What Just Happened?

On 10 September 2025, Vimeo announced it had been acquired by Bending Spoons, the same folks behind other creative tools like Evernote and Splice. Once the deal closes (expected by Q4 2025), Vimeo will be taken private.

But Simon, what does that mean in practice?
It means changes are coming. Some will be good. Some… well, not so good.

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Why This Actually Matters to Freelance Motion Designers

If you’re like me, you’ve probably been using Vimeo for years! In fact, I signed up way back in my uni days in the early 2000’s. It was really handy, and over the years I’ve used it to:

• Embed reels into my site

• Deliver password-protected review links to clients

• Host HD/4K videos without noisy watermarks

• Showcase my freelance motion design portfolio with a clean, professional player

It’s baked into my workflow. But with new ownership comes questions:

• Will Vimeo still behave well when embedded on portfolio sites?

• Are we going to see changes in terms of service or licensing?

• Will the pricing tiers shift again?

• And the big one, will our content be used for AI training?

These questions matter, especially when you’ve built your freelance reputation around reliability, quality delivery, and smooth presentation. And when clients expect the same.

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The Upside: New Features, More Stability, Potential Upgrades

Let’s start with the good stuff

1. Investment = Better Tools?

Bending Spoons has said they’re planning “ambitious investments” into Vimeo’s platform. That could mean:

• Smoother playback and better encoding

• Improved performance on mobile and across browsers

• More reliable infrastructure (which is music to our ears when clients hit ‘play’ on a reel)

As a remote motion designer, anything that improves the way my After Effects animation looks and plays across the world is a big win.

2. AI-Enhanced Workflows

Now, this is still speculative, but if Vimeo integrates useful AI features (say, for auto-captioning, compression, or frame previews), it could actually speed up some of the delivery side of our process.

Imagine quicker uploads, smarter encoding, or better preview scrubbing for clients. That’d be a welcome upgrade.

3. Renewed Focus on Creators (Hopefully)

Vimeo has lost some of its creator focus in recent years, pivoting more toward enterprise video hosting. But if Bending Spoons sees value in rebuilding that creative community, it could open up fresh visibility for us freelancers, more discoverability, more job opportunities, and maybe even community-driven updates.

We’ll see. But cautiously optimistic on that one going by their previous form.

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The Worry List: Pricing, Priorities, and Platform Risk

Now let’s talk about the other side of the coin. Because we’ve seen this before.

1. Cost-Cutting and Tier Changes

Bending Spoons has a bit of a reputation here. With past acquisitions like Evernote and WeTransfer, some users saw:

• Free tiers capped

• Staff layoffs

• Fewer features for entry-level users

If Vimeo starts pushing more features into the higher-priced tiers, that could affect how many videos you can upload, how embeds work, or whether review tools are paywalled.

As someone paying for Vimeo Pro to support my freelance animation showreel, I’ll be keeping an eye on any pricing shifts.

2. Platform Focus Might Shift

Vimeo’s current focus leans toward enterprise streaming, things like OTT, live events, webinars, and B2B hosting.

If that becomes even more dominant, we freelance motion designers might find ourselves as a lower-priority user group. This could mean fewer updates that support motion graphics portfolios or animated brand content for small agencies.

3. AI Content Usage: Who Owns What?

A big concern floating around creative circles: will the new Vimeo terms allow for user-generated content (i.e. our animations) to be used in AI training?

So far, there’s no official word. But with AI being a big part of the new parent company’s toolkit, it's a fair question to ask. If you're delivering confidential explainer video animation or client review work, this is the kind of detail you can’t afford to miss.

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My Personal Take: What I’m Doing About It

This isn't about jumping ship. Vimeo still works great, and until it doesn’t, I’m not pulling the plug. But I am making a few moves now to future-proof my business.

Here’s What I Recommend (and What I’m Doing Myself):

1. Audit Your Vimeo Usage

List out exactly how you use Vimeo today. For me, it’s:

• Embedded reels on simontibbs.co.uk

• Client reviews (private links with password protection)

• Hosting full-res versions of 2D motion graphics projects

Knowing what features matter to you helps in case pricing or access shifts.

2. Backup & Diversify Your Portfolio Hosting

I’m currently creating backups of all my client-facing videos. I’m also testing:

• Wistia for polished B2B presentations

• Frame.io for review workflows (already using it in tandem)

Just in case Vimeo ever becomes unstable, I won’t be scrambling to migrate last minute.

