| Storyboarding |
Visual representation of scenes in sequence. |
2D Animation |
Photoshop |
Storyboard Artist, Director |
| Animatics |
Timing and pacing of scenes using a rough animation sequence. |
Digital |
Adobe Animate |
Animator, Director |
| Character Design |
Creating visual representation of characters. |
2D/3D Animation |
Illustrator |
Character Designer, Art Director |
| Layout Design |
Defining the backgrounds and settings for scenes. |
2D Animation |
Sketchbook Pro |
Layout Artist, Art Director |
| Voice Recording |
Recording voiceovers for characters. |
Audio |
Pro Tools |
Voice Actor, Director |
| Motion Capture |
Recording live actor movements to animate characters. |
3D Animation |
Mocap Studio |
Technical Director, Animator |
| Pipeline Development |
Creating a workflow for animation production. |
Various |
Custom Software |
Producer, Technical Director |
| Asset Management |
Organizing and managing assets needed for animation. |
All |
Project Management Software |
Production Manager, Team Leads |
| Feedback Loops |
Iterative process of gathering and implementing feedback. |
Various |
Collaboration Tools |
All Team Members |
| Team Meetings |
Regular discussions to align project vision and tasks. |
Virtual/Physical |
Zoom, Slack |
All Team Members |
| Visual Development |
Creating the look and feel of the animation. |
2D/3D |
Photoshop, Blender |
Visual Development Artist, Art Director |
| Rigging |
Creating skeletons for 3D characters to be animated. |
3D Animation |
Maya |
Rigger, Animator |
| Texturing |
Applying surface textures to 3D models. |
3D Animation |
Substance Painter |
Texture Artist, 3D Modeler |
| Lighting |
Setting up the lighting for scenes to create mood and depth. |
3D Animation |
Maya, Blender |
Lighting Artist, Director |
| Compositing |
Combining all visual elements into the final scene. |
2D/3D |
After Effects |
Compositor, Visual Effects Supervisor |
| Color Grading |
Correcting and enhancing color for the final output. |
All |
DaVinci Resolve |
Colorist, Director |
| Script Writing |
Writing the script or dialogue for the animation. |
Various |
Word Processor |
Writer, Director |
| Sound Design |
Creating the audio elements and effects for the animation. |
Audio |
Audacity |
Sound Designer, Director |
| Editing |
Cutting and assembling the footage into a cohesive story. |
2D/3D |
Premiere Pro |
Editor, Director |
| Marketing Collaboration |
Working with marketing teams for promotional strategies. |
Various |
Marketing Tools |
Marketing Manager, Director |
| Animation Workshops |
Training and sharing techniques among animators. |
Physical/Virtual |
Various |
Facilitator, Participants |
| Peer Reviews |
Critiquing each others' work to improve quality. |
Various |
Feedback Tools |
All Team Members |
| Networking Events |
Connecting with industry professionals for collaboration opportunities. |
Physical/Virtual |
Event Platforms |
All Participants |
| Team Building Activities |
Activities designed to strengthen team relationships. |
Physical/Virtual |
Various |
All Team Members |
| Project Assignments |
Assigning specific tasks to team members. |
Various |
Project Management Software |
Project Manager, Team Leads |
| Script Read-Throughs |
Performing the script to understand character voices and pacing. |
Various |
Virtual/Physical |
Voice Actors, Director |
| Soundtrack Development |
Creating or selecting music for the animation. |
Audio |
Music Software |
Composer, Director |
| Research and Development |
Exploring new techniques and technologies in animation. |
Various |
Research Tools |
Technical Director, Team Leads |
| Collaborative Tools Usage |
Utilizing software for better team communication and efficiency. |
All |
Slack, Asana |
All Team Members |
| Cross-Department Meetings |
Meetings between different departments for cohesive production. |
Virtual/Physical |
Zoom, Teams |
All Department Heads |
| Storyboard Reviews |
Reviewing storyboards for feedback and adjustments. |
2D Animation |
Storyboard Editor |
All Team Members |
| Design Reviews |
Regular checks on character and environment designs. |
Various |
Digital Platforms |
Art Director, Team Members |
| Animation Testing |
Testing out animation techniques and character motions. |
2D/3D |
Maya, Blender |
Animator, Director |
| Exit Interviews |
Gaining feedback from departing members about processes. |
Various |
