Concept to Screen: How I Work

The motion graphics process doesn’t have to be complicated.

I believe the most successful animations focus on one core message, supported by up to three key points. My role is to help you find that focus. If you have never commissioned a video before, the possibilities can feel overwhelming. I strip away the complexity and break the project down into manageable stages. From the initial script to the final video file, you will always know exactly where we are in the process and what happens next. No jargon, just clear communication.

Key Messaging

In this early stage, we dig into the heart of what needs to be communicated. Through a focused interactions, we clarify the goals, the audience, and the core ideas that matter. What does success look like? Who are we communicating with? This clarity becomes the foundation for everything that follows.

Define goals, audience and core ideas

Script

Write / have a script written. It's important to remember that content is not a script. It needs a story arc. Remember, if it has a voice-over, then read it out loud to yourself so you can be sure it makes sense and feels authentic.

Create a story arc

Style

What will your video look and sound like? Does it have a voice-over, if so what do they sound like? Agree on a look and feel. Give examples if possible or I will suggest some that are in line with your brand.

Agree on look, feel and tone

Storyboard / Style Frames

The more people signing off the video, often the more detail is required and the longer it takes to produce and refine. On rare occasions this can be skipped (timing, a re-work of a video or you just trust the designer like some of my repeat clients).

Visual planning

Content

Source, supply or create illustration, music, video footage & images. Now is also the time to record the voice-over, before starting animating.

Create assets and record voice-over

Production

The art of animation begins bringing together everything agreed.

Animation begins

Review

Sometimes only one review is required, other times, work in progress at the end of each day(s) can be helpful. Making changes not in the storyboard costs more time and money at this stage.

Check progress

Sound

Licence music and sound effects (if required).

Add music and SFX

Delivery

Licence assets (music, footage, images etc), encode videos in pre-agreed format (see earlier for where it will be used). Supply final video file other assets that have been agreed such as captions.

License, encode and send files