Most creatives have previously relied on referrals and word of mouth to get work. Today, the industry is changing fast. Referrals have slowed, and it’s harder to predict gaps between projects. Designers find themselves wondering how to attract the clients they want and keep them coming back.
In this discussion, Hayley Akins from Motion Hatch will share insights from her work with more than 4,000 motion designers and animators. She’ll cover what’s currently effective for landing projects, the best strategies, pricing tips, and what has stopped working in 2026. You’ll walk away with useful tools to gain more regular and high-paying clients. This works for freelancers and studio owners alike.
Hayley Akins is the founder of Motion Hatch, an education company teaching freelance motion designers and small studios how to start and grow successful businesses.
Over 4000 motion designers worldwide have taken Motion Hatch courses to develop their creative businesses, learning how to price their work effectively and attract clients they love working with.
Last year Hayley started Creative & Coin, a community and program where professional freelancers and studio owners gather to navigate the industry together, share what’s working, get live support and take part in bi-monthly business challenges to build systems to attract regular and high paying clients.
Hayley started her Motion Hatch podcast in 2017 after going freelance:
“When I started freelancing in 2015, I felt frustrated by the lack of resources for freelancers.
No one spoke about what they charged.
Motion designers had no specific advice on how to get and retain clients effectively.With my team at Motion Hatch we create tools I wish I had when I started freelancing.
My mission is to make it easy to run your motion design business so you can create a sustainable business and work on fun and creative projects.” – Hayley
Check out Motion Hatch here for free resources.
“The business side of working in this industry is so often overlooked, and Hayley has a special knack for helping creative people make smart, proactive decisions to further their careers.”
— Craig Waxman, Freelance Motion Designer
