Hire the best Animators

With an increasing focus on digital marketing and the need for engaging online content, the demand for animation skills in the business world is growing. This includes various forms of animation, including 2D animation, 3D animation, motion design, and character animation. Companies hoping to increase audience engagement and traffic could benefit from having an animator on their team.

Whether you’re looking for a freelance animator or considering full-time options, Upwork's broad talent pool and cost-effective solutions make hiring an animator a secure and easy process.

How do you write an animator job post?

Your job post is your chance to share your project scope, budget, and talent needs. Although you don't need as extensive of a description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they're the right fit for the project.

Job post title

To start, create a job title that briefly summarizes who you are looking for and what you need them to do. For an animator, job titles could be: 

• In search of a creative mastermind to help with our product launch (2D/3D animation)
• Animator needed to help with our corporate training video (motion design + video editing)
• Our company needs an animator to design and animate a brand mascot (character animation)

Project description

Next, the job posting should summarize what animators can expect when working on the project. Descriptions should include:

• Scope of work. Clearly define all deliverables that will be expected from the animator, such as creating a quick 15-second video or developing a number of motion graphics for a website overhaul. Additionally, specify if you need video production or video animation services.
• Project length. A job description should indicate how long the project will take. This is especially important for freelancers that take on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Background. The job description is also where you can include any skills or previous experience you expect candidates to have. 
• Budget. It is important to be upfront about payment in the job description as well. Be clear about the budget for the project and whether it will be paid hourly or through a fixed-price contract.

Job responsibilities

Animators typically have a variety of skills and can complete many different projects. Some responsibilities of an animator could include:

• Creating high-quality animations based on our project requirements, utilizing skills in 2D/3D animation and motion design.
• Managing multiple animation projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines and production schedules.
• Developing storyboards and collaborating with voiceover artists when necessary.

Animator skills and qualifications

Animations often use  multiple tools to complete their projects. If you have any specific software or qualifications in mind, be sure to include them. Some examples are:

• A degree in graphic design, fine arts, or related field
• Proficiency in Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate, 3DS Max, and other relevant software
• Experience with character animation and logo animation
• A keen eye for design, color, and detail
• Strong project management skills

Helpful information to know before you hire a freelance animator

For those who have never done it, hiring a freelance animator can seem complicated. The following sections will provide you with essential information to help you make an informed decision when hiring.

What does an animator do?

An animator is a professional who creates multiple images, known as frames, which, when sequenced together, create an illusion of movement known as animation. These images can be hand-drawn, created digitally, or fashioned using 3D modeling. 

Animators often create animations for films, video games, television shows, music videos, and other multimedia projects. Their work requires a strong sense of creativity, storytelling, and technical skills in various animation software and techniques. This can include expertise in Adobe Animate, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Blender, Cinema 4D, Maya, and Unreal Engine.

The most common projects for freelance animators

Freelance animators can create multiple distinct outputs, each requiring a unique approach and a high level of skill. Some of their most common creations include:

• Explainer videos. Animators create videos that simplify complex products or services, making them easy to understand through techniques like whiteboard animation or motion graphics.
• Marketing and advertisements. Animators develop engaging commercials, social media content, and digital ads that boost brand awareness and customer loyalty. This can include creating intros, GIFs, or stop-motion animations to capture attention.
• Educational and training material. Animators produce interactive animations for training modules and educational materials, enhancing learning and retention rates. This may involve storyboarding and incorporating voiceover work.
• Character design. Creating unique and appealing characters for various animation projects, including cartoons, video games, and promotional content.
• Logo animation. Animators bring company logos to life with dynamic animations, making them more memorable and engaging.
• Interactive animations. Developing animations for websites and apps that enhance user experience and engagement.
• Storyboard creation. Planning and illustrating the sequence of animations to ensure a cohesive and compelling story.

Freelance animator hiring demand in 2024

There continues to be high demand for freelance animators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there were 89,300  animator jobs in 2022 and they project the number of animator positions will grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the national average for other occupations. As visual content becomes increasingly vital across all media, the need for skilled animators who can create engaging and high-quality animations will only grow.

With an estimated 7,400 new jobs expected before 2032, freelance animators will become even more valuable. Those who can offer a range of animation styles and techniques, from 2D and 3D animation to motion graphics and character design, will be well-positioned to meet the rising demand for diverse animation projects.

Industries hiring freelance animators

While many think animators only work in movies and TV, there are a number of industries that can benefit from employing an animator. Here are some examples of these industries:

• Entertainment industry. Animation studios and production companies hire freelance animators to create animated films, TV shows, and video game animations.
• Advertising. Ad agencies require animators to produce eye-catching commercials, digital ads, and social media content to engage audiences and promote products.
• Education. Schools and educational publishers commission animators to develop educational videos and interactive learning materials that enhance student engagement and comprehension.
• Corporate training. Companies hire animators to create training videos and materials that help employees learn new skills and procedures effectively.
• Healthcare. Medical organizations use animations to explain complex medical procedures, create patient education videos, and develop interactive training modules for healthcare professionals.
• E-commerce. Online retailers employ animators to create product demos, promotional videos, and animated graphics that enhance the online shopping experience.
• Tech startups. Startups often need animators to bring their innovative ideas to life through animated explainer videos and promotional content.
• Publishing. Magazines and online publications hire animators to create engaging animated content that complements their articles and enhances reader experience.

Average cost of hiring a freelance animator in 2024

Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location (such as New York or other animation industry hubs), and market conditions.

An experienced animator with several years of experience may command higher fees but also work faster, have more specialized areas of expertise, and deliver higher-quality work. A contractor who is still in the process of building a client base may price their animation services more competitively.

On Upwork, animators charge between $20 and $38 an hour on average.

How much you ultimately spend will depend on the scope and length of your project, as well as the specific skill set required (e.g., 2D animation, 3D animation, visual effects).

H2: Hire the best animators on Upwork

From film to video games, animation brings your 2D and 3D images to life. Whether it's to add some personality to your video advertisements, improve the UI/UX of your app, or create engaging content for your animation studio, animators can help. By finding talent on Upwork, you can elevate your multimedia projects and captivate your audience with the right professional animator.