If you’re considering having a 2D animation done for your business, one of your chief concerns is probably cost. If you want to know how the 2D animation cost per minute is calculated, the answer isn’t quite as simple as you think. There are numerous factors that impact the cost, and you need to be aware of all of them before starting a project.
In this article, we’re going to talk about the factors that shape 2D animation pricing per minute, uncover the true expenses behind the process, guide you on how to calculate the cost of your 2D animation project, and share strategies for reducing overall animation costs. π
Summary
- Key factors influencing the cost of 2D animation per minute
- Average cost of 2D animation per minute
- How can I estimate the cost of 2D animation correctly?
- Tips for reducing the cost of 2D animation
- How βBlue Carrotβ can help your businessΒ
Key factors influencing the cost of 2D animation per minute
If youβre going to estimate the cost of 2D animation and decide how much to charge for 2D animation, you need to consider a variety of factors affecting animation pricing.Β
π Complexity of animation style
The complexity of the animation is a primary factor in the cost of 2D animation. Basic styles, like whiteboard animations or minimal motion graphics, will cost much less than more detailed animation styles that have intricate character designs and fluid movements. As a general rule of thumb, the more complex the animation, the higher the pricing rates for 2D animation will be.
π Length of the animation
Contrary to common belief, short animations are not necessarily cheaper to produce than longer ones. In fact, longer 2D animations can translate into a lower cost per minute.Β
For example, if you order a 3- to 5-minute video, the cost per minute is usually lower compared to ordering a 1-minute animation. Why? Because fixed costs like setup and pre-production are spread out over more minutes, making the overall cost more efficient. The result is economies of scale. On the other hand, short animations can be more expensive due to those same fixed costs being spread over less time.
π Number of characters
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but animations featuring multiple characters are going to be more expensive than those featuring just one or two. This is especially the case if the characters require unique designs and complex movements. The more complicated an animation becomes, and the more characters involved, the more you’re going to pay per minute for 2D animation.
π Level of detail
Highly detailed animations cost more per minute. Simpler backgrounds and design elements are often more cost effective because they require less time and fewer resources than highly detailed and dynamic ones. Adding textures, lighting, or special effects like water or fire also adds to the average 2D animation rates.
π Voiceover and sound design
The sound quality of an animation will also play a significant role in the cost per minute. Including things like professional voiceovers, custom background music, and sound effects can significantly increase the budget.
π Script and storyboarding
Having a strong script and storyboard are essential to the project as they set the direction. If you have a strong script, you will have fewer revisions later, leading to lower costs. While having a strong script and storyboard might require more costs and expenses upfront, they make the entire process smoother and prevent more costs down the road.Β
The process of creating a script and storyboarding can also add to the overall cost since it requires additional time and resources from the animation team. As a cost reduction option, you can create a script yourself.Β
π Revisions and customizations
The more an animated piece has to be revised, customized, or modified, the more it will cost per minute. This is the fine line you have to walk when it comes to producing animations. Yes, you want it to be as good as it can possibly be. But you also have to realize that the more time you spend perfecting it, the more it’s going to cost per minute.
π Animator or studio expertise
Your choice of animators is going to be a major factor in terms of the cost per minute. Working with an experienced studio will cost you more but you’ll also probably get higher quality animation and more expertise.
π Timeline and deadlines
You might think that a short production timeline would lessen the costs since less time is being used. This isn’t usually the case. Tight deadlines often result in higher costs because animators have to put in overtime. Tight deadlines can also result in rushed work, which then requires costly revisions.
Average cost of 2D animation per minute
Now that you know the factors that impact the cost of 2D animation per minute, let’s talk about actual numbers. Here is what you can expect to pay per minute for 2D animation:
π Amateur/free tools: $0 β $100 per minute
It is possible to spend almost nothing on animation, depending on the tools you use. There are very inexpensive tools that allow you to make simple animations yourself. And if all you need is the most basic, simple animations then maybe this is a good option for you. But if you need anything beyond the most basic, you’ll need to hire someone.
π Freelance animation pricing: $50 β $3,000 per minute
Hiring a freelancer is a popular option for small businesses and individuals looking to create an animation on a budget. The skill level of freelancers can vary wildly, with those on the lower end having limited experience and basic skills, and those on the higher end being very experienced and skilled.
