For ages, humans have been using drawings to facilitate communications, from cave paintings to intricate medieval maps, and today, a lecturer or a presenter draws things that are complex to explain with words on a whiteboard to provide further elaboration.
Whiteboard animation takes explaining a step (or even a few steps) further. It also goes by the name of video scribing. Whiteboard animation consists of a series of animated drawings of characters, objects, and background with a moving hand holding a marker pen to simulate drawing, accompanied by audio, either in the form of voice-over or music, or both.
In recent years, whiteboard animation has been one of the favorite picks for many businesses and organizations when it comes to video marketing. It’s easy to understand, interesting to watch and it leaves viewers feeling enlightened and entertained.
While brands are flocking to create a whiteboard animation, you certainly do not want to be left behind. But how do you make your video stand out from your competition?
In this article, we will explore the different factors that lend to the success of your whiteboard animation.
Why whiteboard animation?
Whether you have a generic product for mass consumption, or a niche technical solution, or even a humanitarian cause, you can make use of whiteboard animation to explain your complex or even dull subject matter seamlessly in a captivating way.
Doodles are an attractive form of illustration, loved by many. And animated doodles are even more fun to watch. It also helps to create a better impression in viewers’ minds so they will remember the information conveyed better.
Whiteboard animation is also more budget-friendly compared to other types of animations.
Things that you should consider in making your whiteboard animation a success
1. Customization
The last thing you want is that your video ends up just like any other whiteboard animation available over the Internet. Customizing your video is the key. Whiteboard animation doesn’t have to be just black and white. You can consider adding colors against a white background, particularly those related to your branding to make your video unique, so it stands out among the crowd. In addition, you can also tailor the illustrations or doodles to suit your brand identity, nature of business, and of course, your target audience.
2. Animation Adds a Breath of Fresh Air
You don’t just want another PowerPoint presentation that looks like illustrated sketches. You want moving illustrations that engage your viewers. Static animations are boring to watch, particularly a whiteboard animation where the illustrations are less colorful compared to a fully illustrated 2D animation. The animation shouldn’t only be limited to the drawing hand. You can consider adding more animation to other elements in the video, such as a moving car in the background.
3. The Right Animation Company
This is one of the most important factors to take into account if you want an effective whiteboard animation. Take some time to do research on whiteboard animation companies and be sure to check the quality of their past work. Also, check the clients that they have worked with and look for testimonials or references to listen to what the previous clients have to say. Make sure the quality of animations that they produced meet your expectation.
4. Communications
Once you have identified the company that you want to work with, you need to convey your requirements clearly. If you require the company to write the script, do ensure that you provide all your key messages in a succinct manner. Remember that communications go both ways. The company that you work with should be responsive and easy to reach throughout the entire production. Make sure that the selected studio/company has an in-house team and not outsourcing your project to others.
5. Budget
Your budget determines the quality of your video. While whiteboard animation tends to cost lesser than the typical 2D & 3D animated videos, going for the cheapest option isn’t going to guarantee any great result. Most cheap providers use stock vectors or templates that have already been used by many so this certainly won’t help create any differentiation for your brand. Look for a studio that has an in-house team to handle the work. Otherwise, it will be difficult to manage the outcome of your video as some companies fully outsource the production to cheaper studios. Of course, a high price point doesn’t always mean a good result.
Final Words
There are tons of video types to choose from when it comes to producing marketing videos. Each of the choices we make must correspond with our target audience and the topic of our video. For example, a 3D animation can be a good choice when it comes to architectural visualization or product demonstration, while the simplistic nature of whiteboard animation helps convey complex messages for the audience.
The slow drawing pace and simple illustrations make it easier for people to follow your message throughout the video. With the above guide, I certainly hope your journey to creating a whiteboard animation will be smooth and successful.
