Animation Editor
Table of Contents
Do you want to hire an animation editor to create a custom animated video but aren’t sure how or where to get started?
Luckily, you’re in the right place! Video Igniter’s guide to hiring and working with an animation editor has answers to all your top questions, including:
- How do I hire an animation editor?
- How do I work with an animation editor to create a video?
- What does it cost to hire an animation editor?
- How quickly can an animation editor create a video?
All that and more coming up in this guide – including tips to help you save $1,000 or more off the cost of hiring an animation editor!
But first, let’s take a look at examples of animations our editors can create for you:
Animation Editor Examples
Video Igniter’s animation editors make any kind of 2D or 3D animated video for you. You can see some of our favorite example videos below. For additional production samples, check out our animation portfolio or request access to our demo reels and price sheet.
Contact us or schedule a call to start making your video.
Are you looking for a different type of animation example? Send us a message to let us know what kind of production example you want to see and we will follow up with some relevant production samples.
How do I hire an animation editor?
Hiring the right animation editor for your project is an important step of the production process. In addition to reviewing an animator’s portfolio, we also recommend you look into the following data points:
- What budget does the animation editor typically charge?
- How quickly can the animation editor make your video?
- Are there reviews or testimonials you can check out?
- Is the animator also a good storyteller (not just a great visual artist)?
It’s important to take all of these things into account before you select a producer for your animation. For additional tips on sourcing and hiring animation editors, we recommend you review our companion article titled: “How To Hire An Animator.”
How do I work with an animation editor to create a video?
Let’s give you a quick look at the production process so you understand how to collaborate with an animation editor to create your custom animated video:
1). Get a Quote
Send us a message to get a custom quote or schedule a call with our production team to discuss your project and goals. We’ll work with you to develop a budget and timeline to create your dream video. After we agree to the scope of the project, you will receive a production agreement to sign and an invoice for the first 50% of the production budget.
2). Script
Now that production is underway, our animation editors will spend time learning about what you want to show and what you want to communicate in your animation. Then, we’ll use this information to develop the first draft of the script for your animation.
You will receive a link to a digital copy of the animation script. Add your comments and revision notes in the doc. Then, we’ll integreate your edits and share an updated version of your script for you to review and approve.
3). Storyboard
Next, we turn your script into a storyboard. The storyboard acts like a blueprint for our animation editors so they understand what to create for every part of your video. Each page of the storyboard contains a sentence from your script along with a sketch of what will be shown in the scene. We also include notes to explain how elements will move and animate for every part of your script.
You will receive a digital copy of the storyboard to review with your team. Collect everyone’s feedback and send it our way. We’ll integrate your revisions and share an updated copy of the storyboard for you to review and sign off.
4). VoiceOver
The animation editor will spend some time looking for voiceover talent that works for your video. You will receive several voiceover auditions to listen to.
Let us know which option is your favorite and we’ll hire that person to record the full voiceover for your animation. You will get an opportunity to review the full voiceover and request edits before we use the voiceover in your video.
5). Soundtrack
Our animation editor will also spend time looking for soundtracks that fit the mood and energy of your animation. Give them a listen and let us know which one is your favorite.
We’ll take care of acquiring the appropriate license(s) for your animation so we can legally use the music in your video.
6). Illustrations
Our animation editor and illustration team will develop custom concept art for your animation. Give the concepts a review and share your honest feedback with us about what you like and dislike about the concepts. We’ll work with you revise and polish your favorite visual concept until it’s perfect.
After you approve the concept art, our team will create all of the custom illustrations for your animation. You will get a chance to review all of the illustrations and request edits before we edit your animation together.
7). Animation
Now that everything is approved, our team of animation editors can work their magic! As soon as the first draft is ready, an animation editor will send you a link to download a copy of your video. Give it a detailed review with your team and members of your target audience.
Collect everyone’s feedback and send it our way. The animation editor will integrate your revisions and render out the final draft of your animation.
What does it cost to hire an animation editor?
The answer to this question depends on the type of animation you want to create.
Most 2D animation editors charge between $1,500-$7,500 to create a 60-second animation. If you want the animation editor to create your video using high end hand-drawn animation, your production budget will be 2-4x more than the standard 2D animation rate.
