How to brief


What are Open Files?

Adobe Express - file.png

QUICK ANSWER

WHAT SHOULD I SEND?
WHAT YOU WANT TO CREATE FILES TO SEND US

A template banner

.PSD | .PSB | .AI | .EPS | .FIG files, including font files

A custom rich media banner with animated elements .PSD | .PSB | .AI | .EPS | .FIG files, including font files
A custom rich media banner with video elements .PSD | .PSB | .AI | .EPS | .FIG files, including font files AND .MP4 | .MOV files, or YouTube link
A custom rich media banner with video elements that need to be edited .PSD | .PSB | .AI | .EPS | .FIG files, including font files AND .AEP files
A custom rich media banner with custom animation .PSD | .PSB | .AI | .EPS | .FIG files, including font files

⚠️ 3D projects have their own separate, additional asset requirements. Read the 3D-modelling specific Help Page here.

Need more detail? Read the explanations below👇


DEFINITION

Open Files (also called working files or source files) are the original, editable documents created by a designer using specific creative software. 

They are organised into layers, with different parts of the design kept separate. For example, the background, product, logo and text may each sit on their own layer.

This allows Creative Studio to open the artwork and move, resize, replace or edit each part individually.

OPEN FILE TYPES

The correct Open File format depends on whether we are working with a static design or a video.

🖼️ STATIC DESIGNS (TEMPLATE BANNERS + CUSTOM RICH MEDIA)
FILE TYPE CREATED IN

.PSD

Adobe Photoshop
.PSB Adobe Photoshop
.AI Adobe Illustrator
.EPS Adobe Illustrator
.FIG Figma

These files can contain separate, editable layers for elements such as the background, product, logo and text.

🎬 VIDEO DESIGNS
FILE TYPE CREATED IN
.AEP Adobe After Effects

⚠️ Do not send .AEP files for static banner executions.

We only need an .AEP file when we must edit the original video, for example:

An .MP4 or .MOV file can only be used exactly as supplied. We cannot change its dimensions, playback time or content.

❌ FILES WE CAN'T USE FOR EDITS
FILE TYPE WHY WE CAN'T USE IT
.PNG It's a flat image without editable layers
.JPG / .JPEG It's a flat image without editable layers
.MOV It is an exported final video, not the editable video project
.MP4 It is an exported final video, not the editable video project
.CDR It is a proprietary CorelDRAW format that we don't support

⚠️ IMPORTANT EXCEPTION

A .PNG or .JPG can still be used as one element inside a larger Open File. For example, a layered Photoshop file might contain:

The .PNG or .JPG is only one part of the design. Because the overall .PSD, .AI or .FIG file remains layered, we can still edit and adapt the complete banner.

Simple rule: A .PNG or .JPG can be an element inside an Open File, but it is not an Open File by itself.

*Static images can also be animated.


FONT FILES

If the creative assets have any text, we also need to have font files included in the Open Files. 

We do also need the original font files when we do image resizes for banners.

Think of it like opening a file on your computer that uses fonts that you don't have installed - your computer can't display the original font because it doesn't exist on your system. If a computer does not have the specific font installed, the design software will substitute a default font. This ruins the layout, changes line breaks, and alters the visual style.

Without the original font, we have two options: 

An Open File is incomplete if its fonts or linked assets are missing.


ANIMATING STATIC ELEMENTS

We can use layered static Open Files (.PSD, .AI or .FIG) to create a new animations. Because the design elements are separate, we can animate the logo, text, product, background or other elements individually.

Exported videos cannot be reanimated. A .MOV or .MP4 is a completed, exported video. Its original elements and animation settings are no longer separate, so we cannot take it apart and reanimate them.

ANIMATION TYPES

An animation is movement created by a developer, or by an animator.

Creative Studio produces animation in two different ways. The right approach depends on whether we are adding movement to existing design elements or creating new animated content.

1. ADDING MOVEMENT TO EXISTING ELEMENTS

Our developers can animate the separate layers supplied in a static Open File. For example, they can make an existing:

The elements already exist. The developer is adding movement to them using code.

Think of this as moving existing pieces around the screen.

2. CREATING NEW ANIMATED CONTENT

Some concepts require movement or visual content that does not already exist in the supplied design. For example:

This work must be created by an animator or 3D artist. It requires specialist animation software, additional production time and a separate editable project file.

Think of this as creating a new moving performance that didn't exist before, not simply moving existing pieces.

ANIMATION TYPE WHAT NEEDS TO BE EXECUTED CREATED BY
Movement added to existing elements Layered static assets that already exist Developer
New animation production New movement, angles, effects or scenes that still need to be created Animator and / or 3D artist

Both developers and animators create movement. The difference is whether we are animating visual elements that already exist, or first need to create new visual content.

VIDEO

Unlike animation, video refers to completed footage supplied by the client. It is treated as a fixed asset rather than something we can recreate or reanimate. 

We treat this footage as a finished visual asset. We can use it within a creative execution, but we cannot create additional footage or change what was originally filmed.

✅ WHAT WE CAN DO

Depending on the supplied file and the request, we may be able to:

❌ WHAT WE CAN'T DO

Simple rule: We can adjust how the supplied video is used, but we cannot change what happens inside the footage.


WATCH OUR VIDEO TUTORIAL


⚠️ 3D projects have their own separate, additional asset requirements. Read the 3D-modelling specific Help Page here.

Why do we need Open Files?

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SEPARATE ELEMENTS

In an Open File, these elements remain separate:

This means we can move, resize, replace or edit one element without changing everything else.

