In this article, we will provide you with tips and advice on how to start your career as a freelance motion designer, from finding clients to setting your rates, managing your business, and continuing your education. By following our guide, you can take the first steps towards building a successful career as a freelance motion designer.
Understanding the motion design industry is the first step towards becoming a successful freelancer. Motion design is the art of bringing static graphics and images to life through animation, creating engaging and dynamic visual content. With the rise of digital media and online content, the demand for motion design has increased, creating numerous opportunities for those with the skills and creativity to produce engaging visual content.
To excel in this field, you need to have a strong foundation in design principles, animation techniques, and software proficiency. Additionally, you should be able to work collaboratively with clients and other professionals to create content that meets their needs and exceeds their expectations.
You will work on a variety of projects, from explainer videos to commercials, and social media content to animated logos, and more. Your work will help to communicate complex ideas and messages in a way that is easy to understand and memorable.
In addition to creating content, you may also be responsible for managing projects, collaborating with other designers and clients, and staying up-to-date with the latest design trends and software.
To succeed as a freelance motion designer, you will need a combination of technical and creative skills. Here are some of the most important skills to have:
Animation Skills: You should have a strong understanding of animation principles, including timing, spacing, and easing. You should also be comfortable using animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, or Maya. While software isn’t the only way to create animation, it is the most common and in highest demand.
Graphic Design Skills: You should have a good eye for design and be able to create visually appealing graphics using software such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Many clients will want you to create their logo or image before animating it.
And even if they don’t request that, you’ll still need to know how those softwares work so you can interact with the files your client provides.
Video Editing Skills: You should be comfortable editing video footage and be able to use software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. Many animations will live inside a video scene, and knowing how to integrate the two will make you a more desirable candidate for jobs.
Communication Skills: As a freelance motion designer, you will need to communicate effectively with clients and other designers. You should be able to listen to feedback and be able to articulate your ideas and solutions.
Many designers become protective of their work. It’s hard not to feel that way. But learning how to detach your self-worth and skills from client feedback and preferences will lead to a much healthier and happier work environment.
Time Management Skills: You might end up working on multiple projects at once, so it's important to be able to manage your time effectively and meet deadlines.
Using a calendar or time tracker can be very helpful in this endeavor.
Business Skills: As a freelancer, you will need to be able to manage your finances, market yourself, and negotiate contracts. It's important to have a good understanding of business practices and be able to run your own business effectively.
Most importantly, you will need to learn how to attract new clients, and also how to keep them happy so they keep coming back for more work.
As a freelance motion designer, you have the freedom to work on a variety of projects and build a career doing what you love. However, getting started can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you get started on the right foot.
Build Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is your most important tool for attracting clients and showcasing your skills. It's important to build a portfolio that showcases the type of work you want to do. If you're interested in creating explainer videos, for example, make sure your portfolio includes examples of that type of work.
When building your portfolio, keep in mind that quality is more important than quantity. Choose your best work and present it in a way that's easy to navigate. Consider including a variety of projects to show your range of skills.
Many freelancers elect to build their portfolio on a website builder like Squarespace or Webflow, while others choose to build their entire portfolio on social media pages like Instagram, Dribbble, or Behance.
Just make sure your content is easy to find and navigate, and viewers know how they can reach out to you.
Networking
Networking is key to building a successful freelance career. You can start by reaching out to your existing network and letting them know you're available for work. Consider attending industry events and conferences to meet other professionals in your field.
Social media is also a powerful tool for networking as well. Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are great for sharing visual work with industry professionals, but not so great at connecting you with potential clients. LinkedIn might be a better option for social media networking, as it can put you in contact with prospective clients who are actively looking to hire a freelancer.
When networking, it's important to be genuine and build relationships. Don't just reach out to people when you need work. Take the time to get to know other professionals and offer value where you can. What you put into the relationships is what you’ll get out, so try to be authentic to yourself and show up as a true friend, not just a contractor looking for a job.
Finding Clients Online
While sharing a portfolio and networking are vital, they don’t always lead to finding new clients. As such, many freelancers choose to set up profiles on various freelancing platforms. Here are some popular freelance platforms for motion designers.
Upwork: A global platform that connects freelancers with clients in a variety of industries.
Freelancer: A platform that connects freelancers with clients in a variety of industries.
Fiverr: A platform that allows freelancers to offer their services, famously starting at $5 (but regularly starting much, much higher than that).
99designs: A platform that connects designers with clients for projects like logos and branding.
When using freelance platforms, it's important to create a strong profile that showcases your skills and experience. Be sure to include samples of your work and a clear description of the services you offer. Additionally, be prepared to bid on projects and communicate with clients effectively. Most clients on these platforms are somewhat time-sensitive, so your prompt response is necessary.
