Hire a Freelance Animator for Your Animated Video Needs

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Do you want to hire a freelance animator to create an animated video for you but aren’t sure how or where to get started?

If so, you’re in the right place!

Video Igniter’s animated video production service is just like working with a trusted freelance animator to create a custom animated video on your behalf.

But how does it work?

This comprehensive guide will answer all your all your top questions, including:

How do I work with a freelance animator or Video Igniter to create a custom animated video?
How much does it cost to hire a freelance animator?
How long does it take a freelance animator to create a custom animation?
What should I look for when I hire a freelance animator?

In addition to this, we’ll also provide tips to help you save $1,000 or more off the cost of hiring a freelance animator!

But first, let’s take a look at examples of the types of animations that Video Igniter’s team of freelance animators can produce for you:

Freelance Animator Video Examples

Video Igniter’s freelance animators can make any kind of 2D or 3D animation 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.

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 to make an animated video with a freelance animator

Video Igniter’s freelance animators will guide you through the full production experience to ensure you end up with a custom animated video that looks and communicates exactly what you imagined.

1). Get A Quote

First thing’s first. We should connect to discuss your project’s goals. If you’d like, we can meet via phone call, video call or you can send us a message about your project and we’ll follow up with a few questions to learn more about your video.

We’ll work with you to develop a production plan and budget to create your dream video. Once we agree to the scope of the project, you will receive a production agreement to sign and an invoice for the first 50% of your production budget.

2). Script

When production begins, we will hand pick a freelance animator that’s uniquely suited to create your specific project. The first thing they will make for you is the script for your video. Depending on the nature of your animation, they may request a phone call to learn more about what you want to show and communicate in your video.

After the freelancer gets the information they need, it takes 1-3 business days to write the first draft of your script. When the first draft is ready, the freelance animator will send you a digital copy of your script to review. Share it with members of your team to collect everyone’s feedback. Once the notes are organized, send your revision requests to the freelance animator so they can update your script.

You will receive the 2nd draft of the script to review and sign off with your team. If additional edits are needed, the freelance animator will continue to work with you to revise your script.

3). Storyboard

Next, the freelance animator will turn the script into the storyboard. The storyboard acts like the blueprint for your animation. It’s a way for you and the freelance animator to get a consensus about what will be created for every scene in your animation.

Each page of the storyboard includes a sentence from your script, a rough sketch of the scene and a list of instructions that explain how things will move in the scene.

You will get an opportunity to pour over the storyboard with your team to make sure the visual storytelling part of your animation aligns with the key messages in your script. If there are any scenes you want us to update with important details, let the freelance animator know! They’ll integrate your revisions and share an updated copy of the storyboard with you to review and sign off.

4). VoiceOver

The freelance animator will send you a handful of voiceover auditions to listen to. Let them know which audition is your favorite, and they’ll hire the voiceover talent to record the narration for your animation. You will get an opportunity to listen to the full recording and request edits (if needed).

5). Soundtrack

The freelance animator will also send you a selection of soundtracks for your video. Give them a listen and let the freelancer know which option is your favorite so they can acquire the rights to use the music in your animation.

6). Illustrations

After the storyboard is approved, your freelance animator will start working on concept art for your video. They’ll review your brand guidelines and style references and then develop multiple pieces of concept art based on scenes from your storyboard.

Share your honest feedback with the freelance animator when you review the concepts. Let them know what you like and dislike about each concept. This way, the freelancer can polish and perfect your favorite visual concept.

Once the visual concept is approved, the freelance animator will create all of the custom illustrations for your video. Give them a thorough review with your team and compile a list of revision notes. Share the revisions with the freelance animator so they can update all of your art. You’ll get another chance to look over the updated art before your video moves into the animation stage of production.

7). Animation

Now that everything is approved, the freelance animator can animate your video! It takes about 1 week to animate 1 minute’s worth of video.

When the first draft is ready, you will receive a link to download a copy of your video. Share it with your team and members of your target audience. Collect everyone’s feedback and share it with the freelance animator. The animator will integrate your revisions and share the 2nd draft with you to review and sign off.

For one final touch, the freelance animator will add subtle sound effects to your video. They’ll also adjust and master the audio levels between the sound effects, the voiceover and the background music so everything sounds loud and clear.

What does it cost to hire a freelance animator?