WHY WE NEED SEPARATE LAYERS

To resize your banners for different ratios, we need to physically move the individual design elements independently within the full image itself; we cannot simply stretch a 300×250 banner into a 970×250 banner (as an example - this principle applies to all sizes); it would look like this:

WHAT IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE

What it's meant to look like.png

WHAT IT ENDS UP LOOKING LIKE

What-it-ends-up-looking-like-upscaled.png

See this in action here.

This is important because proper resizing requires us to work with individual elements independently to:

When we only receive a flattened image (.JPG, .PNG, etc), none of these elements exist separately anymore - to us, the entire banner becomes a single picture.

Imagine it like receiving a photo of a loaf of bread and being asked to change the flour - the flour is already baked into the bread; they’re no longer separate elements that can be changed.

The same applies here. Without layered source files, we cannot accurately isolate products, logos, text, backgrounds, buttons, or other creative elements.

Why we need Open Files.png


⚠️ 3D projects have their own separate, additional asset requirements. Read the 3D-modelling specific Help Page here.

*Read more about what Open Files are here.

3D and High Impact Format T's & C's

HIGH IMPACT PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

High Impact projects involve more planning, production and specialist work than standard banner projects. Following these requirements helps Creative Studio begin production on time and avoid unexpected delays.


📦 CREATIVE ASSETS

📦 CREATIVE ASSETS

Development can only begin when Creative Studio has received all the assets required for the project.

STANDARD BRAND ASSETS

For ALL projects, please provide:

*Read more about Open Files for standard projects here. 


🧊 ASSETS REQUIRED FOR 3D PROJECTS

If the project includes a 3D product or object, we also need:

WHAT DOES “UV MAPPED” MEAN?

WHAT ARE ORTHOGRAPHIC REFERENCE PHOTOS?

3d_ortho.jpg


📅 WHEN DOES THE PRODUCTION TIMELINE BEGIN?

Lead times commence only after:

The estimated timeline assumes:


🗺️ STORYBOARDS

🗺️ STORYBOARDS

WHEN IS A STORYBOARD REQUIRED?

A storyboard is used for experiences that include 3D modelling or animation.

It shows how the experience will work before development begins. This allows the client to review and approve the complete experience in advance.

WHAT DOES STORYBOARD APPROVAL INCLUDE?

Approving the storyboard means approving:

Development begins only after the storyboard has been approved.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER STORYBOARD APPROVAL?

Once the storyboard is approved, the project scope is considered locked.

This means the agreed structure and functionality should not change during production. Requests such as the following may be treated as a change in scope / new project:

A scope change may require:


✏️ PRODUCTION REVERTS

✏️ PRODUCTION REVERTS

A production revert is a small visual or content change that does not change how the approved experience works.

EXAMPLES OF PRODUCTION REVERTS

WHAT IS NOT A PRODUCTION REVERT?

The following requests change the structure or functionality of the experience and must be submitted as a new brief:

A new brief may require a new production schedule and may affect the delivery date.


💬 CLIENT FEEDBACK

All feedback must be collected and submitted as one complete list per revision round.

WHAT IS A REVISION ROUND?

A revision / revert round is one consolidated submission of client feedback.

It may include several individual changes, provided they are sent together. Creative Studio will complete the changes and return one revised version.

❌ PLEASE DO NOT SEND FEEDBACK:

Before making changes, Creative Studio may ask for confirmation that feedback from all decision-makers has been included.

Once a revised version has been returned, any additional feedback will count as a new revision round, even if the requested changes are small.

The new revision round will re-enter the production schedule according to current Creative Studio capacity. This may affect the final delivery date.

Why we ask for one consolidated feedback round.png

Submitting consolidated feedback allows the Creative Studio to complete revisions more efficiently, reduces project coordination overhead, minimises the risk of conflicting instructions, and helps ensure timely delivery.


⏱️ CLIENT REVIEW TIMES

The production timeline allows the following time for client review:

REVIEW STAGE    
CLIENT REVIEW TIME
Version 1 1 working day
Version 2 1 working day
Final quality check 1 working day

If feedback or approval takes longer, the final delivery date will move accordingly. The timeline may also change depending on the number and complexity of the requested revisions.


🚨 NEW REQUIREMENTS DURING PRODUCTION

Adding new requirements after production has started increases the amount of work, project coordination and delivery risk. The agreed timeline assumes that the approved brief will remain substantially the same throughout production.

If requirements change after development begins, Creative Studio may need to review:

Further production may pause until the revised requirements have been reviewed and agreed.

Complete brief = faster project start. Missing information, late feedback or changes to the approved scope may affect the production schedule and delivery date.



3D modelling and rendering: timelines and complexity

WHY ARE SOME 3D PROJECTS MORE COMPLEX THAN OTHERS?

Not all 3D projects require the same level of effort.

Simple product animations (such as rotating bottles, cans, phones, or packaging) are generally quicker to produce than people, animals, or characters.

Characters are significantly more complex because they require:

Think about how many tiny muscles in your face move when you smile, laugh, frown, blink, or talk. A 3D artist has to recreate all of those movements digitally so the character looks natural rather than stiff or lifeless. A product only needs to exist. A character needs to act. It has to move, express emotion, and behave.

As a result, character-based 3D projects typically require more specialist skills, longer timelines, and larger budgets than product visualisation.

Why are some 3D projects more complex than others?.png

If a brief involves animated people, animals, or characters, please involve Creative Studio early so we can advise on feasibility, timelines, and production requirements before commitments are made.


WHY ARE 3D ANIMATION SO MUCH MORE COMPLEX TO BUILD AND CHANGE?

Unlike a flat design, a 3D scene is a complete virtual environment. Changing the position of an object often means reworking:

What looks like a small change can require rebuilding part of the scene so everything still looks natural.

