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Freelance After Effects Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Filmless

Freelance Video Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

... the best freelance editors to help us create custom videos for clients ranging in size from ... Create and customize pro After Effects graphics * Chose awesome music, SFX, and sound bytes

Filmless

Freelance Video Editor

Manhattan, NY · Remote

... the best freelance editors to help us create custom videos for clients ranging in size from ... Create and customize pro After Effects graphics * Chose awesome music, SFX, and sound bytes

Framestore

Freelance: Nuke - Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$64.75 - $73/hr

If you are a freelancer who would be interested in being kept on our books for future freelancing ... Experience with Hiero, Shotgun, After effects, Final Cut, Flame is an advantage * Compositing ...

tarte cosmetics

Freelance Graphic Designer

Freelance Graphic Designer - Remote tarte is seeking a creative, trend-savvy freelance graphic ... Knowledge of motion graphics, video editing (Premiere Pro or After Effects), and Canva or Figma is ...

TBN

FREELANCE MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Freelance position based in TBN's Ft. Worth, TX, Studio Location Reports to: Director of Program ... Utilize software such as Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop,) to create ...

Framestore

Freelance: Nuke - Los Angeles

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$600 - $900/day

If you are a freelancer who would be interested in being kept on our books for future freelancing ... Experience with Hiero, Shotgun, After effects, Final Cut, Flame is an advantage * Compositing ...

Framestore

Freelance: Nuke - New York

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$600 - $900/day

If you are a freelancer who would be interested in being kept on our books for future freelancing ... Experience with Hiero, Shotgun, After effects, Final Cut, Flame is an advantage * Compositing ...

Framestore

Freelance: Nuke - New York

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$600 - $900/day

If you are a freelancer who would be interested in being kept on our books for future freelancing ... Experience with Hiero, Shotgun, After effects, Final Cut, Flame is an advantage * Compositing ...

Framestore

Freelance: Nuke - New York

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$600 - $900/day

If you are a freelancer who would be interested in being kept on our books for future freelancing ... Experience with Hiero, Shotgun, After effects, Final Cut, Flame is an advantage * Compositing ...

Mocean

FREELANCE ASSISTANT EDITOR

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

After Effects experience is a plus, not required * Entry-level freelance role - recent grads and first-job candidates encouraged to apply Salary Description $20 to $23 per hour (freelance & fully ...

Filmless

Freelance Video Producer

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

... best freelance video producers to help us create custom videos for clients ranging in size from ... Must be familiar with Adobe programs such as Premier Pro and After Effects * Ability to write ...

Filmless

Freelance Video Producer

Manhattan, NY · Remote

... best freelance video producers to help us create custom videos for clients ranging in size from ... Must be familiar with Adobe programs such as Premier Pro and After Effects * Ability to write ...

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How much do freelance after effects jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance after effects in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance After Effects artist?

A Freelance After Effects job involves working independently to create motion graphics, animations, VFX, or video edits using Adobe After Effects. Freelancers take on projects from clients, which can range from creating social media content to designing visual effects for films and commercials. They typically set their own schedules, negotiate rates, and manage multiple clients. Strong skills in animation, composition, and storytelling are essential for success in this field.

What types of projects and clients can I expect to work with as a freelance After Effects artist?

As a Freelance After Effects artist, you may work on a wide variety of projects, including video advertisements, explainer videos, social media content, music videos, and broadcast graphics for clients ranging from advertising agencies to small businesses and media production companies. The clientele can be diverse, often spanning multiple industries such as entertainment, education, technology, and marketing. Many freelancers juggle several projects simultaneously, with varying deadlines and creative requirements, allowing you to build a flexible schedule and a rich, diverse portfolio. This variety not only challenges your creative skills but also provides opportunities to network and grow within the motion graphics industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance After Effects artist?

To thrive as a Freelance After Effects artist, a deep understanding of motion graphics, animation principles, and advanced proficiency in Adobe After Effects is essential, often backed by a portfolio showcasing previous work. Familiarity with complementary software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator, as well as continuous learning through online certifications, further enhances technical capabilities. Strong communication, time management, and client relationship skills are crucial for managing projects independently. These abilities enable freelancers to deliver high-quality, on-time results and build lasting client partnerships in a competitive, project-based environment.

Can you make money with Freelance After Effects?

Freelance After Effects artists can make money by offering motion graphics, visual effects, and animation services to clients worldwide. Income depends on skill level, project complexity, and client demand, with experienced freelancers earning competitive rates through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Building a strong portfolio and acquiring relevant software skills can improve earning potential.

What jobs can I get with Freelance After Effects?

Freelance After Effects professionals can find jobs in video editing, motion graphics, visual effects, and animation for clients in advertising, film, television, and online media. These roles often involve creating promotional videos, explainer animations, title sequences, and special effects using After Effects software. Success in this field typically requires a strong portfolio, proficiency in motion design, and the ability to meet project deadlines.
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Freelance After Effects jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance After Effects job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

2D Effects Artist (Temporary/Freelance)

Skydance Media

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$115 - $140/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking a temporary freelance 2D Effects Animator to explore magical effects for an upcoming feature film. The effects created will help shape the film's visual tone and push its artistic language forward. While the focus will be primarily on magic, there will be additional work in water, fire, smoke, debris, and other elemental effects, all developed to align with the film's artistic aesthetic. You'll work closely with the Visual Development team and report to the Production Designer.

Demo reel or portfolio required, demonstrating a range of 2D effects work. Reels highlighting effects timing, physics, and integration with character performance are strongly preferred over technique reels alone.

Must be in one of the following locations: California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, United Kingdom, or Spain.

Responsibilities
  • Design 2D effects, both hand-drawn and digitally composited, that elevate character performance and enhance the emotional weight and cinematic quality of every scene
  • Collaborate with the Production Designer, show leadership, and Visual Development artists to iterate on and develop magical effects
  • Brainstorm, define, and help establish the visual language for varying styles of magic across the film
  • Maintain consistency and nuance in effects style and timing across sequences, factoring in weight, physics, and elemental performance within a narrative context
  • Apply core animation principles to ensure fluid, believable motion and clear, readable silhouettes
  • Troubleshoot and problem-solve technical and creative effects challenges within pipeline constraints
Requirements
  • 1+ year of experience in 2D animation or visual development, with a focus on effects
  • Traditional 2D animation background
  • Proficiency in relevant animation/effects software (e.g., Photoshop, Nuke, After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint, or similar)
  • Strong grasp of timing, weight, and physics as applied to effects animation
  • Ability to take direction and iterate quickly
  • Creative mindset with the ability to conceptualize ideas and bring them to life

The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA or the Tri-State Area (New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey) is $115,00-140,000 annually. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors. The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc.

This compensation range is not applicable to the United Kingdom and Spain.

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