How can you monetize your animated content and turn it into a profitable business?

1 Sell your services

One of the most common ways to monetize your animated content is to sell your services as a freelancer, contractor, or consultant. You can offer your animation skills to clients who need them for various purposes, such as advertising, education, entertainment, or social media. You can find clients through online platforms, such as Upwork, Fiverr, or Behance, or by networking with other animators, producers, or agencies. You can charge by the hour, by the project, or by the value you provide.

2 Create your own products

Another way to monetize your animated content is to create your own products based on your original characters, stories, or concepts. You can sell your products online or offline, such as through e-commerce platforms, crowdfunding campaigns, or physical stores. You can create different types of products, such as books, comics, games, toys, merchandise, or courses. You can also license your products to other companies or brands who want to use them for their own purposes.

3 Build your brand

A third way to monetize your animated content is to build your brand and grow your fan base. You can use social media, blogs, podcasts, or YouTube to showcase your work, share your insights, and engage with your audience. You can also participate in events, festivals, competitions, or awards to gain exposure and recognition. By building your brand, you can attract more opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships that can help you scale your business.

4 Join a network

A fourth way to monetize your animated content is to join a network that can support your growth and development. You can join a network that is focused on animation, such as Toon Boom, Cartoon Network, or Animaker, or a network that is broader, such as Skillshare, Udemy, or Patreon. By joining a network, you can access resources, tools, training, feedback, and mentorship that can help you improve your skills and quality of your work. You can also earn revenue from the network's revenue-sharing model, subscription fees, or commissions.

5 Apply for grants

A fifth way to monetize your animated content is to apply for grants that can fund your projects. Grants are financial awards that are given by organizations, foundations, or governments to support creative and innovative endeavors. You can apply for grants that are specific to animation, such as the Animation Project Lab, the Animation Magazine Pitch Party, or the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, or grants that are more general, such as the Creative Capital Awards, the Sundance Institute Grants, or the Fulbright Program. You can use the grants to cover your production costs, equipment, travel, or marketing expenses.

6 Explore new formats

A sixth way to monetize your animated content is to explore new formats and technologies that can enhance your work and reach new audiences. You can experiment with different formats, such as short films, web series, documentaries, or interactive media, or different technologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, or artificial intelligence. You can also collaborate with other creators, such as writers, musicians, or programmers, to create cross-disciplinary projects. By exploring new formats and technologies, you can showcase your creativity and innovation and stand out from the competition.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?