WHY DO SOME 3D REVISIONS TAKE SO LONG?

Not all revisions are equal. Changing text or colours may be relatively quick.

However, changing how objects move, interact, or appear in the scene often means rebuilding and reanimating parts of the project rather than simply editing what already exists.

The more movement involved, the more work is usually required.


WHY CAN'T YOU JUST SPLIT UP OR DIVIDE THE 3D MODEL?

3D models aren't built like LEGO bricks.

Many models are created as a single object. If a client later wants part of that object to move independently (such as a bottle cap opening), we first need to rebuild the model into separate moving parts.

What sounds like a small change can sometimes become a significant rebuild.

Why you can't just “make the bottle cap pop off”.png


WHY DO WATER, SMOKE, FIRE AND OTHER EFFECTS TAKE SO LONG?

Effects like water, steam, smoke, bubbles, splashes and fire aren't simply videos placed on top of an animation. The computer calculates how these effects move through the scene, frame by frame.

Think of it like drawing a puff of smoke...

...then drawing it again...

...and again...

...for every single frame of a 10-second animation.

That's why these effects require considerably more processing time than simple object animation.

Why do elements like smoke, fire, and water take so long to animate?.png


WHY DO WATER DROPS TAKE SO LONG?

A single bottle can contain hundreds of droplets, each of which the computer must calculate separately.


WHY DOES RENDERING TAKE SO LONG?

Finishing the animation doesn't mean it's ready immediately. Once all changes are complete, the computer still needs to calculate every frame of the final animation.

Think of it like baking a cake. Mixing the ingredients doesn't make the cake ready - you still have to bake it. Rendering is that baking stage.

For every frame, the computer calculates:

A short animation may contain hundreds of frames, so rendering alone can take several hours.

WHY CAN'T RENDERING BE MADE FASTER?

Rendering is performed by the computer, rather than the artist. Once rendering begins, the computer must calculate every frame individually.

While we always optimise our scenes where possible, rendering time is largely determined by the complexity of the animation and cannot simply be sped up without reducing quality.


WHY DO MULTIPLE REVISION ROUNDS TAKE SO LONG IN 3D?

Unlike a presentation or Photoshop file, a 3D scene is built as one complete environment where everything works together.

Changing one element often affects many others. For example, moving an object may also require updates to:

Once those changes are complete, the entire animation usually needs to be rendered again before a new preview can be shared.

For this reason, repeated revision rounds can have a significant impact on delivery timelines.

Think of it like building a house. It's much easier to decide where the windows go before the walls are built than to move them after the house is finished.

To keep projects moving efficiently, we ask clients to review versions carefully and provide one consolidated round of feedback wherever possible.


WHY ARE 3D PROJECTS MORE EXPENSIVE?

3D animation is a specialist craft. Projects often involve:

Complex animations can take many days to produce, which is why 3D projects typically have higher production costs and minimum media investments than standard banner production.


WHY CAN'T AI JUST DO THE 3D WORK FASTER?

AI is an incredibly useful creative tool, but it isn't yet capable of replacing professional 3D production for most commercial advertising.

While AI can often generate an impressive-looking image or short video, it currently struggles with the things we need for real advertising campaigns, such as:

Advertising rarely ends with the first version. Clients often request copy changes, logo updates, different languages, new products, or revised animations. To make those changes, we need editable project files rather than a finished AI-generated video.

Like our cake analogy, think of it like asking AI to bake a cake. It might produce something that looks great in a photo, but if the client later asks for less sugar, a different flavour, or a larger cake, it's much easier if you still have the recipe than if all you have is the finished cake.

AI is already helping us speed up parts of our workflow where appropriate, and we continue to evaluate new tools as they mature. However, for high-quality, editable, production-ready advertising, skilled artists and traditional 3D workflows are still essential.

AI_Why AI doesn't build the whole campaign.png


Pitching with AI

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AI BEST PRACTICES: PITCHING

AI-generated creative can be extremely valuable: It can help accelerate ideation, create new visual possibilities, and unlock creative opportunities that were previously difficult or expensive to achieve.

BUT! AI-generated creative still needs to follow the same production realities as any other creative project.

We’re increasingly seeing situations where ambitious AI-generated concepts are being pitched to clients before Creative Studio has confirmed whether:

✅ AI CAN BE USEFUL FOR

❌ AI SHOULD NOT BE TREATED AS

The Creative Studio official mockup tool is coming soon! Watch this space. 👀

*Read our blog post on AI-Gen Creatives here.


BEST PRACTICE

If in doubt, involve Creative Studio early. We’d much rather help shape an idea before it is sold than have to scale it back afterwards. 🙏

Clients do not differentiate between Sales and Creative Studio. To them, we are one team. If we pitch unrealistic concepts, the whole business loses credibility. Going forward, please treat AI-generated concepts as exploratory inspiration - not as production-ready solutions.

AI_Why check AI ideas with us first.png

Need more detail? Read the explanations below👇


A few important points to keep in mind:

INVOLVE CREATIVE STUDIO BEFORE PROMISING AI TO CLIENTS

What may look simple in an AI-generated video can be extremely complex to recreate in a scalable advertising format.

Or, worst case, the execution you have sold your client might not exist.

Before committing to an execution, please check feasibility with the Creative Studio team so we don’t end up seeming uncooperative when we have to be the bad guys and say it can’t be done. 🥺

A 10-SECOND AI CLIP IS NOT A 10-MINUTE BANNER

AI video tools can turn a prompt into a cinematic sequence in minutes. A fist punches the screen, the glass shatters, steel turns into a bridge, the logo lands. It looks finished, so it feels quick.

It isn't. Every action in that clip is a separate piece of animation our team has to design, build and time, and then make work across every banner size within file-size limits. A mockup that took two minutes to generate can take days to produce properly.

