How To Make A 2D Animation: A Step-By-Step Guide + Get A Quote

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!

I. 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.

A. 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?

B. Script

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.

C. Storyboard

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.

D. 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.

E. 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.

F. 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.

G. 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.

II. 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.

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.

III. 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.

IV. 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.

Request access to our price sheet.

V. 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:

Google

Behance

VI. 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.

VII. 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.

VIII. 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.

Schedule a call with a member of our production team to discuss your 2D animation project.

IX. 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.

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!

Need help syndicating your animated video? Ask us about video promotion!

Do you want to create an animated cryptocurrency video or an animated blockchain explainer video that explains how your technology works? We can help with that too.

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 with our production team 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.