So you’ve realised the benefits of animated videos and you’ve decided that you want to create one. But do you choose to go with a reputable animation company, or a highly skilled freelance motion designer / animator?

As someone who’s worked in house as a member of staff and someone who currently works as a freelance motion designer, I’ll be able to give you some insight.

There are pros and cons to working with both and in this article, you will learn what’s best for you and your animated video project.

Animation Company

Pros

There’s just something about the word ‘company’ that fills you with confidence, right? And it certainly makes sense to feel this way. Animation companies have a team of people working on your project.

You could have an account manager, producer, creative director, illustrator, sound designer all working on your project, all in addition to the motion designer doing the main bulk of the work. All these individuals come together with their unique expertise and experiences to make sure your video is polished and professional.

In addition to this there is only so much that one person can do when compared to an animation company. Because animation companies have the benefit of a team, they will be able to offer you various options for your project and present more than one solution.

Also due to having a larger team and likely many in house animators and motion designers, they will always be able to take on your project. An in demand freelance motion designer might be too busy to work on your animation project.

Cons

Of course, with all these extras you will need to pay. When working with an animation company, depending on the kind of project, you are looking at paying within the 5 figure range. Animation companies need to pay all the team members, pay the office rent and so on.

Working with an animation company also offers a bit less flexibility when compared to a freelance motion designer / animator. Once the brief is signed off and the money is exchanged, every little change you may need to a video later down the line will cost more than working with a freelance motion designer.

You also get a less personal experience and communication could be an issue. The person you are communicating with at the company (project manager / producer) is rarely the person who is creating the video (animator / motion designer). This has the potential to cause your message to not get across clearly which can waste time and money.

Freelance Motion Designer

Pros

One of the main advantages of working with a freelance motion designer is that they are usually cheaper than working with an animation company. You get to save money without sacrificing on the quality of the work. All motion designers really need is a laptop and the software’s to do the work. You are essentially paying for the work and work alone.

You also get the benefit of a more personal and tailor-made experience. Freelance motion designers rarely work on more than 2 projects at one time. In fact, often times one project at a time. This ensures your project gets the undivided attention of the freelance motion designer.

Freelance motion designers are also more flexible. Freelancers are not restricted by office hours or location. They can jump on a project as and when required; be it the weekend or 11pm on a Friday night. Because of this flexibility freelancers are also easier to communicate with. You will get faster responses to emails which will help to speed up the process of completing the animation project.

Projects also take a shorter time to complete. Because most freelance motion designers work on 1 – 3 projects maximum at one time, they will have more time to dedicate to your project and speed up the process.

Another reason for fast turnaround times is because there are less eyes looking at the animation before it gets over to you. There are no middlemen; it goes straight from freelance motion designer to you, the end client.

At an animation company the project is viewed and discussed by various members of the team. For example, It could go from motion designer to creative director to project manager to senior project manager to client. With so many subjective opinions this has the huge potential to waste time when at the end of day, the most important opinion of the animation is you, the end client.

Cons

Whilst working with a freelancer can be a great and personal experience and may save you a significant amount of money, only one person can do so much.

Unorganised Freelancers can sometimes commit to too many projects and this could put your animation project in jeopardy. Project deadlines could be missed, and this can affect the objectives that you have with your video.

Another potential disadvantage of working with a freelance motion designer, is that if something unfortunate happens to them (like a broken hand or family emergency), there will be no one to finish your project. Whilst at an animation company, another motion designer can jump on the project and finish it off.

Availability can also be an issue. You might have discovered a really talented motion designer that you like but their fully booked. Also, the freelancer may not want to work with you for personal reasons. Perhaps you’re looking to create a video that clashes with their moral views and they may opt to not work with you. You’re more unlikely to run into this issue with an animation company.

Conclusion: Freelance Motion Designer or Animation Company

So who’s better to work with? In reality both freelance motion designers and reputable animation companies are both great options, it just depends on what you’re looking for at the moment.

If you’re looking for a bit more security, a more structured experience and have the budget for it, go with the animation company. If you’re looking for quality work for less money, a more personal experience and better flexibility go with the freelance motion designer. You can get the same quality of work from both.

If you decide to work with an animation company, contact a few that you like and compare quotes and timeframes. If you opt for a freelance motion designer, make sure their trustworthy, experienced and organised. Also check that they’re not working on too many projects so that yours gets the time and attention it deserves.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this topic, I’m all ears.