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Hire expert animators in Chicago, US

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Hailing Liu

Available

Animator
Adobe Photoshop, GIF, 3D Model
Adobe Photoshop, GIF, 3D Model
Hello! I'm Hailing Liu, a multidisciplinary motion designer and animator who creates vivid visuals for brands and creative projects. I guide work from concept through ani...
Rebecca Akli

Available

Animator
Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, 2D Animation
Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, 2D Animation
Hi, I’m Rebecca Akli, a character design and animation artist based in Chicago. I recently graduated with MFA in Animation at DePaul University, with a BFA in Animation a...
Molly Owen

Available

Animator
2D Animation, Animation, Adobe After Effects
2D Animation, Animation, Adobe After Effects
mollyowentoons.com Hi, I'm Molly! I'm a 2D artist and animator with 7+ years of professional experience, often found leveraging my skills in traditional animation to c...
CHROMA CREATE

Available

Animator
Book Illustration, Editorial Illustration, Illustration
Book Illustration, Editorial Illustration, Illustration
A small creative agency located in Chicago, making cool stuff for people who want it We pride ourselves in being a collective of diverse artists, designers and animato...
Archer Seaborn

Available

Animator
Animation, Toon Boom Harmony, 2D Animation
Animation, Toon Boom Harmony, 2D Animation
I am an experienced Visual Development Artist and Character/Layout Designer with a strong background in animation production. Skilled in storyboarding, animation supervis...
Jane Dunn

Available

Animator
Hi, I’m Jane Dunn, a Chicago-based artist and animator pursuing a BFA at SAIC with a focus on Film, Animation, and Printmaking. I love bringing stories to life through 2D...
Vandana Ram

Available

Animator
I am Vandana Ram, a passionate and detail-oriented animation professional currently pursuing my MA in Animation, Storyboarding, and Character Design at DePaul University....
Fable Knaus

Available

Animator
Illustration, Adobe Photoshop, Character Design
Illustration, Adobe Photoshop, Character Design
I am a creative mind with a passion for animation, cinema, bright colors, and whimsy. I have extensive experience in illustration using programs like Photoshop, Procreate...
Azize Altay Harvey

Available

Animator
Adobe Photoshop, Illustration, Procreate
Adobe Photoshop, Illustration, Procreate
Hi, I'm Azize Altay Harvey, a passionate animator and illustrator with over four years of experience. I have worked as an illustrator for several books, including Chicago...
Travis Ross

Available

Animator
I am a developer with a background in animation, web development, and 3D. In my spare time I spend it either editing videos or coming up with new ideas for projects or le...
Darien Milner

Available

Animator
Krita, Clip Studio Paint, Toon Boom Harmony
Krita, Clip Studio Paint, Toon Boom Harmony
Hi, I'm Darien Milner, a passionate digital artist specializing in animation and character design. I've worked on various projects, from creating character designs and st...
Laila Cook

Available

Animator
Illustration, Animation, Adobe Photoshop
Illustration, Animation, Adobe Photoshop
Hi, I'm Laila Cook, a passionate animator and artist currently studying at Columbia College Chicago. I love bringing stories to life through animation and illustration, a...

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Diana @ Lady B
Nov 21, 2025
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Nov 20, 2025
"𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 [𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲] 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. 𝗛𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁...."
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elenorjane @ elenorjane'co
Nov 20, 2025
"I met with José to talk about creating a banner for a men’s group. He knew exactly what I was looking for. Bringing words to pictures he met the challenge with creativity, imagination and professionalism bringing everything together in the deadline we agreed to. Thank you José for a job well done, this is exactly what we..."
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Jesse @ Winnipeg Evamgelical Free Church
Nov 19, 2025
"Was great to work with listen to all my requirements and delivered a great Job I highly recommend!!"
Chef @ Harris Digital Media
Nov 19, 2025
"Lambert was great to work with, he is an excellent designer with top notch intelligence and he delivers your work perfectly. Would recommend 5 stars"
Leonardo @ Leo All Round Services
Nov 16, 2025
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-Josh Bolland
CEO, J B Cole
"I found an amazing designer and she's fast. I now send her my ideas and she transforms them into great design. The collaboration is fast, professional and easy. It feels like she is already part of our team."
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-Achim Kohli
CEO, Legal-i
5 star reviews

Clients Rate Twine Animators

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3101

reviews as of November 30, 2025

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From the blog

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does an Animator do?

