Search form

Offered Freelance work,but forgot to ask about pay

4 posts / 0 new
Last post
Offered Freelance work,but forgot to ask about pay

I was just offered my first job in animation as a clean up artist for a traditional animation studio in Chicago, www.calabashanimation.com. They do commercials like Lucky Charms and Mr. Clean. It's on a freelance basis but they seemed interested in my work and said they could probably fit me in on the next job and future jobs. I was so excited I walked out of there without discussing payment at all. Looking at other posts on the site it seems that 15/hour is about what to expect, or hope for, as a recent graduate with no studio experience. But, I don't know if that holds true for clean up animators. What is common for clean up guys, for animators or for other positions.

If you guys feel ambitious we can make a list of different peoples opinions about the pay of different positions and experience levels in each of our local areas.

You could check the Guild's current rates. Keep in mind these are union rates for the L.A. area - Chicago's rates may be different.

I don't know if Calabash is union or not, but they are a reputable shop.

When negotiating price, the common wisdom is that the side that mentions a number first is in the weaker negotiating position. So don't be the first to tip your hand. If they're bringing you on for a project, they've probably got a number in mind - let them tell you what it is. You may be surprised to find out it's more than you planned on asking for, and you'll be glad you didn't say anything... :D

Thanks,

That's a good source for information about rates. Thanks. That was more than I expected, I was expecting maybe 60% of that. Hopefully I'll get at least %70 of that.

The Guild rates are higher than almost any other place I've heard about, so use them with caution.
My GUESS is that a rate of around $750 a week for clean-up is probably decent, but more than likely the studio WILL state their rate once they actually offer you a job.
Bear in mind that "interested" might not be a solid offer and the "next job" could be six months away. There's an old saying that holds true: " Its never in, until its in front of you."--meaning that the job isn't a job until its got a start date and you are sitting at your desk holding the folder.

"We all grow older, we do not have to grow up"--Archie Goodwin ( 1937-1998)