5 sites for freelance animator jobs: Best types of animation work

Animation is a fascinating industry and many creators have been involved in creating amazing animated content over the years. We've all seen Disney and Pixart cartoons. They are amazing in their picture and drawing and what if we tell you that you too can get into similar projects by working on freelancing. Of course freelancing is not a stable thing, but it opens up the possibility of participating in the lottery where you will have the opportunity to take off in a second grabbing a promising project.

Of course working as a full-time animator has many advantages: Stability, management opportunities, and perks like health insurance. But on the flip side, freelance animators have the flexibility to work on a variety of projects, the ability to collaborate with teams around the world, and generally higher daily pay. Freelancers also have more freedom to pursue their own creative projects, which is a huge advantage for animators. The path you choose depends on your personality, lifestyle, and the type of work you're interested in. Let's take a look at how freelance animators work, how to begin and what options are available to you in this field.

Some of the best sites to find freelance animator jobs include the following:

1. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a well-established job board that offers jobs for all types of freelancers. One of the main features of FlexJobs is its huge database and collaboration with the biggest animation companies in the industry. Pixar, DreamWorks, Bardel Entertainment, Mercury Filmworks, and other industry leaders have hired freelance animators on FlexJobs. Due to the size of the site, competition for jobs on FlexJobs is very high, but if you have a strong portfolio and the talent to back it up, FlexJobs can be a great resource for you.

2. AnimatedJobs

This site is specifically for animators and is a great place to find freelance animator jobs. Not all jobs are for contractors, so be sure to look for keywords like "remote work" or "freelance" in the listings. AnimatedJobs also has tons of resources for job seekers, such as how to protect yourself during your job search.

3. Indeed

Indeed is a huge platform for job seekers, but did you know that there are hundreds of freelance animator jobs posted here all the time? You can categorize jobs by category, location, or salary level.

You can find the largest number of jobs on Indeed, but don't forget about their quality. If a potential employer asks you to pay an application fee, if someone offers you a job without an interview, or if you can't find information about a company online, chances are you've fallen for some kind of scam. You may have to do some searching, but if you do your homework, you can find some really good job postings on Indeed.

4. Upwork

Most freelancers are familiar with the pros and cons of Upwork. Once you understand how this system works, it can be a reliable source of freelance work for animators. On Upwork, you can either request posted projects or advertise your services for a flat rate. Creating a profile can take some time, and you will need approval from the site before posting or applying for work. The good news is that the approval process helps weed out low-quality freelancers who give the whole "gig economy" a bad name.

5. Guru.com

Guru is a major job search platform that hosts tons of freelance animator jobs. Compared to Upwork or Flexjobs, the number of freelancers and posted jobs is a bit smaller, so competition can be a bit stiffer. However, Guru is a subscription service, so you will have to pay a monthly fee to bid on jobs. This helps weed out low-quality bids, but it also means that, in addition to the fee, you have to be willing to spend time finding clients on this service.

Types of freelance animator jobs

Freelance animator jobs involve a variety of skills. If you're in doubt about whether this job is right for you, read on to see if your skill set fits into one of these categories:

• Concept Artist: Some people think that all jobs in indie animation require the use of computers. But every great scene or character starts with a great concept. Concept artists usually come up with ideas and bring them to life using traditional mediums such as pen and ink or paint.
• 3D Modeler: A 3D modeler translates concept art into digital three-dimensional form. These models are usually quite detailed, with built-in textures, colors, and even skeletons. These models can be manipulated and used in any scene.
• Stop-motion animation: Unlike other types of animation, animators have to take sequential shots of models and then put them together to create the illusion of motion. "Wallace and Gromit," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and "Fantastic Mr. Fox" are examples of complex stop-motion projects.
• Motion graphics artists: Motion graphics is a general term for people who create dynamic content. This can be promotional videos, commercials, commercials, social media posts, movie elements, or any content that tells a story through movement. Motion graphics artists need a wide range of skills and motivation to complete projects without the support of a large team.
• Art Director: If you have experience in the animation industry, you can become an art director. Art directors lead a team, coordinating all aspects of the work to ensure the project meets deadlines, stays within budget, and maintains quality.
• User Interface Artist: Animation artists do more than just create videos. The gaming industry relies on many talented animation artists, including user interface (UI) artists, to bring a game's story to life for players. UI artists design the icons, buttons, and other navigation aids that users need in games. This role is very challenging, but also very rewarding.
• Animation Programmer: Some freelance animators rely more on their knowledge of computers and programming than art. Animators use complex programming languages to make characters and objects move and change.
• Editor: Editors are responsible for putting together all the parts of a successful animated movie. They may make sure all the colors match, add sounds, or help connect different parts of the story. Unlike live action, animation editors are usually involved from the beginning of a project, editing scripts and concepts and making sure everything is in order.

If all of this sounds like a good fit for you, then you're probably ready to dive headfirst into the world of independent animation. Here's what you need to know before looking for a job in independent animation:

• Education: In most cases, a bachelor's degree in animation, fine arts, or computer graphics will make you more competitive in the animation field. In addition to being a great addition to your resume, an animation degree will help you learn the skills you need and build a great portfolio.
• Skills: Before considering a career as an animator, you should have some skills in art, computers, or both. Concept artists need knowledge of classical art, while background animators need to know how to use various computer programs for 3D modeling and video effects.
• Salary: Freelance animators have their own language when it comes to pay. Many freelance animators have what is known as a daily wage. It's exactly what it sounds like: It's the salary you receive for a full-time job. Depending on your experience, a day rate can range from dollars 300 to 800. Some animators get paid per project or per hour of work. Whichever method you choose, think about how much income you want to make over the course of a year and then break it down into monthly and weekly goals when booking your work. As you gain experience and expand your client base, don't forget to raise your rates.

Freelance animator work can be competitive, but for many artists, the flexibility of a contractor comes at a cost. Spend time developing your skills and portfolio to have the best chance of winning bids. Remember that networking is a great tool for finding quality freelance work. People you know are very important in this field, so look to local networking groups, online forums and LinkedIn to find valuable mentors. With careful planning, proper marketing on the right message boards, and enough patience, suitable freelance animator jobs are sure to be found.