A good animation makes complex stories simple. Below you will discover step by step how an animation video is created at Animation Agency in Eindhoven and Amsterdam, from goal and concept to storyboard, animatic, production and delivery. You'll get practical tips, help choosing between 2D and 3D and a compact summary of the 5 steps. Do you want all steps in one place? Check out our Working Method: from script to delivery.
November 2, 2025
Everything starts with the why. What do you want to explain, to whom, and what should the viewer do after seeing the animation? In a short strategic session, we translate your message into one clear core message with supporting bullets. We determine the length, call to action and tone of voice. Based on that, we create a creative concept with sample scenes, style direction and an initial storyline. Consider choices such as having 2D animation created for speed and accessibility or 3D animation for realistic product visuals. This concept secures consistency in style and story and forms the compass for all subsequent steps.
The script is the foundation of your animation. In 60 to 90 seconds you tell an average of 130 to 200 words, so each sentence must be purposeful. We write in simple language, with short sentences and clear transitions. We briefly explain subject-specific terms visually. The voice-over text is given rhythm and pauses that later direct the timing of the animation. In doubt about voice-over? We advise on voice type, language and tempo and provide test recordings to ensure the voice fits your brand.
The storyboard converts each scene into clear frames with sketches, camera angles and text snippets. This allows you to see if the logic, image order and timing are correct. Then we build an animatic: the storyboard with rough timing, temporary voice-over and simple movement. This is the best time for feedback on pace, sequence and framing, even before we invest time in detailed animation. This way you keep a grip on lead time and budget. See how this works in practice in our case TransIP explainer animation.
In the production phase, we bring your visuals to life. We work with keyframes and tweening to make movement fluid and use easing for natural acceleration and deceleration. Movement always supports the message: cameras guide the eye, icons clarify abstract steps and text in images is functional and short. During regular review moments, we check style consistency, branding and content accuracy together.
Sound finishes it off. An appropriate soundtrack sets the mood, subtle sound effects emphasize actions and a tight mix ensures that the voice-over is always intelligible. We pay attention to timing and volume differences and, where desired, deliver versions with and without music or in multiple languages.
After final fine-tuning, we deliver in the right specifications. Think 16:9 for website and YouTube, 1:1 or 4:5 for social and 9:16 for stories. We advise on resolution, subtitles and bitrates, and can make short versions for ads or trade show screens if required. You will receive clear file names and an overview of rights and source files. If you want to update the animation later, we'll keep layers and project files neatly organized.
Technology follows purpose. 2D animation is flexible, scales up quickly and works great for explainer animations and brand storytelling. Having 3D animation created is ideal for technical animations, product exploded views and realistic demos. Stop-motion gives an artisanal, playful look but requires more production time and a physical set. We combine techniques where it adds value, such as 2D elements over 3D renderings for added clarity and speed.
An animation is created in stages: goal and concept, script, storyboard, animatic, production and sound. Each phase reduces risk of misunderstandings and saves time in execution. This way, your idea grows in a controlled way into a complete animation video.
Purpose and concept, script and voice-over, storyboard and animatic, production and animation, sound and delivery. With this format, you keep an overview and can give targeted feedback at the right time.
Start small: write a 60- to 90-second script, create a simple storyboard and build an animatic with temporary voice-over. Choose 2D for speed and 3D if you want to show realistic products. Test your animatic with 3 to 5 people from your target audience and only then refine the visuals.
Would you like us to think along with you about the best approach for your animation video? Animation Agency helps companies make complex information clear with 2D animation, 3D animation, explainer animations and technical animations. Contact our team in Eindhoven or Amsterdam for honest advice and a well thought-out plan. Read more about having animation made first, or request a price list for insight into costs and lead times.
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