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The Cost of 2D Animation: What Factors Influence Pricing?


Animation still of man looking at financial pages on computer

At Kris Animation Studio, one of the questions I hear most often is, "How much will this cost?"


The answer I always give is, "It depends."


I know most clients would prefer that I give a clear cut number or a "ballpark figure" right out of the gate. However, it's simply not possible for me to give any kind of meaningful quote until I have a stronger idea of what the project entails. That's because the cost of 2D animation varies widely depending on several factors.


What are those factors, you ask? Let’s dive in!


Duration of the Animation


This is probably the most obvious one, but it still needs to be said. The length of your animation directly impacts the overall cost. Longer animations require more hours of labor. Simple.


Something to keep in mind is that if you are on a tighter budget, tightening your script can not only help you cut down on costs, but it can also make your project that much more compelling. A lot of stories thrive with a tighter runtime.


Animation still of horse and music van

Number of Assets


Each character and asset in an animation requires design, rigging, and often multiple angles or poses. The more characters and assets you have, the higher the cost.


Characters that need to perform a variety of actions or show a wide range of emotions require more rigging and testing, which adds to the workload. Additionally, complex assets like vehicles or machinery can also increase costs.


Finally, backgrounds take time to design and color, especially if they are highly detailed. Keep in mind that every new angle of a background is a separate illustration.


Animation Style


The complexity of the animation style is a huge factor in influencing the cost. Simple, flat designs with minimal details are less time-consuming and, therefore, less expensive. On the other hand, intricate characters, detailed backgrounds, and complex movements require more time and skill, driving up the costs. Whether you’re going for a classic hand-drawn look, a cut-out style, or something more modern with digital rigging, the complexity will dictate the pricing.


Deadlines and Turnaround Time


If you require a rush job or have tight deadlines, a charge for expedited work may get added to the overall rate. If you have a smaller budget, planning ahead and allowing ample time for production can help keep costs down.


Illustration of car driving up a road

Conclusion


I hope this provides some insight into how we determine our pricing. However, the only way to get an accurate quote for your project is to schedule a consultation, which you can do here.


 

Written by Michelle Domanowski

Michelle is the Founder of Kris Animation Studio and a writer with an MFA in Screenwriting from Florida State University. At KAS, she leads creative projects that blend innovative storytelling with dynamic visual artistry. When writing for herself, she loves working on horror movies that keep her awake at night.

 

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