Survey Tools |
HR, Departing Member |
| Internship Programs |
Bringing in interns for hands-on experience in projects. |
Various |
Virtual/Physical |
Mentors, Interns |
| Content Management |
Organizing content and assets for easy access. |
All |
Content Management Software |
Production Manager, Team Leads |
| Networking Lunches |
Informal gatherings to discuss ideas and projects. |
Physical |
Venue |
All Participants |
| Event Showcases |
Presenting work to potential clients or communities. |
Physical/Virtual |
Presentation Software |
All Team Members |
| Community Forums |
Engaging in discussions and sharing insights on online platforms. |
Online |
Forums |
All Team Members |
| Collaboration with Freelancers |
Working with freelancers for specialized tasks. |
Various |
Freelancer Platforms |
Producer, Freelancers |
| Master Classes |
Expert-led classes to teach advanced animation techniques. |
Physical/Virtual |
Various |
Facilitator, Participants |
| Coding for Animation |
Utilizing programming for enhancing animation processes. |
3D Animation |
Python, C++ |
Technical Artist, Programmers |
| Diversity Workshops |
Workshops focused on inclusivity and diverse perspectives. |
Virtual/Physical |
Various |
All Team Members |
| Feedback Incentives |
Offering incentives for providing constructive feedback. |
Various |
Incentive Programs |
All Team Members |
| Collaborative Research |
Partnering with schools or studios for research projects. |
Physical/Virtual |
Research Tools |
Researchers, Animators |
| Interactive Sessions |
Creating environments for real-time Q&A about projects. |
Online |
Webinar Tools |
All Team Members |
| Implementation of Technology |
Adopting new technologies to improve production efficiency. |
All |
Tech Tools |
Technical Director, Project Manager |
| Retrospectives |
Looking back on project phases to capture lessons learned. |
Various |
Virtual/Physical |
All Team Members |
| Script Editor Collaborations |
Working closely with script editors for story accuracy. |
Various |
Collaborative Editing Tools |
Writers, Editors |
| Cultural Consultation |
Bringing in consultants for culturally sensitive content. |
Various |
Various Tools |
Consultants, Producers |
| Crowdsourcing Feedback |
Gathering public opinions for project direction. |
Digital |
Survey Tools |
Producers, Marketing Team |
| Team Recognition Programs |
Setting up systems to recognize team member contributions. |
Various |
Recognition Tools |
HR, All Team Members |
| Social Media Engagement |
Utilizing social media for project promotion and feedback. |
Online |
Social Platforms |
Marketing Team, Directors |
| Animated Shorts Collaboration |
Working on short film projects together. |
2D/3D |
Adobe Suite |
All Team Members |
| Volunteer Opportunities |
Creating avenues for community involvement different projects. |
Physical/Virtual |
Various |
All Participants |
| Utilizing Online Courses |
Providing access to online learning for skill development. |
Online |
Online Learning Platforms |
Team Members |
| Inclusion of Artists with Disabilities |
Incorporating diverse artists with varied abilities. |
Various |
Various Tools |
HR, Production Team |
| Parent-Child Workshops |
Engaging families in animation practices. |
Physical/Virtual |
Various |
Facilitators, Participants |
| Art Battles |
Friendly competitions to promote skills and innovation. |
Physical/Virtual |
Various |
Animators, Artists |
| Merchandising Collaborations |
Partnering for merchandise related to animation projects. |
Physical/Online |
Various |
Marketing Team, Partners |
| Creative Retreats |
Organizing retreats focused on creating new content. |
Physical |
Various |
All Team Members |
| Animation Competitions |
Engaging in competitions to foster creativity and team spirit. |
Physical/Virtual |
Submission Platforms |
All Team Members |
| Open Mics |
Sessions for sharing ideas and drafts in a casual setting. |
Physical/Virtual |
Various |
All Team Members |
| Funding Collaborations |
Working with financing partners for project funding. |
Various |
Financial Software |
Producers, Investors |
| Documenting Process |
Keeping records of workflows and artistic processes. |
Various |
Journals, Software |
Team Members |
| Testing New Techniques |
Experimenting with new animation techniques. |
Various |
Animation Software |
All Team Members |
| Community Engagement |
