graphic recorders

Explainer Videos

Explain something complex, promote your product, train your staff, or champion a worthy cause—an explainer video can amplify your message.

Simplify The Complex

Simplify the Complex with Explainer Videos

Our process helps you get clarity on your message. We work with you to find the language and imagery that will bring your story to life so people pay attention.

5 Key Advantages of Visual Storytelling for Explainer Videos

  • Images can bridge literacy barriers by showing rather than telling.
  • Data and numbers can be made relatable and easier to understand.
  • Sensitive information can be displayed in a way that is delicate and less triggering and less expensive than live footage involving actors.
  • Procedures that are hard to film or hard to watch can be presented in a way that is simplified and more palatable.
  • Key steps can be grouped, folded into a mnemonic device, or arranged spatially on the page in a way that encourages behaviour change and is easier to remember.
Camera recording person drawing in studio

An Explainer Video Process for Excellence

  1. Discovery

    During this phase, our famous Empathy Forecast workshop will help us understand your audience, your key message, as well as getting everyone aligned.

  2. Concept

    Our professional scriptwriting team will work with you to turn insights from the initial workshop into a snappy script that communicates your key points.

  3. Create

    In this stage, we explore character development, themes, and visual storytelling, captured as a storyboard for you to review and help us refine.

  4. Magic

    Once the words and pictures and signed off, we’ll book a date in our studio where voiceover, music, sound effects, and post-production animations come together.

  5. Launch

    In this final step, we’ll deliver your finished product and any supporting assets, and optionally work with you on a roadmap for hosting and promotion.

Why Choose Hand-Drawn?

One of the reasons our sketch videos are so effective is because we shoot them in a real studio—with a real illustrator’s hand drawing. Having a real person on screen brings your viewer into the story, and helps to humanise your message.

  • Bespoke illustrations for every video
  • Suitable for TV, intranet, or social media
  • Sensitive information can be depicted in a way that is delicate and less triggering than live footage
  • Less expensive than live action footage
  • Great for explaining ideas
Learn more about our approach
Artist draws on a sketchpad, surrounded by colorful cartoon characters in various dynamic poses, the setting is a clean, well-lit studio.

Examples of Our Explainer Videos

Dec 05, 2024

Gaetano Greco Campaign: 2022 Victorian State Election

Gaetano Greco’s campaign was an incredible journey of creativity, collaboration, and grassroots activism. Together, we amplified the voices of the Preston community, focusing on the urgent need to save the iconic Preston Market.

Read case study
Jul 08, 2024

VELCRO®: Protecting A Brand

The word “VELCRO” is often misused by suppliers and customers. We helped The VELCRO® brand team clarify and educate people on how to use the brand.

Read case study
Jul 03, 2024

ACT Human Rights Commission: Codes of Conduct Illustrated

In late 2023, the ACT Human Rights Commission needed to explain a new code of conduct to massage therapists counsellors, naturopaths and others; and to reassure the public about the benefits for patients of the new regulation.

Read case study
Jun 12, 2024

University of Newcastle: Bringing Academic Research to the Real World

University research often results in groundbreaking, practical knowledge that is lost in academia. We set out to change this.

Read case study
May 19, 2024

City of Geelong: Driving a Conversation about Parking Changes

All cities face the challenge of juggling how space is used. Geelong Council created a Draft Parking Strategy for Central Geelong to tackle this very issue.

Read case study
Sep 26, 2023

Custom Illustrations for Closing The Gaps: The Movement That Encourages Movement

How we helped an Aboriginal-led not-for-profit amplify a community program that gets people moving—and adds years to their lives.

Read case study

More Than Just a Video

At the end of working with us, you’ll have far more than just a video file. We equip every client with the following:

  • Complete clarity on your messaging, which can be applied to other communication channels
  • A detailed empathy forecast that you and your colleagues can reference for future communications projects
  • Full ownership of your IP, so you can repurpose your video or imagery in other ways
  • A roadmap for how to use your video to reach your audience
Learn more about how
Blending real and animated elements in a comic creation

Why Partner with Sketch Group for Explainer Videos?