An Animator is a creative professional who brings images and characters to life through motion. They create animations for various media, including films, video games, advertisements, and websites. The role involves using software to design, model, and animate characters, environments, and special effects. Animators may specialize in different techniques, including 2D animation, 3D animation, stop-motion, or motion graphics. They collaborate with directors, producers, and other artists to ensure that their work aligns with the overall vision of the project. A successful Animator possesses a strong understanding of storytelling, visual aesthetics, and movement principles, allowing them to craft engaging narratives that captivate audiences.

2. How to Hire an Animator in Chicago, US?

Hiring an Animator in Chicago is a streamlined process that begins with defining your project’s needs. Consider the style and type of animation required. Next, create a detailed job listing that outlines your expectations, including the project scope, timeline, and budget. Utilize platforms like Twine to access a pool of talented Animators. Browse their portfolios to assess their skills and styles. Reach out to potential candidates for discussions about your project. Conduct interviews to evaluate their creative processes and experiences. Lastly, make sure to review their past work and client testimonials to ensure a good fit for your team.

3. How much does it cost to hire an Animator in Chicago, US?

The cost of hiring an Animator in Chicago varies based on experience levels:

  • Beginner: $25 - $50 per hour
  • Junior: $50 - $75 per hour
  • Mid-level (industry average): $75 - $100 per hour
  • Senior: $100 - $150 per hour
  • Expert: $150+ per hour
Keep in mind that these rates may fluctuate based on the complexity of the project and the Animator’s specific skill set. It’s wise to budget accordingly and discuss pricing upfront to avoid misunderstandings later.

4. What qualities set exceptional Animators apart from the rest?

Exceptional Animators possess a unique blend of creativity, technical skills, and attention to detail. They are not only proficient in animation software but also have a strong artistic sensibility that allows them to create visually compelling narratives. Key qualities include:

  • Strong storytelling abilities
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Adaptability to different styles and techniques
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team
  • Strong time management skills to meet deadlines
These attributes enable them to produce high-quality work that resonates with audiences and fulfills project objectives.

5. How do you recognize the perfect Animator in Chicago, US for your needs?

To recognize the perfect Animator for your needs, start by reviewing their portfolio, which should showcase a variety of styles and projects. Look for work that aligns with your project’s vision. Consider their experience and expertise in the specific animation techniques you require. Engage them in conversation to gauge their understanding of your project and their approach to problem-solving. Additionally, assess their communication skills and responsiveness, as these are critical for successful collaboration. Finally, seek feedback from previous clients to ensure they have a track record of delivering quality work on time.

6. What are the key questions to ask in an Animator interview?

During an Animator interview, asking the right questions is crucial to assess their fit for your project. Consider including:

  • Can you describe your animation process from concept to completion?
  • What software and tools do you prefer to use?
  • Can you provide examples of projects where you faced challenges and how you overcame them?
  • How do you handle feedback and revisions?
  • What is your availability and typical turnaround time for projects?
These questions will help you understand their approach, experience, and compatibility with your project needs.

7. What’s the difference between hiring a freelance Animator and working with an agency in Chicago, US?

Hiring a freelance Animator offers flexibility and potentially lower costs compared to working with an agency. Freelancers often provide personalized attention and can adapt quickly to your project’s needs. However, agencies typically have a team of professionals with diverse skills, allowing for a broader range of services and faster turnaround times. While freelancers may work independently, agencies can manage larger projects more efficiently. Additionally, agencies often have established reputations, which can provide assurance of quality. Ultimately, the choice depends on your project scope, budget, and the level of collaboration you prefer.

8. What should be in an Animator project brief / job description?

An effective Animator project brief should include the following key elements:

  • Project overview: A summary of what you need and the purpose of the animation.
  • Scope of work: Detailed descriptions of the tasks and deliverables expected.
  • Style references: Examples of existing animations that capture the desired aesthetic.
  • Timeline: Clear deadlines for milestones and final delivery.
  • Budget: An indication of your financial parameters for the project.
  • Communication preferences: How you prefer to stay in touch throughout the project.
Providing this information will help attract qualified candidates and streamline the hiring process.

9. How do I hire an Animator in Chicago, US on Twine?

Hiring on Twine is simple.

  1. Post a job with your project details, timeline, and budget.
  2. Browse portfolios of vetted Animators and invite those who match your needs.
  3. Receive proposals and compare experience, pricing, and reviews.
  4. Communicate expectations, set milestones, and finalize the hire.
  5. Securely pay through Twine, ensuring protection for both parties. Twine connects you with top freelance Animators, making it easy to find the perfect creative professional for your project.

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