Animation Studio in South Africa: What is Whiteboard Animation?
From school classrooms to office meetings, we have long relied on drawings and simple visuals to help explain ideas and make information easier to understand. Think about the last time a teacher used a whiteboard to sketch a diagram, or when someone doodled a quick map or chart to clarify a point. These simple drawings help people understand ideas more easily and hold their attention better than words alone. Whiteboard animation builds on this age-old method by turning hand-drawn images into moving pictures that explain the message in a straightforward way. Whether you are new to the concept or curious about how such videos are made, this article will explain what whiteboard animation is, how an animation studio in South Africa approaches its production, the benefits it offers, and the kinds of projects where they come in handy.
What is Whiteboard Animation?
Whiteboard animation is a type of video where drawings seem to be created live on a white background or whiteboard. The images are usually simple, often black and white, and they appear step-by-step as a narrator explains the story. This method is especially useful for sharing information in a way that is easy to follow and remember. Because the drawings unfold gradually, the viewer is guided through the message with clear visuals that complement the spoken words. Companies around the world use whiteboard animation to explain products, teach concepts, or communicate internal strategies. In South Africa, animation studios use this technique to produce videos that make difficult ideas easier to understand for a broad audience.
How to Make a Whiteboard Animation Video
Creating whiteboard animation is a step-by-step process. Here is how an animation studio in South Africa typically approaches it:
1. Planning and Concept Development
Before any drawing or animation begins, the studio gathers information about what the video needs to achieve. This includes understanding the target audience, the purpose of the video, the tone, and the message to be conveyed. The goal is to ensure that the final product fits the client’s needs and communicates effectively.
2. Scriptwriting
The script is the backbone of the video. Scriptwriters work to transform the key information into a clear and interesting story. This story helps keep the audience’s attention from start to finish. The script is then shared with the client for feedback and possible adjustments.
3. Storyboarding
Once the script is finalised, the studio creates a storyboard. This is a visual plan that shows each scene or frame of the video. It acts as a guide for the animation and helps everyone involved to visualise how the story will unfold.
4. Prepare Animation Assets
With the storyboard approved, the studio prepares all the drawings, graphics, and other visual elements needed for the animation. These assets are often created by hand or digitally but designed to look hand-drawn.
5. Animation
Now the assets come to life. The studio animates the drawings so they appear to be created in real time. The timing is carefully planned to match the script and keep the story flowing naturally.
6. Voiceover, Sound Effects, and Music
A clear voiceover is recorded to tell the story. Sound effects and music may also be added to support the mood and help maintain interest. The sound layer is carefully balanced so it complements the visuals without overpowering them.
7. Revisions
The client reviews the animated video and suggests any changes. The studio makes necessary adjustments while keeping to the agreed scope to ensure the video meets expectations without causing delays or extra costs.
8. Final Product / Video
Once approved, the video is finalised and delivered. This final product can be used in marketing, training, presentations, or internal communications. An experienced animation studio in South Africa ensures each of these stages is done with care, producing videos that are clear, visually pleasing, and well timed.
The Benefits of Whiteboard Animation
Whiteboard animation offers several advantages which explain its growing popularity:
1. Maintains Attention
Because the drawings appear gradually, viewers focus on each new image as it appears without feeling overwhelmed. The combination of narration and visuals keeps people interested for longer.
2. Improves Memorisation
Studies have shown viewers retain more information from whiteboard animations compared to talking head videos. The mix of seeing and hearing helps the brain process and remember information better.
3. Engages Viewers
Whiteboard animations often add a touch of humour or clever visuals, making the experience enjoyable. When people are entertained, they are more likely to absorb what they watch.
4. Versatile Communication Tools
These animations work well for many purposes, from explaining a new product to summarising key points or persuading an audience. They fit different industries and topics because of their straightforward style.
5. Quicker Development
Compared to full live-action productions, whiteboard animations can be developed more rapidly. An animation studio in South Africa can manage the process efficiently, delivering quality videos in a matter of weeks.
