2D character animator for an ongoing educational YouTube series (rigged puppet animation)

I'm launching Hello Ivo, an animated English-learning series for beginner learners and families. Each episode is about 18 minutes, with a small recurring cast (6 main characters) in a handful of reusable settings (classroom, kitchen, street). I need a reliable animator to build the characters once and then animate every episode. Phase 1 (one time): Create rigged 2D puppets for 6 characters, with mouth shapes for lip-sync and the facial expressions we need (happy, surprised, embarrassed, sad, proud). Build 4–5 reusable sets. I will provide the character designs and series bible. Phase 2 (ongoing, about 2 episodes a month): Animate each episode from a finished script, recorded voice audio, and an approved storyboard. Keep the style consistent from episode to episode. You should have: • Experience with puppet or cutout animation, for example in Cartoon Animator, Moho, Adobe Character Animator, or After Effects • A portfolio with 2D character animation, ideally with lip-sync and dialogue scenes • Good communication and the ability to meet agreed deadlines Deliverables each episode: the final animated video (1080p, 16:9, no music) and the full working project files and rig files so another animator could continue the work. Rights: all characters, artwork, rigs, and animation are work-for-hire and owned by me. To apply: send your best two portfolio links, your estimated price per finished minute or per 18-minute episode, and how long Phase 1 would take. Shortlisted applicants will be given a paid test. Budget: open; I'd like to see your quote for both the one-time setup and a typical episode. Ownership and assets: the deliverables include the final video, the rig files, all character and prop artwork, and the working project files. Please disclose any stock or third-party assets you use. Budget: USD 1500–3000