A Guide to Hiring Motion Graphics Designers in 2025: Key Steps, Costs, and Top Providers

Struggling to find the right motion graphics designer or realizing your in-house team can’t keep up with growing demands? You’re not alone. As your business expands, so do the expectations for engaging, dynamic content.

Whether you’re looking to outsource for flexibility or searching for top-tier freelance talent to fill a gap, hiring the right motion graphics professional is critical to keeping your brand’s visual storytelling on point. 

In this guide, we’ll explore what it takes to hire a designer who can elevate your projects, the costs involved, and how to streamline the process. Let’s ensure you’re equipped with the insights needed to find the best fit—without wasting time or resources.

What Tasks Does a Motion Graphics Designer Perform?

Motion graphics designers are pivotal in today’s content-driven world, transforming static visuals into captivating animations. Their expertise enhances storytelling, boosts engagement, and elevates a brand’s visual identity. 

When you hire a motion graphics designer, you are investing in a versatile skill set that can adapt to a wide range of digital media projects.

Motion graphics designers can:

• Create animated graphics for digital media: Develop visually appealing animations for websites, social media, and mobile applications to captivate audiences.
• Develop visual effects for video content: Enhance video projects with compelling visual effects that add depth and excitement.
• Design motion-based elements for websites and apps: Craft interactive and dynamic elements that enhance user experience and interface design.
• Produce engaging animations for marketing campaigns: Create animations that align with marketing objectives to capture attention and convey messages effectively.
• Collaborate with video editors and creative teams: Work closely with other creatives to integrate motion graphics seamlessly into larger projects.
• Enhance storytelling through dynamic visuals: Utilize motion to strengthen narratives and emphasize key points within digital content.
• Create title sequences and transitions for video projects: Design and animates visually appealing title sequences and smooth transitions to enhance video flow.
• Ensure brand consistency in all motion graphics: Align motion graphics with brand guidelines to maintain a cohesive visual identity across all media platforms.

The Benefits of Outsourcing a Motion Graphics Designer

Not every business needs a full-time, in-house motion graphics designer. If your design needs fluctuate—perhaps you only need an occasional corporate or explainer video—outsourcing could be a more cost-effective and flexible solution.

Whether you opt for a freelancer or an agency, outsourcing allows you to tap into specialized talent without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire.

Here’s why outsourcing could be the optimal choice for your business:

• Access to specialized expertise: Outsourcing provides instant access to professionals with specific skill sets tailored to your project’s requirements.
• Cost savings compared to in-house hiring: Avoid the expenses associated with full-time salaries, benefits, and ongoing training by leveraging external talent.
• Flexibility with project-based work: Sourcing freelance talent on an as-needed basis allows for better alignment with project timelines and budget constraints.
• Faster turnaround times: Outsourced designers often operate within efficient workflows, ensuring quicker project completion without sacrificing quality.
• Access to the latest design tools and technology: Benefit from cutting-edge software and techniques utilized by motion graphics experts who stay updated with industry trends.
• Scalability for large or small projects: Easily adjust the scale of your creative efforts, employing the right quantity of resources to meet fluctuating demands.
• Global talent pool with diverse perspectives: Tap into a worldwide network of designers who bring varied cultural and stylistic influences to your projects.
• Reduced overhead and resource management: Minimize administrative tasks and focus resources on core business activities by contracting external designers.

Where To Find Outsourced Motion Graphics Designers

Some countries have become popular hubs for sourcing skilled freelance motion graphics designers, each offering unique advantages. Here’s a list of countries commonly recognized for having a wealth of talent providing these services:

Argentina 

Known for its highly skilled and English-proficient talent, Argentina offers competitive pricing and a strong creative industry, making it an ideal location for sourcing motion graphics designers.

Brazil

With a burgeoning tech scene, a wealth of creative agencies, and the sixth-largest economy in the world, Brazil is a prime destination for businesses seeking innovative design solutions.

Colombia 

Colombia has rapidly gained attention for its vibrant digital media sector and the availability of qualified motion graphics professionals.

Mexico

As a close neighbor to the US, Mexico provides not only cultural and time zone advantages but also a talented pool of designers proficient in English.

India

Renowned for its vast array of digital services, India provides excellent cost savings and a deep pool of creative and technical expertise.

Poland

Europe’s growing tech hub, Poland, is noted for its highly educated workforce and expertise in cutting-edge design and technology.

The Philippines

Known for its English proficiency and customer-centric approach, the Philippines offers reliable service delivery and creative talent.

Vietnam

As an emerging digital powerhouse, Vietnam provides a balance of cost-effectiveness and artistic skill across various digital media sectors.

Essential Skills and Qualifications To Look For

When you set out to hire a motion graphics designer, identifying candidates with the right blend of skills and qualifications is paramount to ensuring your projects meet the desired outcomes.

Below are key areas to focus on when evaluating potential hires.

Deep knowledge of animation techniques

A professional motion graphics designer should understand all kinds of animation principles, including timing, easing, and movement dynamics. Mastery of 2D and 3D animation techniques is vital for crafting fluid and engaging visuals. These skills are the foundation of motion design, which integrates animation with visual storytelling to enhance viewer engagement.

Typography expertise

Ideal candidates should have a developed eye for style, font pairing, and kinetic typography, enabling them to integrate text seamlessly into animations while enhancing readability and aesthetic appeal.

