Stop motion animation is a visual art form that's been around since the early 1900s. Although it's often associated with claymation films like Wallace and Gromit, stop motion can also be used to create computer-generated animations like those on Blue's Clues. Stop motion animators use clay figurines, puppets, plasticine figures, wood carvings, or any other type of object to create animated films by manipulating them frame by frame over a period of time.

If you're interested in becoming a stop motion animator and have the question “how much do stop motion animators make” from this career path, then keep reading!

Attention animators! Follow our blog for insider tips, tricks, and free resources to level up your animation career. Check out our free masterclass, Animation Business Accelerator Program, and download our free marketing handbook. Studio owners can learn how to start their own animation studio with our informative blog on "How to Start an Animation Studio." Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your animation career to new heights!

What Is Stop Motion Animation?

^{Read our blog on Top 6 Essential Stop Motion Equipment for Animators!}

Stop motion animation is a process where objects and characters are moved manually by the animator, frame-by-frame. The frames are then played back at 24 or 25 frames per second, giving the illusion of movement when viewed in sequence.

Stop motion has been around since the early 1900s, but it wasn't until Willis O'Brien created the movie King Kong that it became famous! 

The term "stop motion" comes from the fact that each frame is stopped in order for an object or character to be moved slightly before being photographed again.

How To Become A Stop Motion Animator

^{Gif by Mochimochiland via GIPHY}

There are many various methods to start if you want to work as a stop motion animator. Finding a course that will teach you how to do animation is the first step. You can find these programs at any college or institution, so look up listings in your area or ask any people you know who might be considering a career in this area.

Once you've found a program, the next step is to enroll in it and begin your studies. When you're studying stop motion animation, you'll learn how to use different types of software and equipment that will help you animate in front of a camera. These programs can last anywhere between one year and two years depending on what school or university they're offered at.

Getting a career as an animator is the next step after graduating from college. Finding work at any movie or television studio that broadcasts animation programs will help you realize your dream of becoming a stop motion animator. Until you have sufficient experience, you will need to start off as an assistant and work your way up.

You can also start your own stop motion freelancing business by setting up your own website, creating a strong portfolio of work, and getting clients through social media, word of mouth, and personal referrals.

How Much Do Stop Motion Animators Make?

^{Gif by AOK via GIPHY}

The average freelance stop motion animator earns between $20-$150 per hour, depending on experience. This translates to an annual salary of between $39,000-$260,000 according to data from Twine (a website where freelance animation jobs are posted). 

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a stop motion animator in the United States is around $68,000. But these figures vary depending on a number of factors that we will delve into later in this blog post!

How Much Do Stop Motion Animators Make Freelance Vs Full-Time Employment

^{Gif by Aardman Animations via GIPHY}

In general, you can make more money by being a freelance stop motion animator. This is because you have no income ceiling and are not limited to the amount of money you can make in a month. 

The amount of money you can earn as a freelance stop motion animator will depend on how much work you get and how good your skills are. If you have excellent skills and get hired often, then there's no doubt that being self-employed will bring in more cash than being employed full-time.

Factors That Influence Stop Motion Animator’s Income

^{Gif by Cinecom.net via GIPHY}

There are a number of factors that influence how much stop motion animators make. The most important one is whether you're working at a studio or freelancing. Studios tend to earn more than freelancers, but in some cases, as a freelancer, you may be able to negotiate higher rates if you have experience and skills that are in high demand.

In addition to location, another thing that affects your pay rate is your level of experience as a stop motion animator. If you've worked on several projects before and have been able to build up a strong portfolio of work that showcases your talents, then chances are good that studios or clients will be willing to pay more money for your services.

The last thing that affects how much you'll earn as a stop motion animator is what kind of projects you're working on. If you're doing a lot of commercials or client-based work, then chances are good that your pay rate will be higher than if you were doing independent films or other noncommercial projects. 

Stop Motion Animators Can Make Good Money

^{Read our blog on Why Freelance Animators Should Use Frame-by-Frame Animation!}

Although the answer to “how much do stop motion animators make” varies, you can make good money! But the amount you earn depends on several factors, such as your experience level, your location, and the complexity of the project among other things.

Overall, stop-motion animators can earn a good living, especially if they have a high level of skill and experience and work on large-scale projects for major studios or production companies. However, like many creative professions, it can be a competitive industry, and success depends on a variety of factors, including talent, dedication, and the ability to network and market oneself effectively.

Summing Up How Much Do Stop Motion Animators Make Freelancing

^{Gif by Billion Back Records via GIPHY}

If you're looking for a way to make money as a freelancer, stop motion animation is one of the best options. You can work from home, set your own hours and choose the projects that appeal most to you. However, if you want to be successful at this type of work it's important not only to understand how much stop motion animators make but also how much time they spend on each project before they even get paid anything at all!

For more information about stop motion animation, as well as answers to any other questions you might have about working as a freelance animator, be sure to follow our blogs, check out our free masterclass, and our Animation Business Accelerator Program, download a copy of our free marketing handbook, and check out our blog on “How to Start an Animation Studio”!