2D Stickman Character Animator / Editor for Ongoing YouTube Explainer Series

Seeking a **2D stickman animator/video editor with strong visual storytelling instincts** for an ongoing YouTube explainer series, paid per video. Each video is **8–15 minutes** and combines recognizable stick-figure characters with stock footage/simple backgrounds and motion graphics — kinetic text, animated maps, timelines, quote cards, on-screen receipts, captions, visual gags, and other elements that support the story. Characters are based on **real public figures and must remain recognizable and consistent** in stickman form. The series will also have a recurring studio set and visual identity that stays consistent across videos. ### STYLE REFERENCES These are references for the **general visual language, pacing, and animation/editing style** I'm looking for. They are references, not templates to copy — this series will have its own characters, environments, graphics, and visual identity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njjtOnlqDWI https://youtu.be/nlgtbjH1Pu4 ### WHAT I PROVIDE For every video, you'll receive: * Final script * Final voiceover (WAV + MP3) * Creative brief with notes and direction * **Color-coded animation blueprint with timestamps, story beats, and required elements** * Reference photos/videos for featured characters * Spelling sheet for names, places, and terms * Licensed music/SFX library The blueprint tells you **WHAT needs to happen in each beat — not exactly HOW every scene should look.** Required story points, quotes, receipts, and important visual elements will be identified, but I'm looking for an animator/editor who can use their own judgment for **pacing, humor, character reactions, stock footage, backgrounds, transitions, motion graphics, and visual gags.** I'll provide direction and feedback, but I'm **not looking to direct every scene shot-by-shot.** If you need every visual decision mapped out for you, this probably isn't the right fit. ### WHAT YOU'LL DO * Animate and edit the full 8–12 minute video * Create recognizable stickman versions of featured public figures * Keep recurring characters **on-model and visually consistent** * Sync visuals tightly to narration with strong pacing * Make strong visual choices using your own judgment for **storytelling, humor, and viewer retention** * Create motion graphics including kinetic text, maps, timelines, quote cards, receipts, etc. * Integrate stock footage and backgrounds when they strengthen the story * Add captions where marked * Select and place music/SFX from the provided library * Execute the thumbnail from a **locked template** * Deliver the final edit **plus editable source/project files** * Complete 1–2 reasonable revision rounds This is designed to become an **efficient, repeatable production system.** Reusing approved characters, poses, backgrounds, props, templates, and other assets across episodes is expected and encouraged. **All reusable assets created specifically for this series — including character rigs, templates, environments, and motion assets — must be included with the source files and transferred to the project upon payment.** Hand animation, AI-assisted, or hybrid workflows are all welcome. **I don't care how you make it — I care about the final result.** Creative freedom exists within the established visual system: characters stay on-model, recurring environments stay consistent, quotes and receipts remain accurate, and locked elements/templates are followed. Inside those boundaries, **I want you to bring ideas to the edit.** ### TURNAROUND & RATE **Turnaround: 5 calendar days maximum** from receiving the complete production package. If you're reliably faster, please say so — **speed is a hiring factor.** Starting rate: $120 per completed 8–15 minute video, with flexibility for exceptional quality, speed, and consistency. Performance-based incentives are also part of the long-term opportunity. Once the channel is launched and enough performance data exists to establish fair benchmarks, videos that reach defined viewership milestones will earn additional bonuses on top of the agreed per-video rate. These are additional cash bonuses, not a replacement for the base rate. Strong work gets paid regardless of how a video performs. This is intended to be ongoing work, not a one-off project. The goal is to build a long-term relationship where exceptional contributors can earn more as the series grows. This is intended to be **ongoing work**, not a one-off project. The strongest candidates will complete a **paid sample project.** The best fit will receive the first **3 full videos**, with consistent performance leading to ongoing work at an agreed per-video rate.