How to Get Started on a Motion Graphics Project [Infographic]

If you read the previous blog post about how motion graphics improves ROI, you may be wondering what the next step is. While each project might have unique requirements, there are five things you’ll need for any motion graphics project. Let’s dive right in with…

1. Story/Message

The purpose of any marketing content is to convey your message to your target audience. So, you definitely need to know what you want to say! Depending on what kind of motion graphics content you want to use (subtle foreshadowing), you can tell a longer story, deliver a short message, or offer a quick call to action. Once you have your message, you’ll need to know…

2. Your Target Audience

Your message isn’t going to generate the desired results if you don’t tailor it for your target audience. Often, that’ll include your potential client/customers, existing clients, or your employees. Depending on your audience, you’ll adjust how much jargon is in your script, how formal to be, and what visual style to use. That naturally segues into…

3. Your Existing Branding

Your business should already have an established visual style and brand. (If it doesn’t, go get that now. I’ll wait… Great! You’re back.) Now, you need your motion graphics animation to fit with that visual style. It’s also important to be aware of what styles are trending. You don’t want your new animation looking like it’s already five years old. The style you go with will greatly impact the final two things on our list…

4. Time

When do you need your animation done? Depending on the size of your project, production could vary in length from a few weeks to over a month. If you want a large production with complex visuals done in one week, that’s either not doable, or is going to be more expensive. That leads us to…

5. Your Budget

No surprise, right? Money is a major factor in determining what kind of animated content you get for your business. The cost of animation is often determined by the duration, visual style, and number of characters. Depending on what kind of animation you want, the cost can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousands. Fortunately, a well-made animation is likely to pay for itself several times over in generated business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are five common things every project requires you to know before starting. You’re more likely to get better results if you are well prepared before talking with a production company. Check out this infographic from Squash & Stretch Productions which gives you an idea of a production timeline for video animation.