How long will my animation take to create?
Commissioning an animation can be daunting, often the biggest question is how long will it take? Below are some considerations and rough guides you can follow.
Style?
Is the animation 2D / 3D or blended? The rough estimates on this page are based on an infographic style animation using a program like After Effects similar to this reference.
How long?
Base Time:
Every 5-10 seconds = 1 day (7.5 hours)
1 minute (60 seconds) = 6-12 days
Additional Time for Full Production:
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Storyboarding
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Idea generation
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Design/illustration
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Amendments
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Render time
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Final edit
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Conform
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Bumps in the road
Total Time for 1 Minute:
Add 7 extra days for an air tight process
Total: 13-19 days
Other Considerations:
Higher quality = more time
Use this formula to estimate realistic timelines for 2D animations, adjusting for quality and complexity.
How does my time get used?
How does my time get used?
60-Second Animation Breakdown:
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Ideas & Concept Generation: 1-2 days
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Storyboarding & Animatic: 1-2 days
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Design/Illustration: 3-4 days
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Animation: 5-7 days
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Amends: 1-2 days
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Sound Design: 1 day
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Final Edit: 0.5 day
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Conform: 0.5 day
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Total: 13 -19 days
Additional Considerations:
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Voice-over recording
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Music licensing
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Delivery of the final animation
Note:
Agencies need to account for time with account managers, project managers, and creatives.
Conclusion:
A well-produced 60-second animation can take over 2 weeks.
The Production Triangle​
The Production Triangle
When commissioning a video always have this diagram in mind. No matter what you do, your animation will lean toward one side or the other and there is no middle ground.
Fast & High Quality = Expensive
Reason: Requires extra resources and late nights. Hard deadlines increase costs.
Fast & Cheap = Low Quality
Reason: Limited budget means quality suffers to meet tight deadlines.
High Quality & Cheap = Long Production Time
Reason: Lower cost means slower work. Project may take longer and have less priority.
Additional Considerations
Additional Considerations
Skill Sets:
Character Animator vs. Typography Specialist:
Choose the right expert to save time. Advanced skills (e.g., character animation) cost more.
Animation/Edit:
Mixed Content: If you have a mix of titles and transitions, consider the source of your footage. Stock footage might add costs and time.
3D Elements:
Fully 3D Animation: Budget at least 3 times more. 3D work involves complex technical challenges and requires more time and money.
Summary:
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Pick the Right Expert: Saves time and potentially money.
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Check Footage Sources: Affects budget and timeline.
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Budget for 3D: Increases cost and complexity.
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Understanding these factors helps you plan better and ensures you allocate enough time and resources for high-quality animation.