Project Details

In late 2023, I was hired to create 39 animated explainer videos for a Dutch driving school.

Each video had a clear mission: Make traffic laws visual, engaging, and easy to understand for first-time drivers across the Netherlands.

What started as an ambitious education project became something more — a crash course in creative boundaries, communication, and running a smart freelance business.

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The Challenge

• Audience: Teen drivers and first-time learners
• Goal: Deliver bite-sized animations covering every major Dutch traffic rule
• Scope: 39 custom videos (that quickly grew to 60)
• Format: Voiceover + motion graphics + clear visuals
• Tools used: After Effects, Illustrator, Notion for script tracking

This wasn’t a “quick video gig.” It was a full-scale production pipeline — scripted, animated, and delivered by one person.

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The Process

I developed a modular animation system to stay efficient and consistent across 39+ videos:

• Created reusable assets for road signs, cars, intersections, etc.
• Built flexible templates to sync with Dutch voiceovers
• Designed every video to match e-learning accessibility standards
• Adapted visuals to fit mobile, tablet, and screen-based learning platforms

Consistency was key. Each video had to teach a concept in under 90 seconds, and still hold attention.

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The Reality Check

The project evolved quickly — and not always in the right direction.

Despite a signed agreement, the scope expanded (39 → 60 videos), deadlines moved, and communication slipped into scattered WhatsApp messages. Payment delays followed.

It was one of the most demanding projects I’ve handled as a solo designer.

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What I Learned (and Now Use Every Day)

1. Set crystal-clear expectations

Never start without locked-in scope, revision rounds, and delivery milestones.

2. Push for structured communication

WhatsApp is fun — but feedback belongs in Notion, email, or review platforms. Period.

3. Value your time

Chasing late payments? Last-minute demands? That’s time you never get back. Good contracts are self-care.

4. Be kind — not soft

Being collaborative doesn’t mean letting people overstep. Boundaries are part of doing great creative work.

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Creative Outcome

The videos are now part of a larger digital learning system used by new drivers across the Netherlands. The animations are simple, fast, and educational — designed to turn complex traffic laws into “aha” moments.

Even if the project had its bumps, the final product delivers real value. And it taught me how to deliver smarter, not just harder.

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Behind the Scenes

Watch the video below for a step-by-step look at how I built the animation system, managed the workflow, and delivered dozens of videos solo.

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Final Thought

This project didn’t just test my animation skills — it leveled up my business.
It reminded me (and hopefully you too):

“Your creativity has value. So does your time. Protect both.”

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