Beyond Fiverr: 10 Freelance Platforms for Animators, VFX Artists, and Game Developers
- Jennifer Cruz
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
If you’re a freelance animator, VFX artist, or game developer, chances are you’ve heard of Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. And while those platforms can offer decent starting points, they’re often crowded, price-competitive, and not always tailored to creative professionals.
The good news? There’s a whole world of freelance platforms for animators, VFX Artists, and Game Devs specifically designed for artists like you—places where your talent is valued, your rates respected, and your work seen by the right clients.
Here are 10 platforms beyond the mainstream that can help you find better gigs, build your portfolio, and grow your freelance business.
Freelance Platforms for Animators, VFX Artists, and Game Devs
1. ArtStation Jobs
🖌️ Ideal for: Concept artists, 3D modelers, animators, VFX
ArtStation is more than a portfolio site—its job board is used by studios looking for high-quality creative talent. Many roles are freelance or contract-based and remote-friendly.
2. The Rookies Job Board
👩🎓 Ideal for: Entry-level creatives, recent grads, students
Perfect for early-career artists looking to get started in animation, VFX, or game art. It often features freelance-friendly gigs and internships from international studios.
3. Contra
🎬 Ideal for: Freelance animators, illustrators, video editors, motion designers
Contra is a modern freelance platform where creatives can land projects without commission fees. You can build a sleek portfolio, send proposals, and manage contracts all in one place—perfect for freelancers who want a clean, simple setup without the hassle of marketplaces like Fiverr or Upwork.
4. Behance Job Board
🎯 Ideal for: Motion designers, animators, illustrators, UX creatives
Behance is best known as a creative portfolio platform, but its job board features freelance gigs and short-term contracts from companies like Adobe, Meta, and independent studios. A strong Behance profile can double as both a resume and a client magnet.
5. Hitmarker
🕹️ Ideal for: Game devs, Unity/Unreal creators, esports designers
Hitmarker is one of the largest job boards for the gaming industry. Use the “Freelance” and “Remote” filters to find gigs from indie to AAA game development, esports, and content creation.
6. Toptal (Design & Dev)
💎 Ideal for: Experienced freelancers seeking premium clients
Toptal is known for vetting its freelancers, but if you pass their assessment, you’ll gain access to high-budget clients looking for developers, designers, and animation talent.
7. CGHero
🕹️ Ideal for: Freelance 3D artists, animators, VFX specialists, game creators
CGHero is a freelance marketplace built specifically for animation, VFX, and gaming professionals. Whether you’re a 3D generalist, rigging artist, environment designer, or FX artist, this platform connects you with serious studios and production houses. You apply, get vetted, and start getting matched with real, industry-relevant projects.
8. Poly Count Job Board
🕹️ Ideal for: Game artists, 3D generalists, riggers, VFX freelancers
Polycount is a well-known community hub for game art professionals. Its job board regularly features remote and freelance gigs in 3D modeling, animation, rigging, concept art, and real-time VFX. Plus, it’s a great place to network, share work, and build visibility in the game dev world.
9. Creativepool
📸 Ideal for: Motion designers, animators, 3D generalists
Creativepool combines a global talent directory with job postings. Freelancers can showcase portfolios and apply for short-term and long-term projects from agencies and brands.
10. Twine
🎤 Ideal for: Animators, voice actors, video editors, musicians
Twine connects creatives with startups, small businesses, and marketing teams. Their gigs range from character animation and storyboards to explainer videos and game trailers.
🚀 Final Tips for Freelance Success
No matter where you’re applying:
Keep your portfolio focused and relevant to the job type
Have a clear pricing structure or packages ready
Make it easy to contact you (and follow up quickly)
Build relationships with clients—not just one-time transactions
Use Discord, LinkedIn, and creative communities to hear about unlisted gigs
💬 Final Thoughts
You don’t have to rely on generic platforms to build a meaningful freelance career. There are better-fit spaces where your creative work is understood, appreciated, and in demand.
Whether you're looking to make freelancing your full-time career or just want to land one good client, these platforms can help you do it on your terms—with the right kind of work.
And if you're part of the AVG community, don’t forget: some of the best freelance leads come from the people sitting right next to you at our meetups. Show up. Share your story. The next gig could be a conversation away.
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