At this level, you may also need to hire someone to write the script, do the storyboard, do voiceovers, etc. So, while you can save on animation costs, you may end up spending more due to other costs.Β
π Overseas professional-level studio: $2,500 β $5,000 per minute
If you want to get professional-level animation quality at the price of a freelancer, you should consider hiring an overseas studio such as Blue Carrot. You get a full team of highly skilled professionals providing top-notch work for a fraction of the price.Β
The team will be able to handle all the tasks a professional-level studio in the United States could handle but at a much lower price point.Β Β
π Mid-tier animation studio: $3,000 β $7,000 per minute
These types of studios are often made up of two or three professionals and can usually deliver a well-done custom video. However, the small size of the production company often means they can’t handle more than one or two projects at a time, so there may be a waiting time before you can get a video produced.
It’s also possible that you may be required to handle certain elements of the production, like voiceover. If that’s the case, don’t forget to factor that into the overall cost.
π Professional level animation company: $8,000 β $25,000 per minute
At this level, you’re getting a team of skilled professionals who can handle every aspect of the production process. This includes writing the script, creating storyboards, producing high-quality animation, and even providing voiceovers and sound effects.
A professional animation company will also have access to top-of-the-line software and tools, ensuring that your animation is of the highest quality. However, with all these benefits comes a higher cost.
π High-end animation studio: $25,000+ per minute
For big-budget projects or companies looking for the best of the best in terms of animation quality and production value, a high-end animation studio is the way to go. These studios use cutting-edge technology and have a large team of experienced professionals to handle every aspect of the production process.
They also often have access to celebrity voiceover talent and can produce stunning visuals that rival those found in feature films. However, the cost for this level of quality and expertise is significantly higher than other options.
It’s important to carefully consider your project needs and budget when choosing an animation studio. While a high-end studio may produce top-notch results, it may not be necessary or feasible for all projects. In some cases, a mid-tier or professional level animation company may be the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
π 2D animation pricing breakdown by project
You might be wondering, how much does an explainer video cost? Or what about promo video pricing? As weβve noted, the average cost of 2D animation per minute depends on the length of the project, with longer projects actually lowering the price per minute due to economies of scale.Β
Hereβs what 2D animation from an overseas professional animation studio like Blue Carrot approximately costs for a video like this:
- 1 minute (60 sec): $2,500 β $3,000
- 1.5 minutes (90 sec): $3,000 β $3,900
- 2 minutes (120 sec): $3,700 β $4,700
As you can see, the cost steadily decreases the longer the animation project.Β
For more complex videos like this, the cost go up a bit, averaging approximately:
- 1 minute (60 sec): $4,000 β $5,000
- 2 minute (120 sec): $6,000 β $7,000
And for simpler videos like this one, the cost drops a bit, averaging approximately:
- 1 minute (60 sec): $2,000 β $2,500
- 2 minute (120 sec): $3,000 β $4,000
Now, you may be wondering exactly how these 2D animation costs are split up by budget. Generally speaking, you can estimate that one minute of animation would be broken down accordingly:
- Script: approx. $400/minute
- Storyboard: $200 β$300/minute
- Illustrations: $800 β$900/minute
- Animation: $800 β $1,000/minute
- Voiceover: $50 β $200/minute
- Sound design: $250/minute
If you want to get an estimate of what a project would cost, check out our video production cost estimator.Β
How can I estimate the cost of 2D animation correctly?
Now that you have a broad sense of pricing rates for 2D animation, let’s talk about how you can correctly calculate the cost for your project.
β Define the project scope
Start by defining the project scope. You need to answer questions like:
- How long will the video be in minutes? See our article on Video Length Best Practices for recommendations on how long videos should be.Β
- How complex will the animation be? Is it a simple explainer video? Character animation? Highly detailed work with multiple scenes?
- What style will the animation be? Flat, cartoon, hand-drawn, or motion graphics? Will it be detailed or minimalistic?