We're increasingly receiving requests that are short films, not banners. When that lands on a same-day deadline, something has to give, and it's usually quality, the timeline, or both.

✅ WHAT A GOOD AI-INSPIRED REQUEST LOOKS LIKE

❌ WHAT CAUSES DELAYS

KNOW WHICH LEVEL YOU'RE ASKING FOR

If you're not sure which level your idea falls into, ask us before you pitch it.

URGENT = SIMPLE

If the deadline is tight, pitch the simple version. A clean, well-built simple idea wins more often than an ambitious one delivered late or half-finished. If the client likes it, we can build the bigger version once the campaign is confirmed and there is time and budget for it.

PITCH OR PRODUCTION? SUBMIT IT IN THE RIGHT PLACE

Pitching-with-AI-training.png

*See full training deck here.

AI is a great way to show us what's in your head. It is not a quote, a timeline or a promise to the client. Talk to the Studio before the client sees it, and we'll help you pitch something we can actually deliver on time.


✏️ HOW TO BRIEF IN AI

HOW TO BRIEF IN AI

💸 REVENUE RISK

Even with the best intentions, we can accidentally cause more harm than good for our clients. If we have to tell a client that a concept that they loved, it:


🧭 GIVE US THE DIRECTION, NOT A PRODUCTION SCRIPT

AI can quickly turn a simple idea into a detailed, scene-by-scene creative brief. The result may sound impressive, but it can include effects, interactions or game mechanics that have not been checked by Creative Studio.

Every specific effect you put in front of a client (“sparks here”, “liquid there,” etc) can become a promise.

If the final execution works differently, then it’s too much, too little, not what the client pictured - they may feel that something is missing or become disappointed. This can lead to confusion, additional revisions and slower delivery.

💡 Give us the general creative direction and examples. Leave the detailed flow and technical execution to Creative Studio to bring to life.

WHAT CAN YOUR BRIEF INCLUDE?

WHAT SHOULD CREATIVE STUDIO DEVELOP?

Leave the following to our designers and developers:

Creative Studio understands how the idea must work inside the advertising unit, what is technically possible and how the execution can be adjusted when the client requests changes. That’s the part we’re here for.💪

A few clear and honest lines about the idea are more useful than two pages of AI-generated instructions.

Creative Studio is happy to help shape and strengthen ideas early in the process. Strong collaboration before the pitch creates better outcomes for everyone:


OPEN FILES ARE STILL NECESSARY

If a client wants an AI-generated concept, we still need the same production assets as any other project, including:

AI outputs alone are rarely sufficient to build a production-ready campaign.


AI DOESN’T KNOW THE CLIENT’S BRAND RULES

AI tools are not familiar with client:

Generated outputs should always be reviewed rather than assumed to be correct.


AI DOESN’T AUTOMATICALLY MAKE MULTIPLE ASSETS

One AI-generated video is not the same as a complete campaign.

We still need to:

People often think AI generates an entire campaign with one prompt. In reality, AI usually creates one image or one video. We still need to:

AI_Why AI doesn't build the whole campaign.png

AI speeds up parts of the process; it doesn't remove the production work.


BUDGET STILL MATTERS

Another common misconception is that “the AI made it, therefore it should be cheap.”

We still invest in people, software, infrastructure, quality control, revisions, project management, and creative expertise to bring campaigns to life.

Remember that minimum spend requirements are there to ensure production costs are covered by sales margins.


🙅 LIMITS OF AI
WHY WE CAN’T USE AI TO RECREATE REAL PEOPLE

Using AI to recreate a real person does not remove the need to obtain the appropriate rights and permissions.

There are typically two separate legal considerations:

Generating images of real public figures using AI does not remove the legal or commercial licensing requirements.

When we purchase a stock photograph, we're paying for the copyright licence to use that specific image. 

PERSONALITY (OR PUBLICITY) RIGHTS

Many public figures - particularly athletes, actors, musicians, and influencers - have commercial agreements governing how their likeness may be used in advertising. 

AI should not be considered a replacement for obtaining the necessary commercial rights. Using AI-generated images of real individuals in advertising could still expose the campaign to legal or contractual issues if the advertiser does not have the appropriate rights to use those peoples’ likenesses.

For that reason, we cannot assume that "just using AI" is a compliant alternative to licensing photography.

Where a campaign features a recognisable real person, the safest approach is for the client to provide assets that they have the legal right to use, such as:

AI_Why we can't use AI to recreate real people.png

This helps protect both the client and Eskimi from potential legal, contractual, and reputational risks.


WHY WE CAN'T USE AI OR 3D TO RECREATE COPYRIGHTED CHARACTERS

Using AI or 3D modelling to recreate well-known fictional characters does not remove the need to obtain the appropriate intellectual property rights.

Many famous characters - such as those from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, DC, Nintendo, Pokémon, Minions, The Simpsons, and other films, TV shows, games, or comics - are protected by copyright and trademark law. Even apparel like Nike Air Jordans are extremely restrictive about this. 

Whether the character (or even logo) is:

…the underlying intellectual property still belongs to the rights holder.

Creating "something that looks like" a protected character for commercial advertising may still infringe those rights, even if no existing artwork was copied.

For this reason, AI and 3D modelling should not be considered a way to bypass licensing requirements.

If a campaign requires the use of a recognisable fictional character, the client should provide:

This helps protect both the client and Eskimi from potential legal, contractual, and reputational risks.


Creating with AI: Client Rules and Disclosures

Generative AI can help Creative Studio develop new images, extend backgrounds, explore visual directions and create elements that may be difficult or expensive to produce traditionally.

