Do you want to create engaging explainer videos that draw your customers in, drive conversions, and boost sales? Explainer videos are an incredible way to explain complex topics quickly and concisely while still capturing your viewers’ attention. As businesses strive for more effective ways to convince their target market of their value proposition, 2D explainer videos have become the go-to method for effective storytelling.
But if you’ve never created a 2D explainer video before, it can be difficult to navigate through the production process. This definitive guide provides a detailed overview of everything from choosing a topic to optimizing performance after publishing.
What Is 2D Animation?
2D animation is the art of creating two-dimensional moving images or graphics. It involves manipulating static 2D images, such as drawings, paintings, photographs, and other objects, to create a sense of movement. This is done by sequencing individual frames in a particular order to form an animated sequence — much like how film and video work.
2D animation is most often used for cartoon shows and movies, but it can also be used for presentation visuals and interactive applications. Commonly seen types of 2D animation include
- Traditional (cel) animation
- Computer-generated imagery (CGI)
- Cutout techniques with claymation (stop motion)
- Stop-motion puppet creation
- Digital vector illustration/compositing systems like Adobe After Effects.
Why Are 2D Animated Explainer Videos a Must for Marketing and Communication?
Video content, and explainer videos in particular, enable businesses to maximize their shareability by making the content easily accessible, even on mobile devices. This helps grab the attention of viewers who may not have been exposed to similar content before.
Furthermore, studies have shown that people tend to remember more information when presented through video rather than text alone. Animation allows viewers to better comprehend and retain knowledge from explainer videos compared to, for instance, a website or printed document.
Explainer videos provide businesses with an effective and cost-efficient way of marketing their brand and delivering their message without having to invest large amounts of money in live-action video production. Additionally, they can help the business create a clear call to action that viewers can easily follow through on.
Custom 2D Explainer Videos vs Sites like Fiverr or Upwork
When it comes to getting a quality 2D animation for your business, custom is always the way to go.
Working with sites like Fiverr or Upwork may seem like an easy and cost-effective solution, but many times you’ll end up with a finished product that isn’t quite what you set out to achieve. Generic animations that use stock imagery and motion graphics lack the unique creative touch your brand needs.
By working with a professional animated explainer video company like The Sketch Effect, you get high-quality animations crafted according to your exact specifications. Our expert animators will work closely with you on every step of the process, making sure that your final video reflects the voice of your brand perfectly.
We create 100% custom designs, using top-tier software to bring your concept and narrative to life. Every animation is crafted according to your vision, colors, characters, and more, so the end result will be unique and impactful.
Use-Cases for 2D Animated Explainers
When deciding if 2D animation is right for your project or business, it’s important to consider what types of use cases might benefit from this approach. Here are some examples:
Internal Communication
2D animated explainers are powerful tools for internal communication, team training, and change management. They have the potential to significantly improve workflow efficiency and help organizations stay ahead of the competition. With 2D animation explainers, you can quickly convey complex topics in an understandable manner by using visuals, audio cues, and a non-linear narrative.
When it comes to internal communication, 2D animated explainers provide an effective way to inform team members about new initiatives or changes in policy without overwhelming them with technical jargon. These explainer videos allow you to present large chunks of information in digestible segments, making the learning process faster and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
External Marketing Campaigns
2D animated explainers are among the most powerful tools available to marketers today. They help companies communicate their message in a visually stimulating way, drawing attention to their product or service, and boosting brand awareness.
Additionally, 2D animated explainers can be used for external marketing campaigns such as PPC video campaigns, which target top-of-funnel (TOF) audiences. Businesses can track engagement with potential customers and remarket to people who have already expressed interest in the product or service.
Product Rollouts and Updates
2D animated explainers are an effective tool for introducing new products and services. By creating an engaging and visually appealing story, these animations provide a comprehensive overview of the product or service in a concise yet memorable format. Not only do they help create interest in the product, but also assist customers in understanding how to use it.
For example, if you’re launching a new software program, then 2D animated explainers can take viewers through all the features of the program quickly and clearly — from installation instructions to tips on troubleshooting common problems. This type of animation is especially useful for tech-savvy audiences who need detailed information about the product before using it.
Anything That Needs to Be Explained — The Possibilities Are Endless
2D animated explainers have become a popular and effective way of delivering complex information in a simple and engaging manner.
By using illustrative visuals, animation, sound effects, and music to enhance the experience, 2D animated explainers are capable of helping viewers understand abstract concepts such as software applications or new products quickly and easily. They can also be used to explain difficult topics like health care policy or climate change in an accessible way.
The possibilities of use cases for 2D animated explainers are endless!
How to Get Started Creating 2D Animated Videos
Creating 2D animated videos is an incredibly powerful way to bring your ideas to life. Whether you’re creating a simple explainer video, a complex animation for marketing or advertising purposes, or simply want to impress your friends and family with a funny cartoon, the Sketch Effect can help you get started. This professional service allows you to create stunning animations without having any previous knowledge of animation software.
Our 5-Step Production Process For Creating Animated 2D Explainer Videos
Step 1. Kick-Off Call & Brainstorming – To start, we will have a discussion to ensure we are on the same page regarding the project’s key aspects. This includes understanding your general objectives for the video, target audience, messaging, channels, and desired call-to-action. Furthermore, we will delve into the creative process, exploring elements such as color schemes, branding considerations, and preferred voice-over style.
Step 2. Scripting & Voiceover – Our team of writers will collaborate with you to gather all the relevant material from the Kick Off Call, as well as any additional materials, documents, or references. Using this information, we will craft a compelling script that aligns with your preferred voice and tone. Upon your approval, we will then identify and select suitable voice-over talent based on your specific preferences.
Step 3. Storyboarding – Once the script is completed, we proceed directly to the storyboard stage. During this step, we meticulously deconstruct the video frame by frame and sequence by sequence. We then create preliminary, rough sketches to communicate the overall visual direction. This is the stage where the video begins to take shape and come to life!
Step 4. Illustration – The final illustrations, graphics, and assets that will feature in your video animation will be developed based on the chosen video style. Our in-house illustrators will work their magic to produce polished, high-quality materials that will bring the video to life.
Step 5. Final Edit & Deliverables – After all elements are completed, we proceed to generate the final animated edit. This involves assembling all components, including music and sound effects, synchronizing the voice-over, and rendering the final video output. Congratulations! Your final animated video is now complete.
Work With a 2D Explainer Video Company & Drive Real Results
The end result of using a professional explainer video production company like the Sketch Effect for video marketing collateral is one that drives real results.
Reinvigorate your brand and generate more leads by creating explainer videos with help from The Sketch Effect. Our stunning, eye-catching clips will ignite the interest of prospective customers while simultaneously increasing your return on investment! So whether you’re introducing a new product or want to freshen up an existing one, get in touch with us today for irresistible video footage that’ll leave audiences wanting even more.
