Product animation provides the unique opportunity to showcase your product without a costly photoshoot or human presenter. However, finding quality animation can be difficult. Not to mention, costly as well.
That’s why, in this article, we are going to talk about the various options to get your 3D product animation done with great quality without breaking the bank. We will also share our tips for a successful project. So, let’s begin.
What Are Product Animations?
Product animations refer to short animated videos that highlight the features and benefits of a particular product. These are commonly used on websites, social media, and advertisements.
Some examples include:
- Explainer videos that demonstrate how a product works.
- 3D animations that provide an interactive view of a product.
- Motion graphics ads that creatively display a product in use.
“Explainer videos increase conversion rates by 20% or more”
Well-executed animations can grab viewers’ attention and enable better comprehension compared to static images alone.
What to Look for in Quality Product Animation?
“Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video compared to 10% when reading it in the text”
Visual Quality
Smooth and seamless animations with accurate product details are essential. Photorealistic 3D rendering or slick motion graphics require expertise.
Customization
Your animations should align with your brand style. Options for customizing characters, environments, camera angles and more to match your needs are ideal.
Optimization
Your animations should be optimized for viewing on different devices and platforms like mobile, web, and social media. Responsiveness is key.
Effective Communication
Look for providers who can understand and translate your vision and goals into an effective animated narrative.
Where to Find Quality Product Animation
Animation Studios
Animation studios have teams of experts to provide end-to-end animation services. Some have specific specializations:
- 3D Animation: For photorealistic CGI and advanced visual effects.
- 2D Animation: For motion graphics, character animation, and a stylized look.
- Commercial Production: For animations optimized for ads and marketing content.
Larger studios like Animaker and Switch provide a range of styles and expertise. Boutique studios like Yans Media, PromotionalPact, etc. offer more personalized attention with affordable and customized pricing options.
Do your research to find studios that align with your animation needs and brand style. Most will provide a consultation to discuss your vision and project scope.
Freelance Animators
Freelance animators provide their services remotely on a project basis. They offer flexibility and potentially lower costs.
Online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer have pools of animators offering everything from 2D motion graphics to 3D animation.
Be sure to thoroughly review portfolios, client reviews/testimonials, and previous work examples when evaluating freelancers. Good communication is key as well.
Online Animation Platforms
Sites like Vyond, Animatron, and Powtoon provide templates and tools for easily creating 2D animations on your own. These come with royalty-free media libraries, customizable scenes/characters, and simple drag-and-drop interfaces.
While convenient and cost-effective, the customization and quality are limited compared to hiring a professional animator. The learning curve can be steep as well. But it allows you to create quick social media posts and simple explainers without much investment.
In-House Production
For frequent animation needs, building up in-house skills can be beneficial long term. Send your team for animation training or have them learn tools like After Effects, Blender, or Maya. Start small with simple motion graphics built step-by-step.
For more advanced 3D animations, outsourcing to professionals is still likely needed. But basic character and motion graphic animations can be managed internally with practice over time.
Tips for Successful Product Animation
- Have a clear vision – Communicate style examples, goals, and target audience needs to any external provider.
- Request samples and demos – Ask to see examples of providers’ work relevant to your specific needs.
- Start small – Test with a short pilot explainer before committing to a major project.
- Provide assets and guidelines – Supply images, logos, fonts, and your brand guide to ensure consistency.
- Leave buffer time – Plan extra review and feedback loops to guide revisions and refinement.
- Understand rights usage – Establish who owns the final product animations and any usage restrictions.
FAQs
What does an average 30-60 second product animation cost?
$1,000 – $5,000 on average. Cost depends on complexity, level of customization, and provider rates.
Should I just buy templates online instead?
Templates can work for very simple usage cases. But the customization is limited compared to a bespoke animated video tailored to your brand.
Can I explain the product details by phone/chat instead of a brief?
Most professional animators will require a briefing doc with product details, target audience, goals, etc. in writing before starting.
What animation style is best for my product?
It depends on your product and audience. Consult with providers on what styles they recommend based on your brand identity and campaign needs.
In Summary
Finding the right product animation partner requires some research to identify providers that offer the quality, style, and communication process that best fits your needs. While cost is a factor, the value of effective animations that engage your audience and aid comprehension of your product is immense. With the range of options available today, there are solutions to fit small business budgets all the way up to Fortune 500 product launches.