However, not every client allows AI to be used.

Some clients prohibit it completely. Others allow it only under specific conditions. Certain campaigns may also need to disclose that AI was used.

Before Creative Studio begins, we need to understand:

  1. Does the client allow us to use AI?

  2. Does the client have rules that control how we use it?

  3. Does the campaign require an AI disclosure?

  4. If a disclosure is required, exactly what must we include?

AI permission, AI rules and AI disclosures are three different things. We need an answer for each one.


✅ QUICK ANSWER
QUESTION WHAT WE NEED
Can we use AI? A clear Yes or No from the client
Does the client have AI rules? The complete policy, restrictions or written instructions
Is disclosure required? Confirmation from the client or their legal/compliance team
What must the disclosure say? The exact approved wording, icons and usage instructions

If AI use has not been confirmed, do not assume that it is allowed.

BEST PRACTICE

Ask these questions before the creative concept is finalised.

AI restrictions may change:

The earlier Creative Studio receives the correct information, the easier it is to develop a compliant and realistic solution.

If AI rules are confirmed before production, we can design around them. If they arrive after production, we may need to rebuild the creative. When in doubt, ask the client. Creative Studio can implement the rules, but the client must define and approve them.

Need more detail? Read the explanations below👇


WHAT DO WE MEAN BY “USING AI”?

Using AI can include asking an AI tool to create or change part of a visual.

Examples include:

AI may be used for only one small part of a banner, but it still counts as AI use.

“The whole banner was not made with AI” does not mean that AI was not used.


1. DOES THE CLIENT ALLOW AI?

1. DOES THE CLIENT ALLOW AI?

The first question in the Creative Studio brief asks: Is your client comfortable with Creative Studio using generative AI when creating their banners?

The answer must reflect the client’s position, not the salesperson’s personal opinion.

✅ SELECT “YES” WHEN

❌ SELECT “NO” WHEN

❓ IF THE CLIENT HAS NOT CONFIRMED

Do not guess or select “Yes” because AI would make the concept easier to produce. Ask the client before submitting the brief. Until permission is confirmed, Creative Studio must treat AI as not approved.

No confirmation does not necessarily automatically mean permission.


WHY MIGHT A CLIENT SAY NO?

A client may object to AI for many reasons, including:

Creative Studio does not need to agree or disagree with the client’s position - we need to understand it and follow it.


2. DOES THE CLIENT HAVE SPECIFIC AI RULES?

2. DOES THE CLIENT HAVE SPECIFIC AI RULES?

Permission to use AI does not mean that anything is allowed. A client may say: “Yes, you may use AI, but only under these conditions.”

The briefing form therefore asks whether the client has an AI policy or any specific restrictions.

CLIENT RULES MAY CONTROL

For example: A client may allow Creative Studio to:

But prohibit us from:


DISCLOSURE EXAMPLES

*Read our blog post on AI-Gen Creatives here.


WHAT MUST SALES PROVIDE?

If the client has an AI policy, attach or link the complete policy in the brief.

This may be:

Do not shorten a detailed policy to:

A short summary can accidentally remove an important condition.

Provide the original instructions wherever possible. Creative Studio should not have to interpret a second-hand version of the client’s policy.


IF THE POLICY IS UNCLEAR

If the policy uses unclear language, ask the client for clarification before production begins.

For example:


3. DOES THE CAMPAIGN REQUIRE AI DISCLOSURE?

3. DOES THE CAMPAIGN REQUIRE AI DISCLOSURE?

An AI disclosure tells the audience that content was created or changed using AI.

A disclosure may be required because of:

Examples may include:

AI disclosure requirements are not the same in every country, on every platform or for every type of content.


For example: The EU AI Act

The EU AI Act includes transparency obligations for certain AI-generated or manipulated content.

For example, Article 50 includes disclosure requirements relating to certain “deep fake” image, audio and video content. It also includes separate requirements for providers of AI systems to make certain AI-generated outputs detectable in a machine-readable format.

This does not mean that every use of AI in every advertisement automatically needs the same label.

The correct requirement depends on factors such as:

*Read Article 50 of the EU AI Act for the official legal text.


DO NOT ASSUME THAT EU RULES ONLY AFFECT EU CLIENTS

The client’s headquarters are not the only consideration. Disclosure requirements may depend on where the campaign will be shown.

For example, a campaign from a non-EU brand may still be subject to EU requirements if it runs in an EU market. The brief must therefore include:

The campaign market matters, not only the client’s location.


4. WHAT DO WE NEED WHEN DISCLOSURE IS REQUIRED?

4. WHAT DO WE NEED WHEN DISCLOSURE IS REQUIRED?

Because a disclosure may carry legal meaning, Creative Studio cannot invent, rewrite or interpret it.

The client must provide the complete, approved disclosure instructions.

REQUIRED INFORMATION

REQUIREMENT WHAT THE CLIENT MUST PROVIDE
Exact wording The final approved disclosure text
Language versions Approved wording for every campaign language
Icon or symbol The correct production-ready file
Placement Where it must appear in the creative
Size How large the text or icon must be
Colour and contrast Any rules controlling how it must appear
Visibility Whether it must always be visible or may appear temporarily
Timing When and for how long it must appear in animation or video
Interaction Whether the user must be able to click or open more information
Destination link The approved URL, if the disclosure links somewhere
Market rules Which version applies in each country
Approval Confirmation that the final disclosure has been approved

WHY DOES THE CLIENT NEED TO PROVIDE THE EXACT WORDING?

A small wording change can change the legal meaning of a disclosure.

Creative Studio cannot safely:

We can implement approved disclosure instructions. We cannot create or legally approve them.