3. Monitor Your Subscription Closely

Check what you’re paying for, when your renewal hits, and what cancellation options exist. If pricing jumps or features shift, you want to be ready to pivot, or negotiate but good luck with that one.

4. Test Embeds on Your Site

If you’re using custom embeds on a site like Squarespace or Webflow (I use custom CSS pills on simontibbs.co.uk), make sure your embeds still play nicely and don’t rely on deprecated code. Responsive design is a must, especially for mobile previews.

A Few FAQs from Fellow Freelancers

Will I need to leave Vimeo soon?
Probably not. But be ready to move if needed. Keep backups and test alternative hosts.

Is Vimeo still the best platform for portfolios?
It’s still one of the cleanest, ad-free options for freelance motion designers, but it depends on what Bending Spoons does next. Watch this space.

Will the pricing change?
We don’t know yet. But based on history, it’s a real possibility. Keep your subscription details handy.

Can I still trust Vimeo for client work?
Yes, for now. But if you’re working on sensitive brand content, make sure to read the T&Cs and maybe host critical projects elsewhere just to be safe.

Final Thoughts

As a UK-based freelance motion designer who’s been doing this for 15+ years, I’ve seen plenty of platforms rise, fall, pivot, and evolve. Vimeo’s acquisition isn’t the end of the world, but it’s also not something to ignore.

You’ve worked too hard on your motion design portfolio to let platform changes trip you up. So here’s my two-pence:

Don’t panic. Don’t stay passive either.

• Stay informed

• Keep your portfolio flexible

• Communicate with clients

• And always have a Plan B

At the end of the day, we’re not just animators. We’re problem-solvers. Adaptability is part of the gig, and if you’ve built your freelance career with intention, trust that you’ve got the tools to weather any shift.

Catch you on the next frame.

—
Simon Tibbs
Freelance motion designer, London
Specialist in 2D motion graphics, character animation, and story-driven brand content

Now they’ve merged. For anyone working in 3D or motion graphics, that raises a few questions: What’s changing? What’s staying the same? And how might it affect the tools we use every day?

The Basics

• Who merged? GreyscaleGorilla (GSG) and KitBash3D (KB3D).

• Leadership: Nick Campbell (founder of GSG) is now Chief Innovation Officer, while KB3D’s Maxx Burman and Banks Boutté have stepped in as co-CEOs.

• Continuity: Both brands keep their names. Plugins, assets, and subscriptions continue as usual.

• The aim: faster development, stronger tools, and a better experience for artists.

What Isn’t Changing Right Away

If you’re worried about projects breaking mid-delivery, don’t be. Subscriptions, pricing, and support are all staying the same for now. GSG plugins still run as expected. KitBash kits still come through Cargo.

That’s good news for freelancers and studios who can’t afford sudden changes while deadlines loom.

What Could Change Soon

The companies haven’t revealed many details, but there are a few likely developments:

• Bigger toolkits: Expect KitBash assets pre-optimised for GSG’s materials and lighting systems.

• Cross-platform workflows: Both already support Cinema 4D, Blender, Unreal, and more. Integration could become smoother.

• Faster releases: With more resources, updates and new features may roll out more quickly.

• Streamlining: Some plugins or asset categories may eventually be bundled or rebranded.

Community Reactions

Reactions online have been mixed. On Reddit, one Cinema 4D user wrote:

“I use both GSG and KitBash regularly, so in theory this should be great. My only concern is pricing—are we going to see another subscription hike?”

Another was more upbeat:

“Assets plus tools in one place feels like less friction for artists. If they keep support solid, I’m all in.”

Even Beeple called it “exciting times ahead.”

So the general mood: hopeful, but cautious about pricing.

Opportunities for Designers

Here’s where this could be positive for motion designers:

• Seamless pipelines: Assets and plugins working better together.

• Better training: GSG is strong at tutorials, and KB3D could add more environment-focused workflows.

• More innovation: Extra investment in R&D may push tools forward faster.

Risks Worth Noting

Some possible drawbacks to watch for:

• Pricing might rise once the merger settles in.

• Backwards compatibility could become tricky if formats change.

• Tools may be bundled in ways that don’t suit freelancers or smaller teams.

What to Watch Next

• Announcements about subscription tiers or bundles.

• Any signs of deeper integration between assets and plugins.

• Roadmap updates for Cinema 4D, Blender, or Unreal support.

• Competitor responses in the 3D asset and plugin space.

Final Thoughts

For now, nothing changes in your day-to-day workflow. But long-term, this merger could reshape how motion designers access and use assets.

