Behind the GIFs - How We Visualised Our Animation Process

One of the questions we get asked most often - especially by clients coming to animation for the first time - is what the animation process actually looks like from the inside. How does a project go from a brief and a blank page to a finished film? What happens at each stage, who does what, and how long does it take?

We've always believed the best way to explain animation is through animation itself. So rather than writing a lengthy document that nobody would read, we created a series of animated GIFs - one for each of the seven steps in our process - to bring the whole thing to life visually. We tested the style and tone on Dribbble first, gauging reaction before committing to the full set. The response was great, so here they are.

The Seven Steps - Animated

Each GIF below represents one stage of a typical animation project at Cub Studio. They're deliberately simple and playful - because the process, while thorough, doesn't have to be intimidating. Click through to our full Animation Process guide for the detail behind each step.

Step 1 - Briefing

Every project starts here. A great brief is the foundation of a great animation - the more we understand your objectives, audience and message at this stage, the smoother everything that follows will be.

Step 2 - Scripting

Whether you come to us with a finished script or need us to write one from scratch, we work collaboratively until every word is earning its place. Nothing moves to production until the script is signed off.

Step 3 - Style Frames

Style frames are fully illustrated still images that show exactly how the finished animation will look - think of them as pressing pause on the final film. This is where the visual world comes to life for the first time.

Step 4 - Voice Over

The right voice makes an enormous difference. We help source and cast voice talent that fits your brand - and once the recording is done, it drives the timing and pacing of everything that follows.

Step 5 - Animation

This is where the magic happens. With script, style frames and voice over all approved, our animators bring the world to life - working across 2D, 3D, character animation and motion graphics depending on what the project calls for.

Step 6 - Audio Mix

Sound design, music and voice over all come together in the mix. It's the final layer that transforms a great-looking piece of animation into something that truly lands.

Step 7 - Sign Off & Delivery

The finished animation is delivered to your exact specifications - broadcast, social, web or digital out-of-home. Then we make a coffee and start thinking about what we're making next.

These GIFs were created back in 2015 - one of our earliest pieces of content - and they remain some of our favourite things we've ever made. Simple, characterful and genuinely useful. Which, come to think of it, is exactly what we try to make every animation.

Want to know more about how the process works in practice? Head over to our full Animation Process guide for a detailed breakdown of every step - including how long each stage takes, how revisions work and what makes Cub Studio different from other animation studios.

Or if you're ready to get started, get in touch.