We’ve made hundreds of explainer videos over the years, and in that time we’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. We’re confident that we can help you find the imagery that will give impact to your story. And we’ll deliver it to you in time to support your product launch, campaign, or event.

  • Three abstract white figures in a pink and black background hold art supplies, including a paintbrush, palette, and another object, suggesting an art or creative activity.
    Experienced production team

    Over 10 years of creating hand-drawn videos for clients in Australia and globally

  • Three stylized writing instruments, a pen, a pencil with a squiggly line, and a marker, are arranged vertically against a light pink background.
    Range of illustration style

    Our network of 20+ illustrators means we bring diversity and depth to your project

  • Two hands performing a high-five against a peach-colored background. One hand is grey, and the other is white, with lines indicating motion.
    Flexible and easy to work with

    We consistently hear feedback from our clients that they love working with us!

  • Arrow pointing from a male symbol towards a red crystal shape on a peach background.
    Tried and true process

    Our unique process of finding clarity is so effective, it’s been written about in books!

Frequently Asked Questions about Explainer Videos

  • How much do explainer videos cost?

    Each video is different: some explainer videos are short and sharp, while others tell a considered story over 5 minutes. Some clients are looking for assistance with writing their script, while others already have talented copywriters and a very clear vision.

    As a ballpark, the cost for a 60-second video is around AUD $8,000, which includes an initial workshop, scriptwriting, storyboard, voiceover, a background music track and sound effects. If that doesn’t fit your budget, we have other packages that may be more suitable. Get in touch and let us know what you’re trying to achieve, and we’ll see if we can work something out.

  • What process do you follow?

    The process we follow looks a little bit like this:

    There are various checkpoints and opportunities for review and collaboration along the way, but that’s it in a nutshell. If you’re interested in a more in-depth description of how we do what we do, check out Matt’s article, How To Create A Whiteboard Animation.

  • How long does it take to create a video?

    To create a high quality whiteboard animation involves a considerable amount of planning and creative collaboration. We recommend you allow for 5-6 weeks for the process, from start to finish. ​

  • Do you offer a volume discount?

    If you are commissioning a number of videos, you may be eligible for a volume discount. Contact us and we’ll see if we can work something out.

  • Do you actually use a whiteboard?

    Funnily enough, no—we don’t. We prefer to work on a large sheet of paper, with permanent marker and felt tip pens. Doing so provides a number of advantages, including:

    • a steadier hand (which results in less smudging)
    • a more solid line (and a higher quality illustration)
    • less glare
    • a final product that you can hang on your wall

    That said, we do own a large whiteboard and occasionally use it to create animations. But paper is our medium of choice.

  • Can I organise my own voiceover?

    Absolutely—just send us the final, edited audio file. However, unless you have experience in voice acting and audio production, we would recommend against recording your own voiceover. You’re likely to be much happier with a voiceover recorded by a professional voice talent—and we’re happy to organise this for you at cost.

  • Will you write the script, or should I?

    Some clients have a very firm idea about how they want to tell their story, and possess the copywriting skills to create a high quality script on their own. Others trust us to craft a succinct, engaging script—with their input, of course. We can work with you, regardless of which camp you fall into.

  • Can you organise background music?

    We’re more than happy to choose an appropriate track, or point you in the right direction to help you choose one yourself.

  • Do you also create vector animation/motion graphics?

    Actually, yes we do. Traditional motion graphics and vector animation is something that our clients have begun asking for, so we’ve grown the team to include this as a service. Get in touch and we’ll share some examples.

  • I’m sold. What’s next?

    Great. Just fill out our request form, and we’ll be in touch!

Still have unanswered questions?

Get in touch

Ready to get started? Let’s chat.

Processing...
Thank you! Your subscription has been confirmed. You'll hear from us soon.
ErrorHere