Hiring a motion designer for video ads is different from hiring for a brand film. You need someone who understands hooks, formats and testing, not just beautiful animation. Use this checklist before you sign.
1. Look for ads in the portfolio, not just showreels
A showreel shows style. Real ads show whether they can deliver a clear message, an offer and a call to action in 15 to 30 seconds.
2. Check they work in vertical formats
Ask for 9:16 examples for Reels, TikTok and Shorts. Vertical layouts need different composition and safe zones than 16:9.
3. Ask about their storyboard process
A good motion designer plans scenes, on-screen text and timing in a visual storyboard before animating. It saves revisions and keeps the ad focused.
4. Make sure they design for sound off
Many Meta ads are watched on mute. Look for kinetic typography and captions that carry the message without audio.
5. Confirm versions and sizes
Agree up front on hooks, lengths and aspect ratios (9:16, 4:5, 1:1, 16:9). This is where most of the testing value comes from.
6. Understand the tools and styles they cover
2D motion graphics, 3D product animation and editing live footage are different skills. Pick someone whose strengths match your product.
7. Clarify turnaround and revisions
Ask how long a first draft takes, how many revision rounds are included and how feedback is shared.
8. Compare price with what you get
A lower price with no versions can cost more in the end than a higher quote that includes hooks, sizes and cut-downs for testing.
Quick checklist
- Real ad examples in the portfolio
- Vertical 9:16 experience
- Storyboard before animation
- Sound-off friendly design
- Versions and sizes agreed
- Right style for your product
- Clear turnaround and revisions
- Transparent pricing
Browse the performance video ads portfolio to see examples.
About the author: Pixamo Studio is a creative video and design studio based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Our team creates performance video ads, SaaS explainer videos and talking head edits, in long or short form. See our performance video ads portfolio or get in touch.
