Free Animator Invoice Template & Generator
Create detailed animation invoices for motion graphics, 2D/3D animation, and explainer videos. Itemize by scene, second, or project phase.
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What to include on a Animator invoice
Your invoice needs your business details and the client's company name with the right contact person, usually the producer or project manager who hired you. Break down what you actually delivered: number of seconds animated, how many revision rounds, style frames if those were separate, and rigging work if applicable. Animation gets billed by complexity and time, so write descriptions that remind them what they approved. Include your rate structure, the project timeline, and reference the original quote or contract number. Accountants will ask for a purchase order number if it's an agency or studio, so get that before you send the invoice.
Most animation work runs on a deposit structure. Expect to ask for 30-50% upfront before you start, another payment at the midpoint or after initial delivery, and the final chunk on approval. Rush jobs or new clients sometimes justify full payment upfront. Studios typically pay on Net 30 terms, but smaller clients often pay immediately if you send a regular PayPal or Stripe invoice.
Always send a low-res watermarked version for final review and only deliver the clean high-res files after payment clears. Clients can disappear once they have the finals, and animation files are your only real leverage.
Frequently asked questions
How do animators typically price projects?
Animation is usually priced per finished second ($100–$500 for 2D, $200–$1,000+ for 3D) or as a flat project fee. Explainer videos typically run $3,000–$15,000 for 60–90 seconds.
What should an animation invoice include?
List pre-production (scripting, storyboarding), production (animation, rendering), and post-production (sound, revisions) as separate line items. Include deliverable specs and revision counts.
Should animators charge deposits?
Yes. Most animators require 30–50% upfront before starting work. Invoice the deposit separately, then bill the remainder upon delivery or in milestones for longer projects.