Animation Commissions: How to Hire, What to Expect, and Get the Best Result
Animation commissions are a tailored way to bring ideas, characters, and stories to life — whether you need a short promo, a character loop for social media, an explainer video for your product, or a full sequence for a game or series. This guide walks you through the entire commissioning process so you know how to hire the right animator, plan the work effectively, and receive a polished final product.
What Is an Animation Commission?
An animation commission is a custom, client-driven job where an animator (or studio) creates original animated content to the buyer’s specifications. Unlike buying a stock animation or template, commissions are bespoke: the client defines the concept, style, length, and deliverables, and the artist executes it.
Types of Animation You Can Commission
- 2D Character Animation — frame-by-frame, rigged puppets, or cutout animation for cartoons, social clips, and character loops.
- 3D Animation — modeled and rigged characters, environments, and cinematic scenes for trailers, ads, or short films.
- Motion Graphics & Explainers — text, icons, and shapes animated to explain a concept or present data.
- Logo & Intro Animations — short brand IDs for videos or livestreams.
- Game Animations — sprite sheets, 3D rigs, or cutscenes tailored to interactive use.
How to Prepare Before Commissioning
Define the Purpose
Start with the “why”: what will this animation do? Promote a product, teach users, entertain, or support a brand identity? Clear purpose guides every decision — style, length, and budget.
Collect Reference Material
Assemble references: sample animations you like, color palettes, character sketches, and any logos or brand assets. Visual references remove guesswork and speed up the process.
Decide on Deliverables
List exactly what you want: final video format(s), resolution, duration, layered project files, voiceover, music, subtitles, or sprite sheets for developers.
Finding and Choosing an Animator
Where to Look
Search platforms where creators share portfolios: artist marketplaces, animation communities, freelancing sites, and studio websites. Review reels — a short demo reel reveals skill, pacing, and style versatility.
What to Check in a Portfolio
- Style match: Does the artist create work in the aesthetic you want?
- Quality of motion: Look for natural timing, weight, and appealing poses.
- Attention to detail: Lip-sync, secondary actions, and clean edges matter for polish.
- Communication & reviews: Feedback from previous clients signals reliability.
Typical Commission Workflow
- Inquiry & Briefing: You send a brief; the artist asks clarifying questions.
- Quote & Contract: Price, timeline, milestones, and ownership/licensing are agreed on in writing.
- Concept & Storyboard: Thumbnails or storyboards establish key poses, timing, and camera moves.
- Animatic (optional): A rough timed storyboard with sound to lock pacing.
- Keyframes & Blocking: Major poses are approved before full animation begins.
- Polish & Rendering: Cleanup, secondary motion, effects, and final render passes.
- Delivery & Revisions: Final files delivered; agreed rounds of revisions are applied if needed.
Pricing: What Affects Cost
Animation pricing varies widely. Key cost drivers:
- Duration: Longer animations take more time to animate and render.
- Style complexity: Detailed frame-by-frame 2D or photorealistic 3D is pricier than simple motion graphics.
- Characters & Assets: Designing original characters, rigs, or environments adds to cost up front.
- Revisions: More revision rounds mean more work; define included rounds in the contract.
- Delivery specs: Source files, high-res renders, or multi-format exports increase the price.
Contracts, Rights, and Licensing
Always sign an agreement. At minimum, it should state:
- Scope of work and deadlines.
- Payment schedule (deposit, milestone payments, final payment).
- Number of included revisions and revision scope.
- Ownership and licensing: who owns the final files, and what usage rights the client receives.
- Confidentiality and credit expectations.
Tips to Get the Best Result
- Be specific: The clearer the brief, the closer the result will be to your vision.
- Give good references: Show what you like and what you don’t like.
- Respect the artist’s process: Trust their expertise while staying involved at milestone checks.
- Plan for sound: Sound design and music significantly elevate animation — plan a budget for audio.
- Test on target platforms: Ensure formats, aspect ratios, and file sizes suit where you’ll publish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping a contract — this leads to scope creep and payment disputes.
- Changing core ideas mid-way without adjusting timeline or budget.
- Not defining revision limits — small requests can multiply into significant extra work.
- Assuming all animators deliver source files by default — clarify this up front.
Fast FAQ
How long does a typical short commission take?
Simple logo animations or short motion-graphics clips (5–15 seconds) can take a few days to a week. Character-driven 30–60 second pieces often take several weeks, depending on complexity and revisions.
Do I need to supply a script or voiceover?
Supplying a script and voiceover speeds the process and locks timing. Many animators can help source or record voiceovers at extra cost if you prefer.
Can I commission part of a project (e.g., just character rigging)?
Yes. Many animators offer modular services like rigging, keyframe animation, background design, or compositing. Define each deliverable clearly.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Commissioning animation is a collaborative creative process. With a clear brief, a reasonable budget, and respectful communication, you can turn a concept into compelling motion that serves your goals — brand growth, storytelling, education, or entertainment.
Ready to commission? Start by writing a one-page brief: purpose, length, references, and deadline — then reach out to an animator whose reel matches your vision. Good animation begins with great preparation.