Animator Invoice Template
An animator invoice bills second, lists services, labour and fees on separate lines and states the terms (Milestones: 40% start, 30% storyboard approval, 30% final). This template is pre-filled for a 60-second 2D explainer animation for a software product, from script polish to final renders: 8 lines totalling $6,015.00 before tax. Edit it and download the PDF.
Pre-filled for an animator: a 60-second 2d explainer animation for a software product, from script polish to final renders. Example prices: replace them with your own.
From
Bluebird Animation Studio
792 Market Street
Franklin, TN 37064
billing@example.com
(312) 555-0192
Invoice
Bill to
Chris Novak
8 Chestnut Lane
Fairview, OR 97024
client@example.com
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Script editing and timing | 3 hr | $75.00 | $225.00 |
| Storyboard, 14 frames | 1 project | $600.00 | $600.00 |
| Style frames in final lookThree frames for approval | 3 frame | $150.00 | $450.00 |
| 2D character and motion animation60 seconds of finished animation | 60 second | $60.00 | $3,600.00 |
| Sound design and music bed | 1 each | $250.00 | $250.00 |
| Voice-over, subcontractedBilled at cost | 1 each | $350.00 | $350.00 |
| Extra revision round on animation | 4 hr | $75.00 | $300.00 |
| Square and vertical renders for social | 2 each | $120.00 | $240.00 |
- Subtotal
- $6,015.00
- Balance due
- $6,015.00
Notes
Thank you for choosing Bluebird Animation Studio. Terms: Milestones: 40% start, 30% storyboard approval, 30% final.
Payment details
Bank transfer or card. Please quote the invoice number.
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Animator invoice at a glance
| Typical job | A 60-second 2D explainer animation for a software product, from script polish to final renders |
|---|---|
| Main billing unit | second |
| Usual payment terms | Milestones: 40% start, 30% storyboard approval, 30% final |
| Deposit practice | A 30 to 50 percent deposit usually starts the project, with further payments at storyboard and animatic approval. |
| Sample lines | 8 lines, $6,015.00 before tax |
| Largest line | 2D character and motion animation: $3,600.00 (60%) |
| Labour hours billed | 7 h, $525.00 |
| Trade-specific fields | Project title, Milestone, Finished length, Output formats |
Sample animator invoice line items
A 60-second 2D explainer animation for a software product, from script polish to final renders: 8 lines adding up to $6,015.00, split into services $5,140.00 (85%), labour $525.00 (9%) and fees $350.00 (6%).
| Item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Script editing and timing | 3 hr | $75.00 | $225.00 |
| Storyboard, 14 frames | 1 project | $600.00 | $600.00 |
| Style frames in final look (Three frames for approval) | 3 frame | $150.00 | $450.00 |
| 2D character and motion animation (60 seconds of finished animation) | 60 second | $60.00 | $3,600.00 |
| Sound design and music bed | 1 each | $250.00 | $250.00 |
| Voice-over, subcontracted (Billed at cost) | 1 each | $350.00 | $350.00 |
| Extra revision round on animation | 4 hr | $75.00 | $300.00 |
| Square and vertical renders for social | 2 each | $120.00 | $240.00 |
| Subtotal | $6,015.00 | ||
| Total before tax | $6,015.00 |
What an animator invoice should include
- Your animation studio name, address, phone and email, plus a tax ID if you are registered
- The customer's name and billing address (Chris Novak in the sample)
- A unique invoice number (INV-2126) and the issue date
- Payment terms and a due date: Milestones: 40% start, 30% storyboard approval, 30% final
- Project title: for example A 60-second 2D explainer animation for a software product, from script polish to final renders
- Milestone: for example See notes
- Finished length: for example See notes
- Output formats: for example See notes
- Line items in second or per item, each with quantity, rate and amount
- How to pay you: bank details, card link or cheque payee
How animators bill
Animators usually quote per finished second or per project, with storyboard, style frames and animation as stages billed in milestones.
Animators commonly use "Milestones: 40% start, 30% storyboard approval, 30% final". A 30 to 50 percent deposit usually starts the project, with further payments at storyboard and animatic approval.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024: median hourly wage of Special Effects Artists and Animators $47.98 (employees, not contractor rates). The sample's $75.00 per hour for "Script editing and timing" is 1.6 times that employee figure; a business rate also has to cover insurance, tools, travel, unbilled admin time and profit.
Animator invoicing tips
- Invoice by milestone and name the approved stage, such as storyboard or animatic, on each invoice, because changes after approval cost far more in animation than at sketch stage.
- Quote in finished seconds and print the final runtime on the invoice; when a sixty-second piece grows to seventy-five, the extra fifteen seconds are a clear difference to bill.
- Subcontracted voice talent, music and fonts belong on pass-through lines, which keeps your animation rate clean and shows the client the licences they are buying.
- List the render formats and aspect ratios delivered, so a later request for a vertical version or a cut without on-screen text is plainly a new deliverable.
Animator billing disputes to head off
- Script changes after animation starts are the most expensive dispute; dating the approved script on the invoice shows exactly when new costs began.
- Clients sometimes expect the layered project files as well as renders, so note whether source files are included or sold separately.
Work an animator can bill for
Core tasks of Special Effects Artists and Animators (O*NET 27-1014.00, O*NET 29.x task statements, CC BY 4.0). Each can become a line on the invoice.
- Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
- Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
- Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
- Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.
- Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
- Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
How to make an animator invoice
-
Add both parties
Enter Bluebird Animation Studio (your business) and the customer, Chris Novak, then project title.
-
Number and terms
Give it a unique number such as INV-2126 and set the terms to Milestones: 40% start, 30% storyboard approval, 30% final.
-
List the work
One line per item: the sample runs from "Script editing and timing" (3 hr) to "Square and vertical renders for social" (2 each).
-
Check the total
The 8 lines come to $6,015.00; add sales tax only if your state taxes animation.
-
Download and send
Download the PDF or print it, then keep a copy with the animation records.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make an animator invoice?
Add your animation studio details, the customer, project title, milestone, finished length and output formats, then one line per item with quantity and rate. The template above is pre-filled with 8 lines for a 60-second 2D explainer animation for a software product, from script polish to final renders totalling $6,015.00; change the prices and download the PDF.
How do animators charge?
Mostly second. Animators usually quote per finished second or per project, with storyboard, style frames and animation as stages billed in milestones.
When should an animator invoice be paid?
Milestones: 40% start, 30% storyboard approval, 30% final is the usual arrangement. A 30 to 50 percent deposit usually starts the project, with further payments at storyboard and animatic approval. Put the terms and the due date on the invoice so there is no doubt.
How much do animators earn per hour?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024: median hourly wage of Special Effects Artists and Animators $47.98 (employees, not contractor rates). Self-employed rates are usually higher because they cover overhead and unbilled time.