Setting Your Rates
As a freelance motion designer, one of the biggest challenges you'll face is setting your rates. It's important to find a balance between pricing yourself too low and not valuing your work enough, and pricing yourself too high and losing potential clients. Here are some tips to help you set your rates.
Determine Your Hourly Rate: To determine your hourly rate, you need to consider a few factors. First, think about your experience level. If you're just starting out, you may need to charge less than someone who has been in the industry for several years. Second, think about the cost of living in your area. If you live in a city with a high cost of living, you may need to charge more to cover your expenses. Finally, think about the demand for your services. If you have a lot of clients and are in high demand, you can charge more.
Consider Project-Based Fees: Another option is to charge project-based fees instead of hourly rates. To set project-based fees, many freelancers estimate the time that they will spend. They look at the scope of a project, estimate the number of hours, and then multiply the hours by their hourly rate. They add a few extra hours as a safety buffer and send over a quote. This can be a good option if you're working on a project that will take a set amount of time, plus you won’t feel penalized for working quickly.
Research Industry Standards: It's important to research industry standards for rates in your area. You can do this by talking to other freelancers or by looking at job postings for similar positions. You can also review pay transparency sites like contractrates.fyi to see what other animators are charging in your area. This will give you an idea of what other people are charging and what clients are willing to pay.
Setting your rates as a freelance motion designer can be challenging, but it's an important part of running a successful business. By considering your experience level, cost of living, demand for your services, and industry standards, you can set rates that are fair to both you and your clients.
As a freelance motion designer, you not only have to create high-quality designs, but you also have to manage your business effectively. This means taking care of financial management and time management. Here are some tips to help you manage your business effectively.
Financial Management
Keep track of your income and expenses. You can use a spreadsheet or accounting software to track your income and expenses. This will help you keep track of your cash flow and make better financial decisions.
Set a budget for your business and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure that you have enough money to cover your expenses. Paying for multiple softwares, advertisements, and premium social media accounts can really add up (BTW, Whelm can help you save on the software expenses).
Set aside money every month for taxes. As a freelancer, you'll be responsible for paying your own taxes. Make sure to save a portion of your income for taxes so you're not caught off guard when tax season comes around.
Send invoices on time and make sure they get paid. Make sure to invoice your clients promptly and follow up on any late payments. This will help you maintain a healthy cash flow and avoid any financial issues (Whelm can help you with this too!).
Time Management
Time management is crucial for freelancers, especially when you're working on multiple projects at once. Here are some tips to help you manage your time effectively.
Set a schedule. Set a schedule for your workday and stick to it. This will help you stay focused and avoid distractions. If you find yourself getting distracted by Netflix or the allure of naptime, try working in a new place. Coworking spaces and coffee shops can be a great change of pace to keep you from falling into a rut.
Prioritize your tasks. Make a list of your tasks for the day and prioritize them based on their importance. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you're meeting your deadlines.
Take enough breaks. Taking breaks throughout the day can help you stay refreshed and avoid burnout. Make sure to take breaks when you need them, and don't overwork yourself. Stretching your neck and back, going for a walk, and taking a healthy lunch break will go a long way in helping you keep your sanity.
Use time-tracking software when necessary. Some clients will require you to report your hours on your invoices, so time-tracking software can come in very handy. You can also use it for personal time-blocking as well.
By following these tips, you can effectively manage your business as a freelance motion designer and ensure your success.
As a freelance motion designer, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technology. Continuing education and skill improvement can help you stay competitive and attract more clients.
There are many online courses and tutorials available that can help you improve your skills. Websites like Skillshare, Udemy, and Pluralsight offer courses on a wide range of topics, including motion design, animation, and video editing. You can also find free tutorials on YouTube and other websites.
Attending conferences and workshops can be another great way to learn new skills and network with other professionals in the industry. Look for events that focus on motion design and animation, such as the Motion Plus Design conference or the Blend festival. Events like these will also give you the opportunity to meet other professionals in the industry. Teaming up with them on some projects will allow you to pick their brain and learn how they work.
Lastly, experimenting with new techniques and practicing your skills can help you improve as a motion designer. Try working on personal projects or experimenting with new software to push your skills to the next level.
Remember, continuing education and skill improvement is an ongoing process. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technology, you can stay competitive and attract more clients as a freelance motion designer.
Starting a career as a freelance motion designer can be a rewarding experience, but it is also a challenging one. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and patience to succeed in this industry. In this article, we have covered some of the most important aspects of starting a career as a freelance motion designer.