Software proficiency

Proficiency in industry-standard software is essential for delivering high-quality work. Designers should be adept at Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Premiere Pro. 

Interpersonal communication skills

Beyond technical abilities, effective motion graphics designers must excel in communication and teamwork. They should be able to interpret project briefs, provide constructive feedback, and collaborate with other members of the creative team. 

7 Steps To Hire the Right Motion Graphics Designer

Hiring the right motion graphics designer is crucial for creating visually engaging content that aligns with your project goals and brand vision. 

By following a structured approach, you can ensure that you find a professional who not only possesses the necessary skills but also fits seamlessly into your team.

Here are seven steps to guide you through the hiring process.

1. Define project scope and requirements

Begin by clearly outlining the specifics of your project, including objectives, budget, and deadlines. Being explicit about your needs will help you identify candidates whose skills and experience match your vision. 

2. Craft a detailed job description

Develop a comprehensive job description that highlights the required skills, qualifications, and experience. Include any software proficiency requirements and specify the nature of the work, whether freelance, part-time, or full-time.

3. Leverage professional networks

Use industry-specific platforms such as Behance, Dribbble, or LinkedIn to find potential candidates. These platforms allow you to review portfolios and get a sense of a designer’s style and capabilities before direct engagement.

4. Evaluate portfolios thoroughly

Assess the portfolios of prospective designers to determine their competency and style. Look for creativity, versatility, and examples of work relevant to your project to ensure alignment with your creative needs.

5. Conduct in-depth interviews

Arrange interviews with shortlisted candidates to discuss their experience and process. Use this opportunity to evaluate their communication skills and ensure they can articulate ideas clearly and collaborate well with your internal team.

6. Administer a skills test

Consider assigning a small, paid project or skills test to evaluate practical abilities and see how candidates perform under real-world conditions. This can help determine their proficiency and problem-solving capabilities in animation and design.

7. Check references and review feedback

Ask for references from previous clients or employers and inquire about their work ethic, reliability, and creativity. Customer testimonials and reviews can provide valuable insights into how a designer collaborates and delivers results.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Motion Graphics Designer?

Hiring a graphic designer ranges from $33,000 to $78,000 in the US. But that drops significantly when you hire from outside the US. For example, from our experience, if you hire from Latin America the average salary is $16,000 to $36,000. Of course, that is the average annual salary—if you are engaging a contractor or freelancer, you’ll be paying per-project or hourly rates.

The hourly rates for motion graphics designers can range anywhere from $28 an hour to $325 an hour. 

Per-project or hourly rates of a motion graphics designer can vary widely based on several critical factors, including:

• Experience and skill level: More experienced designers with extensive portfolios and advanced skills command higher rates, reflecting their ability to deliver high-quality work efficiently.
• Project complexity and scope: Simple animations or short videos are less costly than projects requiring complex visual effects, 3D animations, or a large volume of deliverables. 
• Geographic location: Hiring designers from countries with lower costs of living can reduce expenses compared to sourcing talent from regions with higher living costs, like the United States or Western Europe.
• Project duration: Long-term projects or retainer agreements may lead to negotiated rates, whereas short-term or one-off projects might carry a higher per-hour or per-project fee.
• Freelance vs. full-time: Freelancers often provide flexibility and can be cost-effective for temporary projects, while full-time hires entail expenses like benefits and overheads but offer consistency and ongoing support.

Top 3 Companies for Hiring Motion Graphics Designers

With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to begin. If you’re overwhelmed with where to start your search for a skilled motion graphics designer, here’s a list of companies that connect businesses with high-quality motion graphics talent. 

Whether you’re looking for freelance or contract designers or a full-service agency, these providers (listed in no particular order) are excellent starting points to find the right fit for your project needs.

1. Near

As a recruitment firm specializing in connecting businesses with top-notch talent based in Latin America, we at Near offer dedicated support to help you hire a motion graphics designer who perfectly fits your company’s requirements. 

Our deep understanding of the market and commitment to personalized service ensures you find the right match quickly and efficiently.

If that doesn’t convince you, by hiring from Latin America, you can cut your design budget by 30%. Who doesn’t want that?

2. Flatworld Solutions

Flatworld Solutions is a global IT, business consulting, and outsourcing company providing a wide variety of services. Since 2004, it has provided global services from India, the Philippines, Bolivia, and Colombia.

Its motion graphics design services include special effects, 3D modeling and animation, and product modeling and design services.

3. Motion the Agency

Since 2019, Motion has provided design services to companies, particularly through high-quality video content. It received multiple awards from Clutch in 2024.

Its services include UI animation, 2D animations, 3D animations, branded motion graphics, sizzle reels, and product videos. 

Final Thoughts

Hiring the right motion graphics designer can be a game-changer for your brand. Whether you’re producing engaging explainer videos, eye-catching corporate content, or dynamic animations, it’s all about finding talent that not only understands your vision but also brings the creativity and technical skills to execute it flawlessly.

Instead of navigating the hiring process alone, why not partner with experts who can streamline the search and connect you with top talent?

At Near, we take pride in offering personalized recruitment support that doesn’t stop once you make a hire. We make it easier for start-ups and businesses to scale their teams with top-tier professionals based in Latin America.

Ready to find your ideal motion graphics designer? Book a free consultation call with us today. Let Near help you bring your creative vision to life with the perfect talent match!