Building connections with local artists and communities. |
Physical |
Community Centers |
Producers, Community Leaders |
| Art Exchanges |
Swapping art styles or techniques with others for inspiration. |
Physical/Virtual |
Various |
All Artists |
| Screenplay Workshops |
Collaborative workshops for enhancing screenplay writing. |
Physical/Virtual |
Various |
Writers, Directors |
| Quick Demos |
Fast-paced demonstrations of animation techniques or processes. |
Physical/Virtual |
Various |
All Team Members |
| Visual Style Guides |
Creating consistency in visual aesthetics across projects. |
All |
Documentation Software |
Designers, Directors |
| Creating Style Frames |
Framing visual representations for key scenes or elements. |
2D/3D |
Photoshop |
Artists, Directors |
| Networking Conferences |
Attending industry conferences for new contacts and ideas. |
Physical |
Conference Platforms |
All Team Members |
| Collaboration Apps |
Using mobile apps for seamless communication. |
All |
Mobile Apps |
All Team Members |
| Virtual Reality Testing |
Exploring animation in virtual reality environments. |
3D Animation |
VR Software |
Animators, Technical Team |
| Story Circle Techniques |
Using story circles for collective brainstorming. |
Physical/Virtual |
Whiteboard Tools |
All Team Members |
| Animation Festivals |
Competing or showcasing work in industry festivals. |
Physical |
Festival Platforms |
All Team Members |
| Publishing Research Papers |
Sharing findings in animation techniques publicly. |
Digital |
Academic Journals |
Researchers, Writers |
| Roundtable Discussions |
Facilitating open discussions on animation challenges. |
Physical/Virtual |
Discussion Platforms |
All Team Members |
| Cross-Cultural Collaborations |
Working with international teams for diverse perspectives. |
Virtual |
Collaboration Tools |
International Teams |
| Using Analytics for Decisions |
Leveraging data to inform animation style and direction. |
All |
Analytics Tools |
Producers, Marketing Team |
| Collaborative Story Creation |
Working together to develop a story or narrative. |
Physical/Virtual |
Brainstorming Tools |
Writers, Directors |
| Participation in Art Fairs |
Showcasing animations at local art fairs. |
Physical |
Event Venues |
All Team Members |
| Developing e-Learning Content |
Creating online learning modules for animation techniques. |
Online |
e-Learning Platforms |
Educators, Designers |
| Charitable Partnerships |
Joining forces with nonprofits for beneficial causes. |
Various |
Various |
All Team Members |
| Collaboration with Universities |
Partnering for educational programs and projects. |
Physical/Virtual |
Collaboration Tools |
University Staff, Animators |
| Artistic Showcases |
Holding events to display artistic work and innovation. |
Physical |
Exhibitions |
All Team Members |
| Webinars on Techniques |
Conducting webinars to educate others on animation skills. |
Online |
Webinar Platforms |
All Team Members |
| Design Sprints |
Intensive collaborative periods to solve design problems. |
Various |
Various Tools |
All Team Members |
| Grants for Projects |
Applying for funding to support collaborative animation initiatives. |
Various |
Grant Platforms |
Producers, Writers |
| Creating Online Tutorials |
Developing tutorials to help others learn animation processes. |
Online |
Video Platforms |
All Team Members |
| Script Collaboration Software |
Using online tools for live editing of scripts. |
Digital |
Google Docs |
Writers, Editors |
| Building a Collaborative Culture |
Fostering a company culture that encourages collaboration. |
Various |
Various Tools |
HR, All Team Members |
| Creation of Mood Boards |
Gathering visual references to inspire project direction. |
2D/3D |
Pinterest, Photoshop |
Designers, Directors |
| Professional Development |
Offering courses or workshops to upskill animators. |
Physical/Virtual |
Various |
Facilitators, Participants |
| Focus Groups |
Utilizing focus groups to gather opinions on works in progress. |
Physical/Virtual |
Survey Tools |
Marketing Team, Producers |
| Multi-disciplinary Collaboration |
Incorporating input from various fields such as engineering or psychology. |
Various |
Various Tools |
All Collaborators |
| Simulation Projects |
Simulating environments or characters to refine animations. |
3D Animation |
Simulation Software |
Technical Team, Animators |