6. They Are Fun
Beyond being informative, whiteboard animations are enjoyable to watch. This positive experience helps viewers connect with the message without feeling like they are sitting through a lecture.
Different Whiteboard Video Styles
While the traditional style involves black-and-white drawings appearing on a whiteboard, there are variations. Some studios blend whiteboard animation with digital assets, adding movement to characters or objects for more dynamic effects. Others create fully digital whiteboard-style videos that mimic the hand-drawn feel without using a physical board. Regardless of style, the goal remains to present information clearly and attractively.
What is Whiteboard Animation Used For?
Whiteboard animations serve several purposes across many sectors:
- Introduce a Topic: Perfect for launching new ideas or products because the engaging format grabs attention.
- Summarise Information: Ideal for reviews or recaps, helping audiences remember the essentials.
- Explain an Idea: Makes complicated subjects easier to understand through visual metaphors and clear narration.
- To Persuade: Simple designs ensure the message stands out, whether in presentations, emails, or social media.
Who Are Whiteboard Animations For?
Whiteboard animation videos suit a wide range of audiences:
Sales People and Marketers
Whiteboard animations offer a simple yet effective way to explain products or services. Marketers often use these videos as explainer clips on websites, in email campaigns, or social media posts to quickly outline key benefits without overwhelming viewers. Sales teams also find them useful during presentations or pitches, as they help break down complex offers into easy-to-understand visuals.
Students and Educators
Educators use whiteboard animations to introduce new topics, explain difficult concepts, or recap lessons in a way that keeps students interested. The mix of visuals and narration helps improve understanding and memory, making lessons easier to follow for different learning styles. It is also a great resource because these videos can be uploaded to a learning management system (LMS) and accessed on demand, allowing students to rewatch them whenever they need a refresh or are preparing for tests. Students benefit from this clear and flexible way of learning.
Nonprofits and Charities
For organisations working with limited budgets, whiteboard animations provide an affordable way to communicate messages clearly and memorably. They can be used to explain causes, show impact stories, or encourage donations. These videos are well suited for websites, social media, or fundraising events.
Internal Communications Teams
Within companies, whiteboard animations are helpful for onboarding new employees, explaining policy changes, or sharing corporate updates. Unlike lengthy emails or documents, these videos quickly engage staff and can simplify messages that might otherwise get lost in jargon. They also suit training sessions, where clear step-by-step visuals improve learning.
An animation studio in South Africa works closely with clients from these fields to produce videos that meet their specific needs.
FAQs About an Animation Studio in South Africa
It is a style of video where hand-drawn illustrations appear on a white background while a narrator explains the story, making information easy to follow and remember.
Typically, the process takes between three to five weeks, depending on the complexity and length of the video.
Yes, whiteboard animation is versatile and can be adapted to suit education, marketing, non-profits, internal communication, and more.
Most studios help develop the script based on your goals and information to ensure the story is clear and engaging.
The combination of visual storytelling and voiceover helps maintain attention, improves memorisation, and can make learning more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Whiteboard animation has a way of making information feel less like a chore and more like a conversation. It gently guides viewers through ideas without overwhelming them or demanding too much at once. Whether you want to explain something new, recap important points, or persuade an audience, this style keeps things straightforward and inviting. Working with an animation studio in South Africa means you can rely on people who understand how to balance clarity and creativity, so your message comes across just right.
You talk, we draw. Well, sort of. Sound Idea Digital makes whiteboard animations that do the explaining for you. Get in touch and we’ll map it out together.
We are a full-service Web Development and Content Production Agency in Gauteng specialising in Video Production, Animation, eLearning Content Development, Learning Management Systems, and Content Production.
Contact us for a quote. | enquiries@soundidea.co.za | https://www.soundideavideoproduction.co.za| +27 82 491 5824 |
Still curious? We’ve got more where that came from
If you are in research mode (or just animation-curious), here are a few more reads that dig deeper into the hows and whys — from choosing between video and animation to what actually happens during production:
Video Production Companies: Animation vs. Video
Animation Company South Africa: Pre-production To Final Delivery