Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
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Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
What to Charge Agency Clients as a Motion Designer
When working with agency clients, motion designers typically charge 20–40% more than direct client rates to account for agency management overhead, tighter briefs, and longer approval chains.
Floor
$3,000
per hour
Typical
$9,000
per hour
Premium
$25,000
per hour
Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
Was this helpful?
Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
What changes the price
- Agency size and prestige (boutique vs. global network)
- Whether you are on-roster or brought in for a single project
- Speed of payment terms (net 30 vs. net 60+)
- Number of stakeholders and approval rounds
- Usage rights and licensing requirements
- Exclusivity during the project
- White-label vs. credited work
Real quote breakdowns
Boutique Agency Subcontract
A small creative agency needs a motion designer for a 60-second explainer for one of their clients.
Breakdown
Standard project rate plus 20% agency premium for coordination overhead, two revision rounds, agency client approval process.
Mid-Size Agency Campaign
A digital agency needs 4 animated social videos for a product launch campaign with multiple revision loops.
Breakdown
4 animations at $1,800 each plus 25% premium, additional revision buffer for agency approval chain, multi-format exports.
Global Agency On-Roster Project
A network agency adds you to their approved vendor roster for a large CPG campaign requiring 12 assets.
Breakdown
12 animations, global usage rights, extended revision allowance for agency feedback loops, net 60 payment terms factored into rate.
Frequently asked questions
Should I charge more for agency clients than direct clients?
Yes. Agencies add layers of communication, approvals, and revisions. A 20–40% premium is standard. You are also typically not credited for the work, which removes a key non-monetary benefit.
How do I handle long payment terms from agencies?
Build slow payment into your pricing by factoring net 60 or net 90 terms as a cost. Alternatively, negotiate shorter terms by offering a 2–3% early payment discount, or require a 50% deposit upfront.
Should I sign agency NDAs before sharing my rate card?
Signing an NDA before preliminary discussions is uncommon. You can share rate ranges without an NDA. Only sign project-specific NDAs once you are actively engaged on a brief.
How do I get on an agency's approved vendor list?
Contact the agency's Head of Production or Creative Director directly. Send a tight portfolio with relevant case studies. Offer to do a small test project at a reduced rate, or propose a trial project to demonstrate reliability.