DISCLOSURE ICONS AND GUIDELINES

If an icon is required, do not describe it as:

There is no single icon that automatically satisfies every company policy or legal requirement.

The client must provide:

If the icon is part of the client’s policy, request its official usage guidelines.


LANGUAGE VERSIONS

Creative Studio must receive approved disclosure wording for every language used in the campaign.

We should not translate legal or compliance wording ourselves.For example, if a campaign runs in English, French and Lithuanian, the client must provide the approved disclosure in all three languages.

Campaign localisation includes the disclosure.


EXAMPLE BRIEF RESPONSES

Can Creative Studio use AI?
Yes.

Does the client have specific AI rules?
Yes. AI may be used for backgrounds and surrounding objects. It may not be used to generate or alter people, faces, bodies or clothing. The complete client policy is linked in the brief.

Is AI disclosure required?
Yes, for this campaign market.

What must be included?
The client has supplied the approved wording in all campaign languages, the required icon, minimum-size rules, placement instructions and the final destination URL.


The downside of .GIF formats

✔️WHY .GIFS AREN’T A GOOD BANNER FORMAT

.GIFs can often be huge files because they act as a "flipbook" of entirely separate images stacked into a single file.

Unlike video formats (like .MP4) that only save the pixels that change from frame to frame, a .GIF saves every single full frame - for example, a 5-second animation at 24 frames per second means the file contains 120 separate images, stacked one after the other.  

Why GIFS aren’t a good format for banners.png

Having really large file sizes come with risks:

A more efficient option is to rather have an .MP4 and set it to automatically loop in the code - you can see an example of that here.

WHY WE NEED ORIGINAL ANIMATION FILES TO RESIZE GIFS:

To resize a GIF and produce a high quality resized version, we'll need the original animation project file - this type of file usually ends with .AEP.

A .GIF is like a finished movie. You can watch it, but you can't ask the actors to stand in different places. The original animation file is the film set, where every object and character can still be moved independently.


 

Reverts 101

Why we ask for one consolidated feedback round.png

WHY WE ASK FOR ONE CONSOLIDATED ROUND OF FEEDBACK

We completely understand that clients often think of additional comments after reviewing a creative. However, sending feedback over multiple days is much less efficient than sending one complete list. EG:

SCENARIO A:
SCENARIO B:

Although there are fewer comments overall, the team must repeatedly:

The project keeps restarting instead of moving forward.

Another common challenge is when comments that could have been identified during the first review only come through in later revision rounds. EG:

None of these comments are unreasonable on their own, but together they create additional rounds of production that could often have been avoided if everything had been reviewed together at the start


THE HIDDEN COST

People assume only the designer is affected. In reality, every extra feedback round also means:

Providing one consolidated round of feedback helps us:

It's usually faster to wait an extra hour to collect all of a client's comments than to spend four days implementing them one message at a time.


Campaign Creative Requirements 2.0

This page is the evolution of the previous Creative Requirements page. Updated 09.2026.


⚡ START HERE

The creative assets needed for campaigns depend on two things:

  1. The creative format you are using

  2. Whether the client is supplying a finished advert or asking Creative Studio to build it

Use this chapter to check the required file types, dimensions, file sizes and supporting information before either submitting a brief, or before going live with supplied creative.

Requirements may differ by country, publisher or placement. Always confirm the final campaign requirements.


Select the banner type for more information👇

🖼️ STATIC BANNERS

🖼️ STATIC BANNERS

A static banner is a completed image with no movement or interaction.

REQUIREMENT DETAILS
Accepted files .PNG, .JPG or .GIF
Recommended size Up to 150 KB
Maximum size For File Banner: 150 KB
For Rich Media templates: 4.5 MB
Movement None

*While .GIFs are accepted, they come with limitations. Ready about the file size hurdles with .GIFs here.


STATIC BANNER DIMENSIONS:

These are common dimensions, not a guarantee that every size is available in every market. See top performing sizes per market here. You can also use the Traffic Discovery Tool for data from the past 30 days (see set by step instructions to do this here).

COMMON MOBILE DIMENSIONS COMMON DESKTOP DIMENSIONS

200 × 200

120 × 600
250 × 250 160 × 600
300 × 50 250 × 250
300 × 100 300 × 250
300 × 250 300 × 600
300 × 600 336 × 280
320 × 50 728 × 90
320 × 480 970 × 90
468 × 60 -

The Creative Studio team can help with resizes - resizing work usually takes 24 hours depending on seasonal capacity. To assist with this, the Creative Studio requires Open Files from the client team. 


🎞️ ANIMATED BANNERS

🎞️ ANIMATED BANNERS

These requirements apply for a completed HTML5 banner built by their own developer or creative agency.

REQUIREMENT DETAILS
File type HTML5 using JavaScript
Initial load Maximum 150 KB
Total download Maximum 5 MB
Animation duration Must stop and remain static after 30 seconds

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The creative team (whether in-house with Eskimi Creative Studio, or the client's own internal or agency creative team) must ensure that:

Supported click macros include:

PLAIN LANGUAGE DEFINITIONS FOR NON-DEVELOPERS:

An HTML5 banner is basically a tiny website inside an advert. These rules make sure it is safe, works correctly and records clicks.

In simple terms: the client must supply a finished banner that is secure, opens the correct link, tracks clicks and contains working code. If they cannot provide that, they should send the editable design files and ask Creative Studio to build it properly. 

*Read more about HTML5 creative requirements and validation here.

These are developer requirements. If the client cannot provide a finished and technically compliant HTML5 file, submit the open files and brief Creative Studio to produce the banner instead.

ANIMATED BANNER DIMENSIONS:

As with static banners, these are common dimensions, not a guarantee that every size is available in every market. See top performing sizes per market here. You can also use the Traffic Discovery Tool for data from the past 30 days.

