Re: New to Motion Graphic Pricing -- Need Help

It's a question that would be impossible to answer fairly, because it completely depends on dozens of factors such as skill level, local market, competition, economic conditions, timing etc.

The issue usually starts to get emotionally charged because people who are in a hiring position read a poster's lack of knowledge about rate as a lack of experience, and suggest they ask for a fairly low rate. Freelancers, on the other hand, tend to suggest the poster charge a much higher rate that gives personal need much more weight than factors like skill and speed. It becomes a standoff not unlike the Mac/PC debate.

I was a freelancer for 5 years and now I am in charge of hiring - from this dual-perspective, I think you had better really, really know how to deliver high quality work if you are going to charge people $125/hour, regardless of market and other factors. Sure one could argue that you need X amount to live comfortably and pay your taxes, etc. but no one, myself included, is guaranteed a living wage "just because." You must be competitive either in price or quality if you expect to lead a comfortable living.


Brendan Coots

Splitvision Digital

www.splitvisiondigital.com