How to Invoice as an Animator
How to bill an animation project from deposit to delivery, with milestone invoices, revision rounds kept to what you agreed on, and a worked example.
When an animation project runs for weeks, the invoices can follow the production: a deposit before storyboards, a payment at each approved milestone and a final invoice at delivery. This guide sets that up in order, from the estimate to the follow-up.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (last modified October 29, 2026) describes the work: "Special effects artists and animators create images that appear to move and visual effects for various forms of media and entertainment."
Worked example (sample figures; sales tax isn't included): a 60-second explainer at an agreed fee of 6,000.00, billed in three payments of 30%, 40% and 30%. That is 1,800.00 at the start, 2,400.00 when the animatic is approved and 1,800.00 at delivery: 1,800.00 + 2,400.00 + 1,800.00 = 6,000.00. The contract includes two revision rounds; the client asked for a third at an agreed 350.00, so the final invoice is 1,800.00 + 350.00 = 2,150.00 and the project total is 6,350.00.
Step-by-step invoicing guide
- 1
Send an estimate with deliverables and revision rounds
List the length, style, file formats and the number of revision rounds included. Billed's invoice software page says you can "convert an approved estimate into an invoice", so the approved estimate becomes the first bill.
- 2
Bill a deposit before storyboards start
Make the deposit the first payment, due before production begins. Billed's help center says: "A payment schedule lets you add a payment plan to the invoices."
- 3
Tie each payment to an approved milestone
Name the milestone (storyboard, animatic, final render) and bill it when the client approves it. Billed's help center says: "Choose a suitable option among percentage or flat amount." and "Fill out the payment amount and due date of each payment."
- 4
Bill extra revision rounds on their own line
When the client asks for a round beyond those included, agree on the fee first, then add it as a separate line. When you add the line, Billed's help center tells you to "fill this section to charge against new items and services."
- 5
State the usage the fee covers
Write what the client may use the animation for, such as web and social for one year, in the invoice notes, matching your contract. Billed's help center says of the invoice notes: "You can also add any terms and conditions in this section."
- 6
Send the final invoice with the delivery
Send the final invoice when you deliver the files, with the delivery note. Billed's invoice software page says: "Add files to your invoices and estimates."
Tips for animator invoicing
- Put the project name and milestone in each line description, so the client's finance team can match it to the contract or purchase order.
- Set up each service you charge for, such as storyboard frames or an extra revision round, once. Billed's help center says: "You can use these items and services to bill your clients."
- Number revision rounds on the invoice (for example, revision round 3, beyond the 2 included), so the client can see why there's an extra charge.
- Costs you pay for the client, such as stock footage or a music license, go on separate lines at cost if your contract allows. Billed's help center says: "If there are any unbilled expenses of a particular client, you can add these expenses to the client's next invoice."
- If a client needs to pay an invoice in parts, Billed's help center article on partial payments says: "You can let your clients pay the partial amount through this option." Its article on payment schedules adds: "You can either enable partial payments or scheduled payments".
Common invoicing mistakes to avoid
- Starting production without a deposit.
- Leaving the number of revision rounds out of the estimate, so extra rounds can look like surprise charges.
- One lump-sum invoice at the end of a project that ran for months.
- No usage terms on the invoice or contract, so you and the client may read the fee differently.
- Invoices that don't name the milestone they bill.
How this works in Billed
Payment Schedules
Billed's help center says: "Clients can pay several installments against a single invoice." and "However, the sum of all installments should be equal to the total balance of the invoice."
Files on Invoices
Billed's invoice software page says: "Add files to your invoices and estimates."
Card and PayPal Payments
Billed's invoice software page says you can "Create branded invoices, send them by email, take card and PayPal payments on them, and see which invoices are paid, partly paid or past due, all from one Billed account."
Invoice Reports
Billed's invoice software page says: "Invoice reports show which invoices are paid, partially paid or past due, and you can see who owes you money and send them a payment reminder."
Frequently asked questions
Start Invoicing With Billed
Set up your account and send your first invoice with Billed.
At a glance
| Payment | When to bill | Sample amount |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit (30%) | Before storyboards start | 1,800.00 |
| Animatic approved (40%) | When the client approves the animatic | 2,400.00 |
| Delivery (30%) plus a third revision round | With the final files | 1,800.00 + 350.00 = 2,150.00 |
| Project total | 6,350.00 |
When this isn't for you
If a studio employs you and pays you a salary, the studio invoices its clients, not you. This guide is for freelance animators who bill clients directly.