Stuck for video inspiration? CPL One videographer Jonathan Sankey looks at just a few of the options for adding animation to your marketing mix.
The best part of making videos and animations for clients is when we get really creative – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Finding those cinematic camera angles, designing vibrant graphics, writing the scripts, storyboarding the shoots and getting down to some sharp editing, that’s when a project truly comes to life.
Of course, everything we create for clients also has a business purpose, whether that’s a recruitment campaign, telling potential customers about new products and services, or celebrating industry milestones. The films we make must also work for platforms and locations that range from TikTok and YouTube to conferences and events.
Our creativity, therefore, is always in service of our clients’ specific needs. But let’s take a moment to think about the creative possibilities, which often help our clients rethink what they’re offering in terms of the moving image.
Here are six creative ways we’ve been developing video and animation. Could they work for you?
1. Collage and mixed-media animations
Collage-style animation combines cut-out images, textures and mixed media, creating a dynamic, surreal aesthetic through stop-motion or digital composition. Collage animation is gaining popularity as brands seek to stand out in an overstimulated world. More companies are now using this technique to craft visually unique and emotionally engaging stories. Its ability to blend nostalgia with modern narratives helps brands connect with audiences, making it a powerful tool for marketing and digital storytelling. We used this technique to create a film celebrating the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management’s 125th anniversary. But don’t just take our word for it, the style was also recently used by Nike to help celebrate its own anniversary.
2. Podcast promos
Creating a video to promote your new podcast series can significantly boost its visibility and engagement. While podcasts rely on audio, video content allows you to capture attention on social media, where visual storytelling is key. A well-crafted promotional video can introduce your podcast’s theme, highlight key topics, and showcase your personality, making it easier for potential listeners to connect with your content before they even press play. For example, here’s one we made for law firm Taylor Vinters.
3. Minimalist 2D graphic animation
2D graphic animation continues to thrive for its sleek, minimalist look, making it highly adaptable across digital platforms. Widely used in corporate and educational videos, it delivers clear, engaging content. Its simplicity also enables quick production, suiting the fast-paced digital landscape. It’s also a great option if budgets are tight. And, while the creative processes are similar, the look and feel of the final animations can vary widely. For example, here’s one we made for IVF clinic Bourn Hall, and another for the British Psychological Society.
4. Client testimonials
Client testimonial videos showcase your brand by customers sharing their positive experiences with a product or service. With the rise of online reviews and the importance of having ‘social proof’, client testimonial videos are a powerful marketing tool. Authentic testimonials resonate with potential customers, influencing their purchasing decision. So, if people have been saying nice things about your business, are you sharing the goodwill? It could look something like this.
5. Social media content
Having a strong social presence on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram will continue to be essential in 2025 and beyond. With ever-changing algorithms and short attention spans, motion-graphic videos are a powerful tool to capture interest quickly and convey messages in an eye-catching format. These dynamic visuals help brands stand out in crowded feeds, boost engagement and reinforce brand identity, making social-media content more effective and shareable. For example, we created this animated post and these Instagram reels for horse-racing incentive scheme the Great British Bonus.
6. Embracing AI
AI is rapidly advancing and integrating into industries whether we embrace it or not, and video production is no exception. From automated editing and script generation to deepfake technology and AI-driven animations, these tools are streamlining workflows, reducing costs, and making high-quality content more accessible. While some fear AI replacing creative jobs, it also opens new possibilities for storytellers, allowing faster production and enhanced visual effects. The future of video will be shaped by how we adapt and collaborate with AI rather than resist its inevitable rise. And will it really add to our creativity? Well, here’s how we used AI voiceover generation to help our client Nautilus at its 2024 online conference.
If you’re still not sure for what purpose you’d use video, or what your options are, then get in touch – let’s start to storyboard some possibilities.