How I set the Price for the creative project?

In a Crunchy Mood

When it comes to the project price every customer would like to understand how it is set,

and why they are supposed to pay this or that amount.

For the animator as well it’s important to understand how they can estimate their work,

what the price for the particular project consists of, and how they can justify their price

to look professional and clear.

So how I set the price for the creative project?

Let's try to figure this out.

What to consider?

Each project is different, for some, I need fewer resources, and for others - more, but

the general approach will be the same. Which criteria should I include in the price list?

Studio/work-space:

Whether I work from my studio or have to rent another one for project purposes, its cost

is considered while setting the price.

Props:

If I can shop for them then I indicate it’s cost in the price list.

If I should produce them, I consider the prices for the materials (paper, felt, clay, etc.,)

and the cost of my work per day, and/or the work of a props specialist.

In case, I should rent the props I indicate the rent price per day + amount of days needed.

Equipment:

Here is a similar thing: if I rent any equipment needed for the shooting I include the rental price in the list. If I possess all the necessary equipment I still consider equipment depreciation and put it in the price list.

Animator:

I have a fixed price for my work per day as an animator + the number of days required

for the shooting.

If the project needs invited specialists (another animator, set designer, light specialist, etc.,) then I include it in the price list too (price per day + amount of days they work on the site).

Transport expenses:

Looking for materials and props takes time and transport expenses which are included

in the price list.

Post-production:

The price for post-production is usually fixed for the whole thing (montage, color correction, clean-up, etc.), and depends on how complicated it is.

For example, if there is a lot of clean-up work (masks), the price will be higher.

Sound design/ VO/ Music:

It also depends, if the customer provides sounds/VO/ music then I will use it, if I have

to work on it on my own, then I’ll set the price according to the complexity of the task.

Creative Idea:

If the customer comes with their creative ideas then, evidently, they don’t pay for it. If they don’t have one and I’m supposed to make up the story/screenplay, then I work on proposing 2-3 ideas to choose and discuss, and it typically costs 15% of the general price of the project.

At each stage of project work, I indicate the amount of revisions, that can be made for free, any extra amount is paid separately.

The customer also may wonder how I as an animator factor in the project complexity.

When approaching a project, I take into account, the complexity of creating props (whether they are flat or in volume) and various technical aspects such as rigging, character or object animation, and lighting schemes. This helps me gauge how much time and effort will be required for the project.

Hopefully, this shed some light on the pricing process for a creative project.

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