The animation industry has felt a significant impact from the COVID pandemic, leading to a surge in outsourcing. Today, animation studios, freelancers, and individual creators are increasingly outsourcing various components of their projects worldwide. However, like any process, animation outsourcing comes with its own set of do’s and don’ts. Rushing into decisions without proper planning can result in wasted time, manpower, and money.
This article aims to cover all the key points you need to know. We continually update this post with fresh, relevant content to ensure you stay informed. Now, let’s dive into the basics!
What is Animation Outsourcing? A Simplified Guide
Animation outsourcing involves delegating parts of your animation project to external individuals or companies. This can include a wide range of tasks, from creating animated commercials, series, character designs, or video game trailers to designing game assets. In the animation industry, studios often Outsource 2D Animation at different stages of the pipeline, guided by a work contract.
Many studios prefer handling pre-production tasks such as scriptwriting and storyboarding internally, and then send the materials to another studio for production and post-production. After completing any necessary revisions, the final project is delivered.
However, outsourcing preferences vary—some studios outsource their entire project from start to finish, while others may only outsource specific parts like post-production.
For more insights on the animation process, check out our detailed guides on:
- The 3D animation production workflow
- The 2D animation production process
Why Animation Outsourcing is More Crucial Now Than Ever
The global animation production industry is estimated to generate between $50 billion and $70 billion, a figure that’s growing as more studios adapt to remote work post-pandemic. It’s anticipated that from 2021 to 2025, the demand for Outsourced Animation will hit its peak. Shows like “The Simpsons” and “Futurama” famously utilized outsourcing to complete their production pipelines.
While outsourcing creative work isn’t a new concept, it gained momentum decades ago when Hollywood studios faced increasing demand. To cut costs, they began outsourcing parts of their pre-production processes to more affordable overseas studios, especially in countries like India, South Korea, and the Philippines.
Some may assume outsourcing leads to a decline in quality, but this isn’t the case. Major studios, including Walt Disney, Warner Bros, Cartoon Network, and IMAX, have increasingly turned to outsourcing for their animation production. The benefits are clear: faster production rates lead to more funding for new projects. Done properly, animation outsourcing creates a win-win situation by lowering costs while speeding up production.
Common Animation Outsourcing Services You Should Know
Animation outsourcing services cover a wide range of specialized tasks that help companies create visually compelling content. Below are the most common types of animation outsourcing services:
1. 3D Animation Outsourcing
3D animation delivers realistic visuals by adding depth, creating life-like characters, and enabling easy scene modifications. Animators can manipulate objects seamlessly, making it an ideal choice for high-quality production. Explore our Outsource Animation Services page to see our portfolio in action.
2. 2D Animation Outsourcing
As a versatile medium, 2D animation has become a staple in various entertainment and media formats, including TV shows, indie games, films, advertisements, apps, and websites. Its adaptability ensures it remains relevant across industries.
3. Game Asset Production
The ever-growing demand for high-quality, graphically advanced games means studios often outsource the creation of game assets to meet deadlines and maintain quality standards. By partnering with other studios, they can produce game-ready assets efficiently.
4. Game Trailer Production
Game trailers are essential for generating interest and excitement around a new release. Developers may lack the time or resources to create engaging trailers themselves, which is where specialized trailer production studios come in to craft visually stunning promotional content.
5. Character Design
Brand character creation is key to driving consumer engagement. Many businesses now use animated characters in their commercials to communicate more effectively with their target audiences and increase leads.
6. Commercial Animation
Animated ads, or animated commercial videos, are proven to capture audience attention and create emotional connections. By visually showcasing product features, these animations can significantly boost conversion rates.
Should You Outsource Animation to a Freelancer or Studio?
When exploring options for animation outsource services, you may be drawn to hiring freelancers due to their lower rates on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. While freelancers can offer great individual talent, an Animation Outsource Company often provides a more robust solution regarding communication, infrastructure, and teamwork. Animation studios have the essential tools, software, and dedicated teams to ensure your project is completed efficiently and to a higher standard. So, when deciding between a freelancer and a studio, it’s wise to weigh the long-term benefits and reliability of a team-based approach.
5 Simple Tips for Finding the Right Animation Studio for Your Project
1. Utilize Google to Identify Top Studios
Start by searching for the animation service you need, and review the websites that appear on the first page of results. Explore their portfolios to see if their work matches the style you’re looking for.
If you prefer working with a local company, add your country or city to the search. For instance, searching for “animation studio in Canada” will help you find local options.
Keep in mind, not all studios focus on SEO, so some good options might not appear on the first page. Prioritize studios that excel in content marketing by checking if they have a blog or engaging content. This is often a sign of a well-rounded studio with teams specializing in marketing and sales, which can be a great indicator of professionalism.
2. Leverage Directories to Access Reviews and Client Testimonials
Utilizing online directories can greatly simplify your search for animation studios. These platforms categorize various studios based on specific criteria and often have a formal process for reviewing and verifying them. Each studio typically has a dedicated page detailing essential information, including animation types, price ranges, styles, services, and portfolios.
One of the most valuable features of these directories is the reviews section, where you can gauge an animation studio’s performance through the experiences of previous clients. By filtering studios based on different key performance indicators (KPIs), you can effectively identify the best options for your animation outsourcing needs.
3. Utilize Freelancing Platforms to Gauge Price Ranges for Animation Services
Although having a dedicated website is a more professional method for selecting an animation studio, freelancing platforms can also be valuable for discovering talent for your Animation Outsource needs. These sites allow you to see a variety of professionals and their services. For example, our animation studio is active on Guru, where we have successfully completed numerous outsourcing projects from clients worldwide. By browsing these platforms, you can gain insight into the typical price ranges for different animation services.
4. Leverage Social Media to Evaluate Content Marketing and PR Strategies
While some animation studios may be less active on their websites or freelancing platforms, many maintain a consistent presence on social media. Checking their accounts can provide valuable insights into their public relations activities, content creation, advertising campaigns, and media coverage. Evaluating their social media performance can assist you in selecting the most suitable animation outsourcing company for your project.
5. Explore Media Coverage and Animation Publications to Find Premier Studios
The internet has significantly transformed various aspects of research, marketing, entertainment, and information retrieval. Certain animation magazines have established themselves as authoritative sources within the industry, offering in-depth reviews and interviews with animation studios. By reading these features, you can gain insights from company leaders about their vision, mission, and the types of clients they aim to collaborate with in the future.
In Summary
The surge in animation production has left many companies struggling to meet the demand for high-quality content within tight deadlines. Animation outsourcing offers a viable solution, allowing businesses to fulfill projects without turning down opportunities. By now, it should be clear how crucial it is to identify an animation studio that matches your creative vision and budget.
By understanding the key aspects of outsourcing, you can make informed decisions that enhance your projects and elevate your brand. If you’re ready to take your animation to the next level, Contact us at Dezpad Design. Our expert team is dedicated to delivering high-quality animation services tailored to your unique needs. Let us help you bring your vision to life!