Each of the above elements adds cost to the overall cost. As the scope of the project gets bigger and more complex, the cost will increase.Β
β Break down the process
Once you have defined the project scope, break down the animation process into separate stages. This will help you better understand where your budget is going, and which areas may require more resources. The typical steps involved in 2D animation production are:
- Scriptwriting
- Storyboarding
- Voiceover recording
- Character design
- Background design
- Animatic (rough draft of animation)
- Animation
- Sound design & music composition
- Final edits and revisions
β Understand pricing models
We discussed the pricing models of 2D animation above, and it’s essential that you understand these when calculating the cost of your project. The cost per minute of your 2D animation project will depend largely on the person/company you choose to do the work. You need to clearly understand how you’re being charged for the project and what services are included in the pricing.
β Account for revisions
Revisions are a natural part of the animation process, and it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the number of revisions that will be included in your project. This will help you manage your budget and avoid any surprises later on.
β Consider licensing and ownership
Are you planning to use third-party music, sound effects, or assets in your animation? If so, you’re going to need to factor licensing fees into the total per-minute cost. Additionally, how much does 2D animation cost per minute will also depend on who will retain ownership of the final product and what rights you have to use it. This is particularly important if you plan to use the animation for commercial purposes.
β Research and compare
Finally, do your research and compare different pricing options to find the best fit for your budget and project needs. Don’t settle for the first option you come across. Take the time to shop around and get quotes from multiple animation studios or freelancers. This will give you a better understanding of the market rates and help you negotiate a fair price.
Tips for reducing the cost of 2D animation
At this point, you may be wondering how you can cut down on the costs of your 2D animation project. Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do.
π Simplify the animation style
As we’ve noted, the more complicated the animation style, the more expensive the cost per minute. Consider opting for minimalistic designs or flat illustrations instead of incredibly detailed, realistic styles. You also may want to consider using motion graphics or template-based designs for explainer videos rather than complex character animations. Limiting frame-by-frame animation can also help in reducing your overall animation costs.
π Reuse assets
Creating all assets from scratch is expensive. If you can, use pre-existing templates, stock assets, or design elements rather than creating everything from scratch. Where possible, reuse backgrounds, props, and secondary animations across multiple scenes. And if you’ve worked with an animator or studio before, you can take characters or assets from previous projects.
π Focus on keyframes
Keyframes are the main poses or animations that represent the most important moments in a scene. Focusing on keyframes can minimize the amount of in-between animation needed, thus minimizing expenses. Also, consider reducing the frames per second if smoothness isn’t crucial for your animation.
π Streamline the pre-production process
Animation revisions can be costly, especially if entire scenes need to be redone. As much as possible, finalize your script and storyboard before starting any animation. Ensure all key stakeholders provide detailed feedback during the storyboard stage to ensure that everything is crystal clear before animation begins.
π Outsource smartly
Another way to reduce animation costs is to delegate parts of the process to freelancers or studios located in offshore outsourcing destinations. Make sure to research and choose reputable freelancers or studios that can deliver the quality you need within your budget and timeline.
π Reduce complexity
As we’ve noted, the more complex an animation gets, the higher its cost. If you want to reduce costs, limit the number of characters, movements, or scenes and avoid complex effects like particle animations. Also, use static backgrounds instead of animated ones.
π Prepare in advance
The more you can do in advance, the cheaper the cost per minute of the 2D animation. Come to the project with definite outcomes in mind. For example, if you define the exact animation style you want, it can save back and forth with the designers. Or, write out the precise scenes you want to see in your animation, which can save you time on the storyboard process.Β
π Batch projects
If you’re making multiple similar videos, batch them together to take advantage of economies of scale. You can reuse the same style guide, templates, or branding assets across multiple videos. This can also save time and money on communication with freelancers or studios.
How βBlue Carrotβ can help your businessΒ
As you can see, producing 2D animation is no small task. There are multiple moving parts and variables that must be accounted for and managed. Unless youβre highly experienced with animation, itβs best to partner with a professional 2D animation company like Blue Carrot.Β
Since 2014, weβve been providing 2D video animation services from scratch, creating everything, including video idea development, scriptwriting, and animation.
Weβve created videos like this:
And this:Β
If you need a high-quality 2D animation film produced at a reasonable cost per minute, contact us today. π₯