If GreyscaleGorilla and KitBash3D keep artists at the centre, we could see smoother workflows, bigger libraries, and faster innovation. If not, we may be looking at higher costs and added complexity, but I have faith they’ll turn this into a fantastic product.

Best advice? Stay flexible, keep backups of the tools you rely on, and follow the updates closely. This could be a genuinely positive shift for motion design, if it delivers on its promise.

Need scroll-stopping animation for your brand, campaign, or explainer video? The right freelance motion designer can bring your ideas to life with visuals that not only look great but actually convert. But how do you find that person? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hiring a UK-based freelance motion designer.

1. Define Your Motion Design Needs

Before you open a tab and start Googling, figure out what you actually need. Are you looking for:

• An explainer video?

• Animated social media content?

• Product launch visuals?

• Kinetic typography for a campaign?

Get clear on your objectives. If you’re not sure, a good freelancer will help you shape the brief, but starting with some clarity helps everything run smoother.

Need help? Check out my motion design services for ideas on what’s possible.

2. Where to Find Quality Freelance Motion Designers

You’ve got options:

• Freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, quick but hit-or-miss.

• LinkedIn and Behance, better for browsing portfolios.

• Referrals or direct search, often the best route. Independent UK freelancers like myself work directly with brands and agencies to deliver top-tier animation, minus the agency markup.

Look beyond the first page of Google — quality freelancers often get work through word-of-mouth, not ads.

3. What to Look For in a Freelancer

Choosing a motion designer isn’t just about pretty visuals. Look for:

• A strong, relevant portfolio

• A style that fits your brand

• Software expertise (After Effects, Illustrator, Cinema 4D)

• Professional communication and reliability

Tip: Check for testimonials or case studies that show real business results, not just pretty loops.

4. Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Protect your time and budget by asking smart questions:

• What’s your process from brief to delivery?

• How many rounds of revisions are included?

• What assets will I receive (and in what formats)?

• Can you work to our deadline?

• Do you handle music, VO, or sound design?

The best freelancers will already have this covered in their onboarding.

5. Budgeting for Motion Design

Rates can vary — but so can quality.

A quick social animation might cost a few hundred pounds, while a bespoke 60-second explainer video could run into the thousands.

You’re not just paying for animation. You’re paying for:

• Creative direction

• Storyboarding

• Illustration

• Timing, pacing, and polish

Done well, motion design delivers an excellent return on investment.

Want a clear, tailored quote? Get in touch.

6. Why Hire a UK-Based Freelance Motion Designer?

Working with a UK freelancer has its perks:

• Aligned time zones = faster communication

• Clear contracts and invoicing

• Cultural and brand context

• No agency overhead

Plus, you get direct access to the person doing the work, not a middleman.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a freelance motion designer doesn’t have to be complicated. Define your needs, look for quality, and choose someone who values your goals as much as their craft.

Looking for someone who ticks all the boxes? Let’s chat. I bring over 15 years of experience, a proven track record with agencies and brands, and a love for making motion that moves people.

The Honest Truth About Freelancing as a Motion Designer

So, you're thinking of becoming a freelance motion designer? Or maybe you are already bouncing between projects, trying to keep the pipeline full, and wondering if it gets any easier. I’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and here’s the truth: it’s rewarding, unpredictable, and not for the faint of heart.

But if you value creative freedom, flexibility, and the idea of building something that lasts, maybe even a business your kids could step into it can be one hell of a ride.

What Is Freelance Motion Design?

Freelance motion design is more than just animating cool stuff. It’s wearing every hat: designer, animator, project manager, marketer, accountant. It means knowing how to rig a character one minute and writing a pitch email the next.

You're not just creating explainer video animations or social media content, you're running a business. One that lives or dies by your ability to stay relevant and visible.

The Pros: Why I Stick With It

Creative Freedom
This is the big one. I choose the projects I work on. I can experiment with kinetic typography one day and character animation the next. That kind of flexibility is priceless.

Work-Life Balance
Well… sometimes. When you’ve built a strong client base, freelancing gives you control over your schedule. You can spend more time with family or work from anywhere. For me, it also means building a legacy business my children could one day inherit or be inspired by.

Direct Value
You know when you’ve made a difference. I’m not here to fleece budgets; I want to be the person who helps agencies deliver great work, on time, and keeps their clients happy. That honesty has kept me in the game.

The Cons: What No One Puts on Instagram

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Feast or Famine
COVID hit, and a few clients “battened down the hatches.” Work dried up overnight. That kind of sudden drought is brutal unless you've got savings, which you absolutely should.

