// Service

Scrollytelling Agency Alternative — One Developer

Scrollytelling builds usually go to NYT-style agencies; for brand sites that don't need agency-scale capacity, one developer can build the whole site at a fixed price agreed upfront.

Get a quote All 3D services

Scrollytelling is usually associated with large teams: editorial groups like NYT R&D and The Pudding, or agencies like Active Theory. For brands whose scrollytelling doesn't need agency-scale capacity, I build the whole site myself, with the price quoted per project in a written offer. The key craft elements: chapter pacing (each scroll moment carries one idea), camera choreography (movement feels intentional not random), asset pacing (3D scenes lazy-load, never block first paint), accessibility (prefers-reduced-motion fallback, screen-reader content layer). I build these into every scrollytelling project; the main difference between one developer and an agency is capacity.

Engagement model

Fixed price and timeline agreed upfront in a written offer, with no hourly billing. Revisions within the agreed scope are included. Out-of-scope changes are quoted separately before any work happens. No retainer required, no monthly minimum. The invoice comes after you confirm you are happy with the result.

Technical foundation

Stack: Three.js v0.170 with GSAP for animation timeline, Lenis for smooth scroll, Vite for build, GLSL for custom shaders when needed. Hosting on a Hetzner / DigitalOcean equivalent — fast first byte, HTTP/2, Brotli compression, long-lived caching for static assets. Before launch I run a mobile Lighthouse test and send you the result.

Where it fits

This service is the right call when the brand needs a visual moment that sets it apart from the average competitor — agencies pitching new business, premium e-commerce, portfolios that need to look ahead-of-curve. If you need a basic content site or blog, a static-site generator without 3D is more economical and ranks just as well for simple keyword targets.

Timeline

The timeline depends on scope and is set in the written offer. I send progress notes in writing, so you always know where the project stands.

Frequently asked questions

Do you handle hosting?

Yes. Hosting, SSL, nightly backups and the first year of maintenance are included. After that we agree on a support plan. I don't lock you in — you can move to any modern provider at any time, all assets travel with the codebase.

What's your revision policy?

Revisions within the agreed scope are included. Out-of-scope changes are quoted separately before any work happens. After launch, the first year of maintenance is included, so bug fixes and small adjustments cost nothing extra.

How long does this take?

It depends on scope. A simple site usually takes 1–2 weeks, larger projects take longer, and the exact timeline is in the written offer.

What does it cost?

Every project is quoted per scope — scene count, asset complexity and interactivity drive the effort. Send a short brief and you get a written fixed quote, with source code included.

What if my visitors are on weak phones?

The site detects device tier before the first scene loads and serves a lighter version on weak hardware (fewer particles, simpler shaders). Devices without WebGL get a static fallback that preserves the visual language and conversion path.

Ready to ship a 3D experience?

Tell me what you need — clear written scope, no surprises.

Get a quote +381 61 224 8989