Video & Audio Invoice Template

Free Animator Invoice Template

Invoice clients for 2D animation, character animation, and animated explainer videos. Get paid on time with Tidybill.

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What is an Animator invoice?

An animator invoice covers fees for creating animated content including 2D character animation, frame-by-frame animation, motion graphics, animated explainer videos, and game animations. Animators work across advertising, entertainment, games, and education, and may operate as freelancers, in small studios, or as contractors to larger production companies. Because animation is extremely time-intensive (a minute of polished 2D animation can require 100+ hours of work), accurate project estimation and milestone invoicing are essential to protect the animator's income. Pricing is typically per second of finished animation or as a flat project fee for defined deliverables, with revision terms clearly outlined to prevent unlimited scope creep.

What to include on an Animator invoice

Common animator invoice line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
2D Animation (per second, polished) £80 - £300 per second
Explainer Video (60 seconds, 2D) £2,000 - £8,000 per video
Character Animation (per shot) £200 - £600 per shot
Storyboard & Animatic £500 - £1,500 per project
Game Animation (per animation cycle) £150 - £500 per cycle
Revision Round (beyond included) £150 - £400 per round

How to invoice as an animator

Invoice in milestones: a deposit before pre-production begins, a payment after storyboard or animatic approval, another after rough animation approval, and the final balance on delivery of the finished animation. Never start the final polished animation without client approval at the animatic or rough animation stage — changes are exponentially cheaper at earlier stages. Deliver a watermarked or low-resolution preview before releasing the final high-quality file. Net 14 on each milestone.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I price animation work?
Animation pricing is highly variable based on style (simple flat design vs. complex character animation), duration, and quality level. A rough benchmark: £100-£200 per finished second for mid-market quality. A 60-second explainer might cost £3,000-£8,000 depending on complexity. Per-second pricing punishes neither speed nor quality — it rewards skilled, efficient animators.
How many revision rounds should I include for an animation project?
Include one major revision round at the animatic stage and one at the rough animation stage. Polish revisions (minor timing tweaks, colour adjustments) can be included in the final delivery. Fundamental changes to the concept or script after animation has begun should be quoted as additional work.
Who owns the animation files I produce?
You own copyright unless a work-for-hire agreement is in place. Clients typically need a licence to use the final rendered video, not necessarily the source files. Providing source files (After Effects project, TVPaint files, etc.) is an additional deliverable and should be invoiced separately if requested.
How do I handle a client who keeps changing the script mid-production?
Script changes at the animation stage are very costly. If a client changes the approved script after animation has begun, issue a change order, quote the additional cost, and get written approval before continuing. Never absorb script changes as part of the standard revision policy.
Can I resell animated assets I create for a client?
Only if your contract permits it. Custom animated characters and scenes created for a specific client are theirs to use (within the agreed licence). Generic motion graphic elements or loop animations you create speculatively can be sold as stock assets. Check your contract carefully before repurposing any client work.
Can I use this template for free?
Yes. Tidybill's free plan lets you create up to 5 invoices per month at no cost, with no credit card required. You can use the Animator invoice template straight away after signing up.