Animations are powerful tools to bringing life to ideas and captivating audiences. However, deciphering the cost landscape can be as intricate as the animations themselves. In this exploration, we break down the costs associated with different types of animations in Nigeria, ranging from freelancers to high-end animation studios.
If you’ve ever wondered about the what you’ll have to spend to bring your ideas, products or pitch decks to life through animation, you’ve come to the right place! If you’ve been asking “How much does animation cost” or “Is it really worth it to investing in Animations” then you’re in the right place.
In this article, we break down key determining factors of the cost of animation
So, you want to know what it costs to create and animation? Let’s dive in.
Types of Animations:
Of course we’ll start by briefly explaining the various types of animations out there. If you want a more detailed explanation then you should look to our post on the types of animation and their differences. In that blog post, we explain the various types of animations and how they differ from each other.
Highlighted below are the 4 major types of animations.
3D Animation: This type of animation creates lifelike experiences, making them ideal for intricate storytelling and product visualization, providing a realistic and immersive experience. Some use-cases of this type of animation is Toy Story, product animations for showcasing detailed features, architectural visualizations.
These animations are used by brands in various industries including entertainment, manufacturing, and real estate where detailed visualizations are crucial.
2D Animation: Characterized by flat, two-dimensional images. 2D is known for its simplicity and charm, making it versatile for a wide range of purposes. Some use-cases of this type of 2D animation are SpongeBob and lion king, explainer videos for businesses and advertisements with a whimsical or playful tone.
This type of animation is best for brands in education, technology, and marketing where conveying information in a visually appealing and straightforward manner is essential.
Stop Motion: This is the least familiar type of animation. It involves capturing individual frames with physical objects or puppets to create animation. It provides a tactile and unique feel. A 1-minute stope motion could include up to 720 images. An example of this style of animation are Wallace and Gromit films and Kubo and the two strings. This animation style is great for product commercials with physical components like food or toys.
Best for Brands in the food industry, arts and crafts, or those aiming for a nostalgic and handmade aesthetic.
Motion Graphics: Ideal for conveying complex information, motion graphics blend animation and graphic design. They often involve the movement of text, icons, and images. Use cases of this type of animation are Infographics explaining data trends, animated logos for brand identity, educational videos with visual aids.
Motion graphics are truly the most versatile animation style and are great for brands in finance, technology, and education where conveying data or concepts in an engaging and visually appealing way is important.
Cost of Animation Per Minute:
Freelancers:
Freelancers offer flexibility and often specialize in specific animation styles. Starting costs are lower, making them accessible for smaller projects or businesses with budget constraints. However, it’s crucial to note that freelancers may have limitations in handling larger or complex projects due to their individual capacities.
Cost per Minute
3D animation – ₦200,000 – ₦500,000
2D Animation – ₦100,000 – ₦300,000
Motion Graphics – ₦80,000 – ₦200,000
Stop-Motion – ₦150,000 – ₦400,000
Agencies:
Animation agencies provide a middle ground between freelancers and studios, offering a balance of quality and cost-effectiveness. Unlike freelancers, agencies seamlessly handle diverse and intricate projects with their dedicated teams, ensuring a collaborative and efficient workflow. While professional studios may have a higher level of expertise, agencies provide a sweet spot in terms of comprehensive solutions without the potential budget constraints associated with studios.
Cost per Minute
3D animation – ₦500,000 – ₦1,500,000
2D Animation – ₦300,000 – ₦800,000
Motion Graphics – ₦200,000 – ₦600,000
Stop-Motion – ₦400,000 – ₦1,000,000
Use the ROUTPUT Animation Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate tailored to your project’s needs.
Professional Animation Studios:
Professional studios boast expertise and specialized resources, promising polished animations. However, this comes at a cost, making them more suitable for businesses with substantial budgets. Brands working with studios often experience less flexibility than working with agencies and freelancers, and the personalized touch found in individual freelancers’ and agencies work might be less pronounced in a studio’s more structured environment. For businesses seeking a perfect balance of very high-quality and cost, agencies prove to be an ideal choice. Often businesses, will work with branding agencies like ROUTPUT to help guide the studio to stick to the brand script.
Cost per Minute
3D animation – ₦3,000,000 – ₦8,000,000
2D Animation – ₦1,500,000 – ₦4,000,000
Motion Graphics – ₦1,000,000 – ₦3,000,000
Stop-Motion – ₦2,000,000 – ₦6,000,000
Broadcast/Film Level Animation Companies:
If your business looking for the cinema look and have a deep pocket, then a broadcast/film level company can bring a cinematic touch to animations. While they excel in delivering really top-notch quality, their services often come with a price tag to make the average business sweat, making them suitable for businesses with extensive budgets dedicated to achieving broadcast or film-level production standards. For businesses seeking a comprehensive solution with cinematic flair, these companies stand out, albeit at a premium cost.
Cost per Minute
3D animation – ₦2,000,000 – ₦5,000,000
2D Animation – ₦1,000,000 – ₦3,000,000
Motion Graphics – ₦800,000 – ₦2,000,000
Stop-Motion – ₦1,500,000 – ₦4,000,000
Use the ROUTPUT Animation Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate tailored to your project’s needs.
There you have it, the starting costs for creating animations! You should note that these values are somewhat subjective to the particular situation. Navigating the world of animation costs and quality is crucial for you if you’re looking to bring your ideas to life. Whether you’re a startup on a budget or a corporation seeking top-notch quality, understanding your options is the key maximizing your output.
Do you have an idea for a project and want to calculate what your project will cost if you work with ROUTPUT? Check out our Animations Pricing Calculator for a personalized estimate.