Getting on the Radar
My biggest challenge? Getting noticed. Even with years of experience and a strong reel, cutting through the noise to reach creative directors or producers can be a full-time job in itself.

Faster, Cheaper, Now
Deadlines have shrunk. Budgets have shrunk. AI is on the rise. Clients expect high-quality, story-driven animation yesterday. You have to adapt fast and keep refining your workflow.

How I Find Work

It’s not Fiverr. It’s not Upwork. I’ve never had a decent job come through those.

Most of my work comes from:

• Cold outreach (tailored emails to agencies and producers)

• LinkedIn (posting work, connecting with people, staying visible)

• Referrals (doing a good job leads to repeat work and word-of-mouth)

I’ve also found success just sharing useful tools or experiments. My Cinema 4D rig posts bring in attention, not from likes, but from the people who matter: producers looking to solve problems.

Whether you're an agency or brand looking to hire a motion designer in London or need freelance motion design for branded content, being visible where the right people are is key.

Tools of the Trade

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Here’s what I use daily to get the job done:

• Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop (design assets)

• After Effects (motion graphics, animation polish)

• Cinema 4D (rigging, 3D animation)

• Zoom, Email, Frame.io (for reviews and feedback loops)

Don’t get too caught up in software. Tools will change. Animation principles won’t. You can become an Adobe After Effects specialist in time, just don’t skip the fundamentals.

Tips for New Freelancers

• Save money. You’ll need a buffer when work slows down.

• Focus on principles, not plugins. Tools are replaceable. Craft is not.

• Stay curious. Passion projects and tutorials will sharpen your edge and help build a portfolio.

• Don’t overpromise. Be the freelancer who delivers and makes clients look good.

• Think long-term. Freelance isn’t a shortcut. It’s a business — treat it like one.

Is Freelancing Right for You?

If you want predictable income, easy hours, and zero stress, this might not be your thing.

But if you're driven by creativity, crave autonomy, and are willing to take a few knocks along the way, freelance motion design can be incredibly rewarding. You'll learn fast, grow faster, and maybe even build something that lasts longer than a contract.

Final Thoughts

Freelancing as a motion graphics designer isn’t just about cool animations — it’s about resilience, relationships, and reinvention.

If you’re a brand or agency looking for custom animation for business or want to explore the best motion graphics for your next social campaign, feel free to reach out. I’m always open to a chat.

Let’s cut through the noise and focus on five powerful types of motion graphics that are redefining brand communication and digital storytelling: Explainer Videos, Social Media Animations, Branded Content, Broadcast Graphics, and B2B Motion Graphics. These aren’t just creative add-ons — they are strategic assets.

Types of Motion Graphics

Introduction to Motion Graphics

Motion graphics fuse animation and design to make messages more memorable, more digestible, and more exciting. Unlike traditional animation, which often centers on characters and story arcs, motion graphics focus on visual communication — think logos that animate, text that dances, and infographics that breathe.

They’re no longer reserved for high-budget studios. Thanks to user-friendly tools and platforms, startups and global brands alike are leveraging motion graphics to tell their stories with flair.

1 - Explainer Videos

If there were a Swiss Army knife in the motion graphics world, it would be the explainer video.

What Are They?
Explainer videos are short, animated videos that break down complex products, services, or concepts in under two minutes.

Why They Work:

• Simplify technical or abstract ideas

• Blend visuals, voiceovers, and music for clarity

• Increase retention rates by as much as 80%

• Boost conversion rates on landing pages

Real-World Examples:

• SaaS companies using motion graphics to showcase UI/UX

• Nonprofits explaining how donations impact communities

• Fintech startups walk users through setup processes

Pro Tip: Pair your explainer video with closed captions and social snippets to extend its reach across platforms.

2 - Social Media Motion Graphics

Let’s face it — we scroll fast. Social media motion graphics are engineered to stop thumbs in their tracks.

What Are They?
These are short-form animations designed specifically for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube Shorts.

Why They Work:

• Capture attention within the first 3 seconds

• Adapt to platform-specific dimensions and behaviors

• Promote brand messages, discounts, product launches

• Highly shareable and ideal for viral marketing

Trends That Dominate:

• Animated quotes

• Countdown timers

• Moving memes

• Swipe-up CTAs

Quick Tip: Add subtitles and bold CTAs to make your motion graphics accessible and action-oriented.