| Feedback Sessions with Clients |
Gathering client feedback throughout production phases. |
Various |
Virtual/Physical |
Clients, Producers |
| Team Retreats |
Organizing retreats for relaxation and creative brainstorming. |
Physical |
Venues |
All Team Members |
| Public Screenings |
Hosting screenings of completed works for audiences. |
Physical |
Cinema |
All Team Members |
| Collaboration with Nonprofits |
Creating animations for nonprofits to raise awareness. |
Various |
Various Tools |
Animators, Nonprofits |
| Social Responsibility Projects |
Engaging in projects that have a social impact. |
Various |
Various Tools |
All Team Members |
| Animation Challenges |
Participating in challenges to foster teamwork and creativity. |
Online |
Challenge Platforms |
All Team Members |
| Creating a Studio Wiki |
Developing a wiki for documenting studio processes and policies. |
Digital |
Wiki Software |
All Team Members |
| Brand Collaborations |
Working with brands for cross-promotions in animation. |
Physical/Online |
Various |
Marketing Team, Brands |
| Creating a Style Guide |
Establishing aesthetic guidelines for consistency in animation. |
Various |
Documentation Software |
Designers, Directors |
| Art Jams |
Collaborative art sessions to generate creative ideas. |
Physical/Virtual |
Various |
All Artists |
| Industry Panel Discussions |
Participating in panels to discuss industry trends and challenges. |
Physical/Virtual |
Conference Platforms |
Industry Experts |
| Documenting Animation Processes |
Recording steps taken in producing animations for reference. |
Various |
Documentation Software |
All Team Members |
| Collaboration with Animation Mentors |
Learning from experienced animators in cooperative projects. |
Various |
Various Tools |
Mentors, Mentees |
| Open Source Animation Projects |
Collaborating on projects where anyone can contribute ideas and assets. |
Online |
Open Source Tools |
All Contributors |
| Participatory Workshops |
Workshop formats that engage participants in hands-on activities. |
Physical/Virtual |
Workshop Tools |
Facilitators, Participants |
| Utilizing Discord for Team Communication |
Using Discord channels for daily communication and updates. |
Online |
Discord |
All Team Members |
| Collaborative Writing Sessions |
Group writing for animation scripts or concepts. |
Physical/Virtual |
Writing Tools |
Writers, Directors |
| Mental Health Initiatives |
Supporting mental well-being among animators through collaborative programs. |
Various |
Health Tools |
HR, All Team Members |
| Artistic Collaborations Across Genres |
Creating hybrid projects that blend different artistic styles. |
Various |
Various Tools |
All Artists |
| Establishing Partnerships for Indiegogo / Crowdfunding |
Working together to fund animation projects through crowdfunding. |
Online |
Crowdfunding Platforms |
Producers, Creators |
| Creation of Art Directors Council |
Forming a council of art directors to share ideas and trends. |
Various |
Online Meeting Software |
Art Directors |
| Virtual Reality and AR Collaborations |
Working with AR/VR specialists for innovative content. |
3D Animation |
AR/VR Software |
Animators, Developers |
| Interactive Storytelling Sessions |
Collaborative brainstorming for interactive narratives. |
Physical/Virtual |
Board Games, Story Maps |
Writers, Designers |
| Scripting Workshops |
Collaborating on developing scripts for different animation forms. |
Physical/Virtual |
Scriptwriting Tools |
Writers, Directors |
| Tackling Environmental Issues through Animation |
Collaborating on projects aimed to raise environmental awareness. |
Various |
Various Tools |
Animators, NGOs |
| Social Media Campaigns |
Creating campaigns across social media platforms as a team. |
Digital |
Social Media Platforms |
Marketing Team, Collaborators |
| Co-Learning Sessions |
Organizing sessions where team members teach each other skills. |
Physical/Virtual |
Sharing Platforms |
All Team Members |
| Art Fundraising Events |
Hosting events to fund future collaborative projects through art. |
Physical |
Event Platforms |
All Team Members |
| Participatory Research Projects |
Engaging audiences in the research phase of projects. |
Various |
Research Tools |
All Team Members |
| App Development Workshops |
Creating apps as a team to complement animation projects. |
Digital |
Programming Tools |
Developers, Animators |