So you have a great idea for an explainer video, and now you have a big decision to make: do you DIY or hire an expert?
DIY is more than just trendy Pinterest home projects. It can also apply to your work: doing projects internally that might normally be reserved for an expert specialist. If you do some quick internet research, you will learn there are softwares out there that enable you to make your own animation. Similarly, there are many companies who specialize in making amazing explainer videos.
There are pros and cons for both options. Let’s start with the DIY approach. The main pro for this option is cost. It will probably cost you less money to create an animation yourself, rather than hiring a professional.
However, money is not the only important resource in this equation. DIYing your animation will cost you more time and effort than hiring someone to do it for you, which means you will have less time and brain-space to work on other things (let’s face it, the things you were hired to do and are actually good at).
Which brings us to con #2… if you are reading this, you probably aren’t an expert animator. It’s okay, we can’t all be! So it follows that an animation you make yourself just won’t be as good as one an animation company can make for you. Maybe it’ll get the job done, and that’s good enough. But if you want something that looks polished, professional, and truly exceeds expectations, then you should go with a pro.
Now let’s think about hiring an animation company. When you hire, you are getting years of experience. That means expert script writers who will make sure your message shines. Professional voiceover artists who will absolutely nail the delivery. Illustrators and animators who are talented, creative, and will elevate your project to a true work of art.
Additionally, when you hire an animation company, you are giving yourself the gift of time. You can focus on the things that matter most to you, while the company does the bulk of the legwork. All you need to do is provide feedback to make sure the animation is exactly as you dreamed.
Finally, there is a misconception that DIYing your video gives you more control over the final product and subsequent versions. But when you work with an expert, you aren’t giving up control. You are just partnering with someone who can bring out the best in your idea and help you make something amazing.
The verdict? If you have a tiny to non-existent budget, and the time and creativity to invest, DIY can be a good choice. However, if you have a budget, we very strongly recommend partnering with an expert animation shop. This is the only way to ensure a high-quality, highly-effective product. And with different options around style, length, and timeline, we can work with a variety of budgets. Let’s talk.