COMMON MOBILE DIMENSIONS COMMON DESKTOP DIMENSIONS

200 × 200

120 × 600
250 × 250 160 × 600
300 × 50 250 × 250
300 × 100 300 × 250
300 × 250 300 × 600
300 × 600 336 × 280
320 × 50 728 × 90
320 × 480 970 × 90
468 × 60 -

The Creative Studio team can help with resizes - animation work usually takes 24-48 hours depending on seasonal capacity. To assist with this, the Creative Studio requires Open Files from the client team. 


📌 STICKY ADS

📌 STICKY ADS

A sticky ad remains visible in a fixed position while the user moves through the page.

REQUIREMENT DETAILS
Accepted files .PNG, .JPG, .GIF or finished HTML5
Recommended size Up to 150 KB
Maximum size 4.5 MB

*See above about .GIF limitations.


SUPPORTED DIMENSIONS

*Everything you need to know about Sticky Ads.


✨ TEMPLATED RICH MEDIA

✨ TEMPLATED RICH MEDIA

The Rich Media Template Builder is a self-serve tool inside the Eskimi DSP that lets you turn static images and videos into interactive, high-impact rich media ads in minutes, without any coding. Users choose from 20+ pre-designed templates (such as Carousel, 3D Cube, Pixel Pages, Parallax and Scratch to Reveal), upload their assets into the template's frames, and are immediately ready for campaign go-live. It's available to every client tier, including self-service, with no Creative Studio involvement or minimum budget. Custom rich media, by contrast, is built by the Studio and carries a minimum spend.

Template RM Builder

*See Pitch-ready presentation slides here.

WHAT TO PROVIDE

Why my banners are pixellating.png

*See this in action here.


SUPPORTED DIMENSIONS

HORIZONTAL SQUARE VERTICAL
300 × 50 300 × 300 160 × 600
300 × 150 320 × 320 300 × 600
300 × 250
320 × 480
320 × 50

320 × 100

336 × 280

728 × 90

970 × 90

970 × 250

*See dimensions per template format here.

The Creative Studio team can help with resizes - resizing work usually takes 24 hours depending on seasonal capacity. To assist with this, the Creative Studio requires Open Files from the client team. 


HOW MANY IMAGES ARE REQUIRED?

The number of required images depends on the selected template - previews of all available Eskimi Templated Rich Media can be found here. 

ASSETS AVAILABLE POSSIBLE FORMATS
1 image

Assemble

Glitch

Rotating Billboard (needs 1x dimensions export)

SpinView Gallery (1x background image; 1x product image)

2 images

3D Rotating Cube

Countdown (needs 1x dimensions export)

Dancing 3D (1st image not in view; ensure main image is in 2nd image placement)

Page Flip

Pixel Pages

Scratch to Reveal (needs 1x dimensions export)

Shake & Break (2nd image needs 1x dimensions export)

Slider

SpinView Gallery (+ background image)

3 images

3D Prism

3D Rotating Cube

3D Triangle

Blinds

Carousel

Carousel Splitscreen

Pixel Pages

SpinView Gallery (+ background image)

4 images

3D Cube

3D Cubes Animated
3D Cubes Animated Interactive

3D Cube Horizontal

3D Cube Rotating

3D Cube Vertical

Carousel

Carousel Splitscreen

Parallax (2nd and 4th images not in view; ensure main images are in 1st and 3rd image placement)

Pixel Pages

SpinView Gallery (+ background image)

5 - 6 images

3D Cube Rotating

Carousel

Carousel Splitscreen

Pixel Pages

SpinView Gallery (+ background image) 

7 - 10 images 3D Cube Rotating
Carousel
Carousel Splitscreen
Pixel Pages
SpinView Gallery (+ background image)

HOW MANY VIDEOS ARE REQUIRED?

The DSP Template Builder also supports video formats - either as video only, or as video + images. 

ASSETS AVAILABLE POSSIBLE FORMATS
3 - 10 videos + images

Carousel with Video

2 - 10 videos + images

Deck of Cards with Video

3 - 4 videos + images

3D Cube with Video

1 - 10 videos + images

Parallax Spin with Video

3 - 10 videos + images

Story Frames with Video

1 video

In-Banner Video

Some formats have additional requirements. Check the individual format specifications before confirming the execution with the client.

*Learn how to upload Templated Rich Media to the DSP here.


🧩 CUSTOM RICH MEDIA

🧩 CUSTOM RICH MEDIA

Custom Rich Media is designed and developed specifically for the campaign rather than built from an existing template.

WHAT TO PROVIDE

Brief in your custom request here. (COMING SOON)


WHAT IS THE USER JOURNEY?

The user journey explains what happens when someone sees or interacts with the advert.

For example:

  1. The product appears

  2. The user selects an option.

  3. The advert displays the result

  4. The user clicks the CTA to visit the client’s website

A few clear sentences are enough for an initial brief. More complex experiences may require a storyboard before development begins.

*See a very thorough example here.


🧊 FORCED PERSPECTIVE AND 3D FORMATS

Forced Perspective and other 3D formats require both the campaign design and accurate product references.

STANDARD BRAND ASSETS

For ALL projects, please provide:

🧊 ASSETS REQUIRED FOR 3D PROJECTS

If the project includes a 3D product or object, we also need:

*Read more details on 3D format creative requirements here.


💥 HIGH IMPACT FORMATS

High Impact formats use larger or more unusual placements to create a more noticeable experience.

