The Honest Truth About Freelancing as a Motion Graphic Designer
The Honest Truth About Freelancing as a Motion Designer
So, you're thinking of becoming a freelance motion designer? Or maybe you are already bouncing between projects, trying to keep the pipeline full, and wondering if it gets any easier. I’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and here’s the truth: it’s rewarding, unpredictable, and not for the faint of heart.
But if you value creative freedom, flexibility, and the idea of building something that lasts, maybe even a business your kids could step into it can be one hell of a ride.
What Is Freelance Motion Design?
Freelance motion design is more than just animating cool stuff. It’s wearing every hat: designer, animator, project manager, marketer, accountant. It means knowing how to rig a character one minute and writing a pitch email the next.
You're not just creating explainer video animations or social media content, you're running a business. One that lives or dies by your ability to stay relevant and visible.
The Pros: Why I Stick With It
Creative Freedom
This is the big one. I choose the projects I work on. I can experiment with kinetic typography one day and character animation the next. That kind of flexibility is priceless.
Work-Life Balance
Well… sometimes. When you’ve built a strong client base, freelancing gives you control over your schedule. You can spend more time with family or work from anywhere. For me, it also means building a legacy business my children could one day inherit or be inspired by.
Direct Value
You know when you’ve made a difference. I’m not here to fleece budgets; I want to be the person who helps agencies deliver great work, on time, and keeps their clients happy. That honesty has kept me in the game.
The Cons: What No One Puts on Instagram
Feast or Famine
COVID hit, and a few clients “battened down the hatches.” Work dried up overnight. That kind of sudden drought is brutal unless you've got savings, which you absolutely should.
Getting on the Radar
My biggest challenge? Getting noticed. Even with years of experience and a strong reel, cutting through the noise to reach creative directors or producers can be a full-time job in itself.
Faster, Cheaper, Now
Deadlines have shrunk. Budgets have shrunk. AI is on the rise. Clients expect high-quality, story-driven animation yesterday. You have to adapt fast and keep refining your workflow.
How I Find Work
It’s not Fiverr. It’s not Upwork. I’ve never had a decent job come through those.
Most of my work comes from:
Cold outreach (tailored emails to agencies and producers)
LinkedIn (posting work, connecting with people, staying visible)
Referrals (doing a good job leads to repeat work and word-of-mouth)
I’ve also found success just sharing useful tools or experiments. My Cinema 4D rig posts bring in attention, not from likes, but from the people who matter: producers looking to solve problems.
Whether you're an agency or brand looking to hire a motion designer in London or need freelance motion design for branded content, being visible where the right people are is key.
Tools of the Trade
Here’s what I use daily to get the job done:
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop (design assets)
After Effects (motion graphics, animation polish)
Cinema 4D (rigging, 3D animation)
Zoom, Email, Frame.io (for reviews and feedback loops)
Don’t get too caught up in software. Tools will change. Animation principles won’t. You can become an Adobe After Effects specialist in time, just don’t skip the fundamentals.
Tips for New Freelancers
Save money. You’ll need a buffer when work slows down.
Focus on principles, not plugins. Tools are replaceable. Craft is not.
Stay curious. Passion projects and tutorials will sharpen your edge and help build a portfolio.
Don’t overpromise. Be the freelancer who delivers and makes clients look good.
Think long-term. Freelance isn’t a shortcut. It’s a business — treat it like one.
Is Freelancing Right for You?
If you want predictable income, easy hours, and zero stress, this might not be your thing.
But if you're driven by creativity, crave autonomy, and are willing to take a few knocks along the way, freelance motion design can be incredibly rewarding. You'll learn fast, grow faster, and maybe even build something that lasts longer than a contract.
Final Thoughts
Freelancing as a motion graphics designer isn’t just about cool animations — it’s about resilience, relationships, and reinvention.
If you’re a brand or agency looking for custom animation for business or want to explore the best motion graphics for your next social campaign, feel free to reach out. I’m always open to a chat.
