How can you create 2D animations on a tight deadline?

1 Plan ahead

Before you start animating, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will do it. Planning ahead can save you a lot of time and frustration later on. You should sketch out your storyboard, script, and character designs, and decide on the style, tone, and mood of your animation. You should also define your scope and limit your animation to the essential elements that convey your message and story. Avoid adding unnecessary details or features that will take up more time and resources.

2 Choose the right tools

There are many tools and software available for creating 2D animations, but not all of them are suitable for your needs and budget. You should choose the tools that match your skill level, preferences, and goals. Some tools are more user-friendly, versatile, and efficient than others, and some offer more features, options, and support than others. You should also consider the compatibility, performance, and reliability of the tools you use. Some examples of popular 2D animation tools are Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, Blender, and Krita.

4 Simplify your animation

Another way to create 2D animations on a tight deadline is to simplify your animation and focus on the key frames and movements. You don't have to animate every detail or every frame, especially if you are working on a short or simple animation. You can use techniques such as tweening, looping, and easing to create smooth and realistic animations with less work. Tweening is a process of generating intermediate frames between two key frames, which can create the illusion of motion and transformation. Looping is a process of repeating a sequence of frames to create a continuous action or effect. Easing is a process of adjusting the speed and acceleration of an animation to create a natural and dynamic movement.

5 Get feedback and revise

The final step of creating 2D animations on a tight deadline is to get feedback and revise your animation. Feedback can help you identify and fix any errors, glitches, or inconsistencies in your animation, and improve its quality and appeal. You can get feedback from your peers, clients, or audience, depending on the purpose and context of your animation. You should also review your animation yourself and check for any mistakes or areas of improvement. You should revise your animation based on the feedback and your own judgment, but you should also be realistic and flexible about the changes you can make within your deadline.