WHAT TO PROVIDE

FORMAT REQUIREMENT
Floating Ad 150 × 150 .PNG, .JPG or layered .PSD
Full Page Takeover Responsive assets
Topscroll Responsive assets
Midscroll Responsive assets

A responsive format adjusts to the size of the screen where it appears. This means the design must work across different screen sizes instead of being created at only one fixed dimension. Creative Studio may request additional background images, safe areas or layered assets depending on the selected format.


🔄 DYNAMIC ADS

🔄 DYNAMIC ADS

Dynamic ads automatically change some content using an external source of information.

For example, an advert may display different:

WHAT TO PROVIDE

The requirements depend on what will change.

DYNAMIC CONTENT WHAT WE NEED
Products or prices (data format) .JSON, .XML, or .CSV format

API Endpoint (not within EskimiDSP solution)

Weather The required cities and weather conditions
Other live information Access to a suitable API
Creative design Editable, layered campaign assets

*Learn more about Dynamic Ad requirements and setup here.

**Access the Pitch presentation with examples here.

***Read about Dynamic Ads with product feeds here.

A product feed is a structured file containing information such as product names, images, prices and links. An API is a connection that allows the advert to request information from another system.


DYNAMIC AD DIMENSIONS

COMMON MOBILE DIMENSIONS COMMON DESKTOP DIMENSIONS

200 × 200

120 × 600
250 × 250 160 × 600
300 × 50 250 × 250
300 × 100 300 × 250
300 × 250 300 × 600
300 × 600 336 × 280
320 × 50 728 × 90
320 × 480 970 × 90
468 × 60 -

📱NATIVE AND SOCIAL FORMATS

NATIVE AND SOCIAL FORMATS

📰 NATIVE ADS

Native ads are designed to fit the look and structure of the website or app where they appear.

REQUIRED ASSETS

ASSET REQUIREMENT
Icon or logo 128 × 128
Main image 1200 × 627
Additional image options 600 × 600, 400 × 400, or 1200 × 1200
Title Maximum 25 characters
Description Maximum 90 characters
CTA Maximum 15 characters
Advertiser name Maximum 25 characters

*Character limits include spaces and punctuation.

OPTIONAL INFORMATION

Depending on the placement, you may also provide:

OPTIONAL FIELD MAXIMUM LENGTH
Price 50 characters
Sale price 50 characters
Phone number 50 characters
Address 100 characters
Star rating 4 characters
Additional description 90 characters
Display URL 1,000 characters

📱 FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM IN-FEED ADS

Before launch, the client’s Facebook account must be correctly connected. Contact Ad Operations for help with account integration and permissions.

REQUIRED ASSETS

ASSET REQUIREMENT
App, product or brand icon 128 × 128
Main landscape image 1200 × 627
Square image 600 × 600
Title Maximum 25 characters
Description Maximum 90 characters
CTA Maximum 15 characters
Advertiser name Maximum 25 characters

*Character limits include spaces and punctuation. Keep text within the image to a minimum.


📹 VIDEO AND AUDIO FORMATS

VIDEO AND AUDIO FORMATS

🎮 IN-GAME ADS

In-game advertising may use a banner or video displayed inside a game environment.

ACCEPTED FILES

Banner .JPG, .GIF, finished HTML5 or approved tags
Video MP4

BANNER DIMENSIONS

COMMON BANNER DIMENSIONS ADDITIONAL SUPPORTED DIMENSIONS MAY INCLUDE VIDEO DIMENSIONS
300 × 250 160 × 600 320 × 480
320 × 50 250 × 250 480 × 320
320 × 480 300 × 600 768 × 1024
336 × 280 320 × 100 1024 × 768
480 × 320 320 × 180  
640 × 360 320 × 320  
640 × 480 360 × 640  
  728 × 90  
  768 × 1024  
  970 × 250  
  1920 × 1080  

VIDEO SPECIFICATIONS

VIDEO REQUIREMENT GUIDANCE
Recommended file size Less than 15 MB
Recommended duration 6–15 seconds

▶️ IN-BANNER VIDEO

In-banner video places a video inside a display banner. 

REQUIREMENT DETAILS
File type .MP4
Aspect ratio 4:3
Maximum size 5 MB
Recommended duration Up to 30 seconds

Also provide:


🎬 VAST VIDEO

VAST is a standard method used to deliver video ads across compatible websites and apps. 

REQUIREMENT DETAILS
File type .MP4
Aspect ratio 16:9
Maximum size 5 MB
Recommended duration Up to 30 seconds
Maximum duration 6 minutes

Also provide:


🎁 REWARDED VIDEO

Rewarded video gives a user an in-app reward for watching the advert. 

REQUIREMENT DETAILS
File type .MP4
Dimensions 320 × 480 or 480 × 320
Maximum size 5 MB
Recommended duration Up to 30 seconds

Also provide:


📺 CONNECTED TV ADS 

Connected TV, also called CTV, refers to video advertising shown through internet-connected television services and devices.

REQUIREMENT DETAILS
Accepted file .MP4
Alternative delivery External VAST URL without VPAID
Dimensions 1920 × 1080
Recommended size Up to 45 MB
Maximum size 100 MB
Recommended duration Up to 30 seconds
Maximum duration 1 minute

*VPAID and OMID are not supported. This means viewability cannot be tracked using these technologies.


🔊 AUDIO ADS
REQUIREMENT DETAILS
Accepted files .MP3, .WAV, .WMA or .OGG
Minimum bitrate 128 kbps
Maximum size 50 MB
Recommended duration 15–30 seconds

*Some limited inventory supports audio up to 60 seconds. Confirm availability before promising a longer execution.


⏭️ YOUTUBE BUMPER ADS

A bumper ad is a short YouTube video advert.

REQUIREMENTS


📹 YOUTUBE IN-STREAM ADS

REQUIREMENTS