:
- Has a clear objective
- Speaks directly to your audience
- Focuses on benefits rather than features
- Includes a strong call-to-action
Too Much Information
One of the most common mistakes is trying to communicate too much information in a short video.
Instead:
- Focus on one core message
- Remove unnecessary details
- Keep explanations simple
Viewers retain information more effectively when content is concise.
Inconsistent Visual Style
Using multiple illustration styles in the same animation can make the video feel unprofessional.
Create visual guidelines for:
- Colors
- Fonts
- Character designs
- Icon styles
- Motion styles
Consistency improves viewer trust and strengthens brand recognition.
How To Make A 2D Animation That Converts Viewers Into Customers
Creating a visually appealing animation is only part of the challenge. The most successful animations are designed to generate results.
Whether your goal is sales, leads, app downloads, or brand awareness, your animation should be built around a conversion strategy.
To increase your video conversion rate:
Focus On Customer Problems
Viewers care most about their own challenges.
Start by highlighting a problem your audience experiences before introducing your solution.
Demonstrate Clear Benefits
Instead of listing features, explain how your product or service improves the viewer’s life or business.
Include Social Proof
Testimonials, customer success stories, statistics, and recognizable client logos can increase credibility.
End With A Clear Call-To-Action
Never assume viewers know what to do next.
Tell them exactly what action to take:
- Visit your website
- Request a demo
- Schedule a consultation
- Sign up for a free trial
- Contact your team
A strong call-to-action can dramatically improve the effectiveness of your 2D animation.
Future Trends In 2D Animation
The world of animation continues to evolve.
Several emerging trends are shaping how businesses and creators make 2D animations:
- AI-assisted animation workflows
- Interactive animated experiences
- Personalized animated marketing content
- Short-form mobile-first animations
- Hybrid 2D and 3D animation styles
- Real-time animation production tools
Businesses that embrace these innovations can often create content faster, reduce production costs, and deliver more engaging experiences to their audiences.
As video consumption continues to grow across websites, social media platforms, search engines, and AI-powered search tools, learning how to make a 2D animation remains one of the most valuable skills for marketers, educators, startups, and businesses looking to communicate ideas visually and effectively.
2D Animation Wrap Up
You can unlock the full potential of 2D animation by collaborating with Video Igniter or an animation studio. Embrace the possibilities of 2D animation and leverage the expertise of our animation studio to bring your ideas to life. With our guidance and support, your business can make a lasting impact by communicating with visually stunning and engaging 2D animations.
2D Animation Production Resources
These resources are popular among people researching and reading about how to make a 2D animation:
How To Create A Video With 2D Animation And 3D Animation
Still have questions about how to make 2D animations?
Do you have a question about how to make 2D animations 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.
We can help you create any kind of 2D animated video or 3D animation you can imagine. Check out our animated video portfolio!
Watch our explainer video on our home page to learn more about how we can help you create an animated video. For examples of the kinds of animation our team can produce, check out the demo reel below:
Looking For A 2D Animation Company In The U.S.?
Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.
2D 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.