3 - Branded Content Motion Graphics

Brands aren’t built by logos alone; they’re built by experience. Branded content motion graphics tell your brand story through style, colour, and tone without being overtly promotional.

What Are They?
Animated pieces that subtly embed brand identity into storytelling. Think animated documentaries, behind-the-scenes clips, or artistic brand awareness pieces.

Why They Work:

• Build emotional connections without hard selling

• Reinforce brand aesthetics and tone consistently

• Offer immersive storytelling across platforms

• Perfect for long-term brand equity

Case Study:
Airbnb uses motion graphics to show cultural experiences and community stories, building a brand that feels human, diverse, and approachable.

Creative Tip: Use your brand palette, typeface, and sonic logo in subtle ways to maintain brand consistency across all touchpoints.

4 - Broadcast Motion Graphics

Broadcast motion graphics are the unsung heroes of television, sports, and news media.

What Are They?
High-impact animations are used in live TV, sports events, news broadcasts, and even political debates. Examples include lower-thirds, intro sequences, transitions, and data visualisation.

Why They Work:

• Maintain viewer engagement in fast-paced environments

• Deliver data-heavy info (like election results or sports scores) in digestible formats

• Reinforce credibility and network branding

• Enhance professional polish

Use in Action:

• CNN’s election map graphics

• ESPN’s animated player stats

• Netflix’s title and credit sequences

Pro Tip: Maintain high frame rates and broadcast-safe color grading to meet professional standards.

5 - B2B Motion Graphics

While most B2B communication tends to be dry and text-heavy, motion graphics offer a breath of fresh visual air in the corporate space.

What Are They?
Animations tailored for enterprise audiences — often seen in presentations, trade shows, investor pitches, onboarding, and training modules.

Why They Work:

• Turn dull data into digestible visuals

• Communicate innovation and leadership

• Create alignment across departments

• Help sales teams close deals faster with visual assets

Types of B2B Graphics Include:

• Animated pitch decks

• Case study visuals

• Product onboarding walkthroughs

• Safety and compliance videos

Quick Win: Convert your whitepapers and case studies into animated summaries for executives and decision-makers.

Conclusion

Motion graphics have evolved from novelty to necessity. Whether you’re a startup founder, content creator, or B2B marketer, knowing which types of motion graphics best serve your goals is key to unlocking engagement, clarity, and impact.

From explainer videos that educate, to social media animations that captivate, branded content that inspires, broadcast graphics that inform, and B2B visuals that close deals — motion graphics are your silent brand ambassadors. Embrace them not just as assets, but as a creative language.

So, Simon, What is Motion Design?

Ever scrolled through a website and been drawn in by a moving logo or an animated explainer video that just made everything click? That’s motion design in action. As a freelance motion designer, I often get asked: “What exactly is motion design?” So let’s break it down in simple, friendly terms, no jargon, no confusion.

Motion design (short for motion graphic design) is the art of bringing graphic elements to life through movement. Think of it as a blend of graphic design, animation, and storytelling—all rolled into one engaging experience. Where traditional design is static, motion design adds timing, rhythm, and energy. If you’ve seen animated logos, app interface transitions, explainer videos, or product demos with sleek visuals and smooth transitions, that’s motion design at work.

Where You’ll See Motion Design in Action

Motion design is everywhere, often without people realising it. Here are some common places you’ll spot it:

1. Marketing & Advertising

• Social media ads

• Product launch videos

• Brand reveal animations

2. Web & App Design

• UI animations that guide users

• Microinteractions (like button hovers or loading animations)

3. Television & Film

• Title sequences

• Lower-thirds in news segments

• Visual effects

4. Corporate & Educational Content

• Training videos

• Internal presentations

• Infographic animations

Why Motion Design Matters for Your Brand

Here’s the thing: attention spans are short, competition is fierce, and your brand needs to stand out. Motion design helps you do just that. It can:

• Grab Attention: Movement naturally draws the eye, making your content more engaging.

• Tell Stories Clearly: Complex ideas become easy to understand through animated visuals.

• Boost Brand Recognition: A custom animated logo can add personality and professionalism.

• Improve User Experience: In web design, motion helps guide users and reduce confusion.

Simply put, motion design adds emotion, clarity, and polish to your content, whether it’s a 10-second Instagram ad or a full-scale product launch video.

Ready to Bring Your Ideas to Life?

If you’re looking for a creative, engaging way to communicate your brand’s message, motion design might be exactly what you need. Whether it’s a snappy social media clip or a sleek animated explainer, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life.

Let’s chat! Get in touch to see how motion design can elevate your next project.