In general, you can expect to spend between $1,500-$7,500 to create a 60-second 2D animation.

If you want to hire a freelance animator to create a 3D animation or a high end 2D animation, you may need a budget that’s 2x-4x bigger.

Here are 4 ways you can get a quote for your animation:

1). Send Video Igniter a message about the video you want to create.

2). Schedule a call with a member of our team.

3). Fill out this questionnaire.

4). Request access to Video Igniter’s price page.

What should I look for before hiring a freelance animator?

Before you hire Video Igniter or a freelance animator for your project, we recommend you evaluate your options based on the following criteria:

1). Portfolio

The first thing you should do when evaluating a freelance animator is to check out their animation portfolio. It’s ok if they haven’t produced an animation that’s exactly like the style you want. In fact, you probably don’t want to see an exact copy of the animation you want to make because it means yours won’t be that original. Instead, focus on the overall level of quality of the visual design and motion design. If it looks up to par using a different animation/illustration style, you should be good to go.

2). Pricing

Ask the freelance animator what their pricing structure is like. Do they charge by the hour? Is it a flat rate for the whole project? Make sure you get a quote to evaluate if the freelance animator can work within your budget. Also, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. When it comes to quality, you get what you pay for.

Request access to Video Igniter’s Pricing Page.

3). Production Timeline

How long will it take to make your animation? Can the the freelance animator complete your project before your deadline? Some animators also offer rush delivery if you’re willing to pay extra to expedite production to meet your deadline.

4). Storytelling Ability

Making an animation isn’t just about creating pretty visuals. There needs to be quality storytelling and messaging behind the visuals. Otherwise, what’s the point!? When you review an animator’s portfolio, pay extra attention to gauge how well the video communicates its message to its intended target audience.

5). Reviews & Testimonials

Check with the freelance animator to see what reviews and testimonials they have to share. Don’t hesitate to ask for references you can call!

6). Revisions

How many revisions are included in the price? If you pay the freelance animator by the hour, this question doesn’t matter as much. If you’re paying a flat rate, you’ll want to understand whether 1, 2 or 3 rounds of revisions are included in the price. Video Igniter offers unlimited revisions for certain projects.

How quickly can a freelance animator make my video?

A freelance animator will need about 3-6 weeks to create a 60-second animated video. High end 2D animation or 3D animation will take at least 2x more time to complete the project.

Need to speed up production to meet a deadline? Send us a message and ask us about rush delivery.

Freelance Animator Budget Saving Tips

Combine these 5 tips to save over $1,000 off the price of hiring a freelance animator:

1). Use Free (Legal) Music

If you have access to free music that can be legally used in your animation, send it to your freelance animator so they don’t have to pay to license a song for your video. Music licensing costs will get deducted from your production budget.

2). Write The Script

Your freelance animator will happily work with you to write the script for your video. Alternatively, if you write the script yourself, you can save $500 off the price of each minute of video the freelance animator creates for you.

Download Video Igniter’s script writing template for help writing your script.

3). Record The Voiceover

Instead of hiring a voiceover artist, you can record the voiceover narration yourself and save a little money on your production budget. Check out 1:31 in this video to see how to record your own professional quality voiceover at home for free.

4). Create The Storyboard

Creating the storyboard for your animation earns you a discount of $500 off the price of each minute of video the freelance animator creates for you.

Need help creating your storyboard? Download Video Igniter’s storyboard template and check out the included storyboard creation guide to see how you can create a storyboard without needing to have any artistic ability.

5). Start Production ASAP

Rush delivery is available if you need to speed up the production process to get your video completed before a deadline. However, you should be aware that rush delivery can increase your production budget by 10%-25% or more! If you want to avoid paying extra for rush delivery, we recommend you schedule a call or send us a message as soon as possible.

Production Resources For Hiring Freelance Animators

These resources are popular among people researching and reading about hiring a freelance animator:

Thinking of hiring an animation studio? Read this first!
Where to find 2D animators for hire?
How to use Video Igniter’s 2D Video Maker Production Service.

Still have questions about freelance animators?

Do you have a question about hiring a freelance animator 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 Animated Video Company In The U.S.?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

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.

“Couldn’t be happier with Derek and his team. The quality of the work for the cost far exceeded expectations and surpasses anything in the market. Derek was patient, offered many revisions, and was overall great to work with.”

Alex Novick – Founder, Sproutly.com

“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.