How to Choose the Right Animation Style for Your Project
Every motion design project starts with a big question: what should it look like?
There are so many possibilities. It could be 2D or 3D, illustrative or minimal, playful or cinematic. With so many options, choosing the right style can feel overwhelming. The decision matters because the style sets the tone for everything that follows.
Our job is to guide you through that process. We make sure the look and feel of your video is not only visually appealing but also aligned with your audience, your message, and your goals.
Here is how we get there.
1. Start With the “Why”
Before we explore styles, we begin by getting clear on why this video exists.
Is it meant to inform? Inspire? Sell? Start a conversation?
Your “why” is the compass. Without it, we could make a beautiful animation that says absolutely nothing, and nobody wants that.
2. Think About Who’s Watching
Different audiences respond to different visual languages.
Are they industry insiders who enjoy detail and nuance? Are they casual viewers who prefer simplicity? Are they expecting something bold and energetic or something calm and understated?
We work this out together because understanding who we are speaking to shapes how we design the visuals.
3. We Will Build a Moodboard
This is where we start connecting ideas to visuals.
We use the “why” and the “who” to produce a curated moodboard of styles we believe will be a great match for your project.
We collect inspiration from across the design world, from motion studios and style libraries to film title sequences and unexpected gems we come across along the way.
Then we organise everything into a moodboard that presents the best options.
You will not need to sift through endless options. We handle the heavy lifting and present a focused, considered direction based on what fits best.
4. Let the Story Lead
Style should elevate the story, not compete with it.
If the narrative is heartfelt, the style should honour that.
If the narrative is bold and fun, the visuals should lean into that energy.
Sometimes we deliberately go against expectation. If the content itself is quite dry, we may choose a more playful style to make it more engaging and memorable.
If the content is particularly complex, we may choose a clean and simple style to make the information easier to follow and understand.
There is no single formula, only careful decisions that make the story stronger.
5. How We Bring It All Together
Once we have agreed on a style direction, here is how the process flows:
Style Selection → We narrow down a few styles from the moodboard that feel right for the project and get your input on what resonates most.
Style Frames → Using the script and content, we produce a couple of style frames which show how the final video could look.
Motion Test (Optional) → If it is helpful to see the style in action, we may produce a few seconds of animation to capture the feel.
Full Storyboard → Once the style is locked, we create a complete storyboard showing how visuals and script work together across the entire video.
This process keeps things focused, collaborative, and clear so we all know exactly where we are headed.
Final Thought
Choosing the right motion design style is not about chasing trends or picking something “cool” for the sake of it. It is about making intentional choices that connect the message, the audience, and the visuals.
When the style fits, the story lands. The message resonates. People remember it.