If you want to hire an animation editor to make a 3D animated video, expect to spend 2-4x more than the cost of a standard 2D animated video.
Get a custom quote for your animation.
How quickly can an animation editor create a video?
The short answer is – it depends how long and complex your animation is.
An animation editor typically takes 4-6 weeks to create 60-seconds worth of animation. If you want to create a high end frame-by-frame animation or a 3D animation, it will probably take 2-3x more time to complete your video.
Rush delivery animation is available if you need to speed up production.
Animation Editor Budget Saving Tips
Combine these tips to save $1,000 or more off the cost of hiring an animation editor to create your video:
1). Write The Script
You can save $500 off the cost of each minute of video our animation editor creates for you if you provide the script for your animation. Download our free animation script writing template for help getting started.
2). Create The Storyboard
You can save an additional $500 off the cost of each minute of video we create if you also provide the storyboard for your animation. Our animation editor will happily review your storyboard to ensure it’s ready before production before we create your video. Download our free storyboard template and review the included storyboard creation guide to see how easy it is to make a storyboard.
3). Record The VoiceOver
If you record the voiceover for your animation, we’ll deduct the cost of the voiceover from your animation budget. Watch 1:31 in this video to learn how to record professional quality voiceovers at home.
4). Use Free Music
If you source free, legal music we can use in your animation, we’ll deduct the cost of the voiceover license from your animation budget. Incompetech and Facebook’s sound collection are great places to find free, royalty-free music you can use in your animation.
5). Start Production ASAP
The #1 thing you can do to lower the cost of hiring an animation editor to create your video is to start production as soon as possible. Rush delivery is available if you need to speed up production to meet your deadline. However, rush delivery can increase your production budget by 10%-50% or more! If you want to minimize or avoid paying extra for rush delivery, send us a message to get a custom quote or schedule a call with our production team to start discussing your animation project today!
Animation Editor Resources
The following guides and resources are popular among people researching and learning about animation editors:
- How To Add Animation To A Video?
- How To Hire & Work With Animation Studios?
- How To Improve Your Video Conversion Rate?
- How To Create A Custom Animation?
- How To Hire & Work With An Animation Video Company?
- How To Make Video Animations?
Still have questions about animation editor?
Do you have a question about animation editors that wasn’t addressed in this FAQ? Use this form to send us your question and we’ll follow up with an answer. We’ll also post the question and answer to this page so other people can benefit from the knowledge.
What is Video Igniter Animation?
Video Igniter Animation is an online animated video production service. By working with our team online, you can get your custom animated video produced faster and for less than hiring a brick and mortar animation studio.
Watch the demo reel below for examples of the kinds of animation our team can produce for you.
Looking For An Animation Editor In The U.S.?
Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.
Animation Editor Success Stories & Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it – these testimonials highlight Video Igniter’s reliability, creativity, flexibility and ability to deliver animations that exceed expectations. When you choose Video Igniter Animation, you can rest assured that you are working with a trusted and reputable studio.
“Video Igniter were very easy to work with and the entire process for creating and suggesting edits was seamless and stress-free. I would work with them again and would recommend to others looking to create a modern and stylish explainer video.”
Clair Simpson – VP Marketing, Repool.com
“I run a video production company and outsource animation. The team at Video Igniter did a great job in taking the concept I very crudely drew out and making it into a beautiful animation. The review process was easy and their turnaround time was very quick. I’d def recommend them if you’re looking for an animation project.”
Pat Henderson – Founder, Path8 Productions
“Video Igniter offered us the critical combination of creative value, clear communication, and patience with stakeholder feedback. We ended up with truly high-quality design assets for our video series largely due to the extra level of commitment — and the right balance of efficiencies with flexibility in the process when called for.”
Larry Schlessinger – Sr. Creative Program Manager, Amazon Web Services
“Video Igniter came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”
Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems
Get in touch!
Schedule a call to discuss your animated video project.
Get a quote for us to create your animated video.
Request access to our newest price sheet.
Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief for your video and we’ll begin production as soon as we receive your production deposit.