What is a style frame?

Why a style frame is indispensable in animation

A style frame translates the briefing and brand identity into concrete visual choices. During pre-production, we use it to check whether the tone, level of detail, and composition are right for the message and target audience. Because all disciplines are involved, adjustments can be made early on and easily. This prevents inconsistencies in 2D and 3D animations, speeds up turnaround time, and increases quality. At Animation Agency , we Animation Agency style frames as a reference point at every step, from design to animation and sound, with clear feedback rounds. This is in line with our working method: from briefing to style frames.

What is included in a style frame?

Color palette and contrast: brand and accent colors, light-dark ratios, and the atmosphere you want to evoke.

Typography and graphic elements: font choices, title bars, icons, lines, and shapes that determine the rhythm. See also Motion graphics for examples and applications.

Characters, props, and environment: character design, proportions, materials, and relevant objects in the scene.

Lighting, texture, and composition: framing, camera angle, depth, shadows, and level of detail for 2D animation or 3D.

The difference between a mood board, style frame, and storyboard

Mood board: a collection of inspirational images that provide direction for atmosphere, color, and style. It is broad and exploratory.

Style frame: one or more finalized images that show what your animation will actually look like. This is the visual reference point for the team and the client.

Storyboard: a series of frames that describe the storyline, shots, and timing. Think of scenes, transitions, camera movements, and voice-over cues. This is often followed by an animatic with rough timing. Would you like to learn more about its structure and function? Read What is a storyboard? More about bringing the story to life: Visual storytelling with animation.

In practice, you work from mood board to style frame, then to storyboard, followed by animatic and production. This allows you to combine creative direction with concrete execution, without any surprises afterwards. Would you like to see all the phases at a glance? Take a look at the step-by-step plan from idea to delivery.