VM - Frequently Asked Questions

About VM

What does VM specialize in?

VM specializes in premium 2D & 3D animation, cinematic product films, and photorealistic hardgoods and softgoods renders. We help brands elevate their marketing, launch visuals, and digital content with high-end creative.

Who does VM work with?

We partner with creative directors, marketing teams, product designers, and brands in tech, gaming, apparel, outdoor gear, and consumer products. We work with clients globally.

Is VM a remote studio?

Yes. While VM is based in Brooklyn, New York, we are a fully remote animation and rendering studio with a distributed global team. We collaborate seamlessly with clients anywhere in the world.

What sets VM apart from other studios?

Our combination of cinematic animation, high-fidelity rendering, and fast production pipelines. We understand both softgoods and hardgoods construction, allowing us to create extremely accurate and market-ready visuals. We also offer an ongoing subscription model for brands needing continuous creative support.

Services & Capabilities

Does VM offer both 2D and 3D animation?

Yes. We create motion graphics, explainer videos, mixed-media animation, and full 3D product films.

Does VM create softgoods (clothing/apparel) renders?

Absolutely. We use CLO3D, Marvelous Designer, and advanced texturing workflows to produce photoreal clothing renders from your tech packs, measurements, or patterns.

Does VM create hardgoods product renders?

Yes. We create high-quality visuals for gear, equipment, electronics, accessories, and consumer products. We can work from CAD files, sketches, or reference images.

Does VM offer VFX?

Yes. We provide particle simulations, advanced compositing, FX elements, and visual enhancements for product films and brand content. We also offer on set VFX supervising for high end commercial production.

Do you also handle editing and finishing?

Yes. We handle video editing, color, sound design, motion cleanup, titles, and full post-production.

Process & Workflow

What does VM need to start a project?

Usually:

  • A project brief or creative direction

  • Brand assets (logos, fonts, guidelines)

  • Product assets (CAD, tech packs, patterns, or photos)

  • Any style references or examples

We then create a treatment and production timeline for approval.

How long does animation take?

Typical timelines:

  • 2D animation: 4–6 weeks

  • 3D animation: 6–10 weeks

  • Product launch films: varies based on complexity

How long do product renders take?

  • Softgoods: 3–10 days

  • Hardgoods: 2–7 days

  • Turntables or animations: additional 1–2 days

What file formats does VM deliver?

Video: MP4, MOV, ProRes, H.264, H.265
Stills: PNG, JPG, TIFF, EXR
Turntables: MP4, GIF, transparent PNG sequences

Does VM work with international clients?

Yes — we work with clients across all time zones.

Pricing & Billing

How much does animation cost?

Prices vary from client needs. General ranges:

  • 2D animation films: $7K–$20K+

  • 3D animation films: $12K–$30K+

Pricing depends on length, style, and complexity.

How much do product renders cost?

Prices vary from client needs. General ranges:

  • Softgoods: $350–$800 per garment

  • Hardgoods: $300–$1,200 per product

Complex products or large sets may cost more.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes, most projects require a 50% deposit upfront and 50% at delivery, unless we’re working under a retainer or subscription.

Creative Seat Subscription

What is the Creative Seat?

Creative Seat is VM’s monthly subscription model that gives brands ongoing access to animation, rendering, and design support with fast turnaround and unlimited briefs.

What’s included in the Creative Seat?

  • Unlimited creative requests

  • A dedicated project manager

  • Animation (2D & 3D)

  • Product renders (softgoods + hardgoods)

  • Graphic design

  • Presentations

  • Marketing content

  • AI-enhanced creative

  • Seamless collaboration via Slack, Asana, or Jira

How does the request system work?

You submit tasks, they enter a queue, and we work through them based on priority. It’s structured, predictable, and built for teams that need consistent creative output.

Can multiple team members request tasks?

Yes. Your whole team can access the queue through your preferred workflow platform.

Technical Questions

What software does VM use?

We primarily use:

  • Cinema 4D

  • Houdini

  • Redshift & Octane

  • Adobe After Effects

  • CLO3D & Marvelous Designer

  • DaVinci Resolve

  • Adobe Creative Cloud

  • ZBrush

  • Blender (for select tasks)

Can you handle CAD files?

Yes — we accept STEP, OBJ, FBX, STL, DXF, and other common formats.

Can VM match our brand’s visual style?

Yes. We can follow brand guidelines or develop a custom style for your product or campaign.It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Communication & Collaboration

How does VM communicate during projects?

We typically use:

  • Slack

  • Asana / Jira if requested

  • Zoom / Google Meets

  • Email

We love to have weekly calls with our clients for ongoing projects. Whatever fits your team’s workflow best.

Do you provide storyboards?

Yes. Every animation can include a treatment and storyboard before production begins. Some clients need to get to market faster so we can move straight to animatics if needed.

Can we request revisions?

Yes. Each project includes revision rounds aligned with the scope.

Miscellaneous

Does VM sign NDAs?

Yes. We frequently work under NDA and maintain strict confidentiality.

Does VM work with agencies?

Absolutely. We often operate as a specialized production partner for agencies.

Can VM take on rush projects?

Yes — depending on schedule. Rush fees may apply.