It’s natural to think that the most important element of an animation project is the animating side of things! Of course, in a way, it is. But, before we even get to that point, it’s good practice to plan your animation project to get the best possible result.
When you’re lining up a new animation project, naturally your instinct is going to scream at you to jump straight into the animation work, to get past that blank page moment. However, proceeding with restraint and caution in favor of establishing even a rough plan can help your animation projects succeed.
Settling on Your Animation Project’s Concept
This might seem like an obvious part of planning an animation project, but having a clear understanding of the concept you want to work on is crucial before the proper animating work begins.
First and foremost, clearly defining the central theme and ideas of your animation is paramount. What is the story you want to tell and how do you want to tell it? Figuring this part out is the first step in having a plan you can reference throughout the lifespan of the animation project.
Bearing in mind your ideal story and theme concepts – who do you want this animation project to appeal to? Would it be congruent with your desired themes to aim this at young kids, or would it be more appropriate for an older audience?
Thinking about the animation project’s specific traits – What overall animation style are you aiming for? What visual characteristics should it have? Does it fit into a genre?
These are just some of the initial questions you should ask yourself when planning an animation project to help it take shape, and so that you know what you’re doing with every step.
Technical Aspects
Another major part of planning an animation project is figuring out your methodology, techniques, and software.
Depending on your project, your software requirements could differ greatly. If, for example, you’re working on an animation project that will be used as part of VFX for a game development project, you might consider using something like Adobe Animate. Or if you’re working on an animated television series, using Toon Boom Harmony might be the right option if that can be used to support the animation project’s overall aesthetic.
Figuring Out a Timeline
Breaking down what software and techniques you’re planning on using can help in determining an overall timeline and milestones so you’re always working towards your goals.
Like any creative pursuit, whether it’s an animation project or something else, establishing a timeline is essential to keeping organized and hitting deadlines. Whether it’s a personal animation project or part of a client collaboration, working out your timeline and deadlines is a non-negotiable aspect of working on an animation project.
Including milestones is also a wise move as it can help you unambiguously get an idea of how the animation project will proceed. Similarly, planning for setbacks is encouraged so that in the case of unforeseen delays, project changes, or any other bumps in the road you can account for these and proceed as best as possible without the entire project being affected.
The Flow of Feedback
Crucial to all creative endeavors is establishing a feedback loop, especially for an animation project. With this aspect, it’s almost easier in a sense to work on an animation project as part of a client collaboration as you’ll have people you’re regularly working with who will be providing consistent feedback to refine the work.
There can be a challenge working on a solo animation project as you may not necessarily have people in tow who can help provide essential feedback. This makes it especially important to network within the industry, cultivate relationships with contacts, and leverage relationships with people you trust who can provide the feedback you need.
Incorporating feedback into your animation project should ideally be planned as part of your timeline so that any necessary adjustments don’t upend the project’s timeline and its delivery.
