Freelancing in Animation Tips for Success
So, you’ve just finished an advanced diploma in animation and are ready to bring your drawings to life. If you’re someone who isn’t cut-out for a 9-5 job, why don’t you explore a freelance career in animation? These days, top brands want to work with freelancers. Also, you benefit as you get immense flexibility, freedom and a whole lot of creative opportunities. No doubt, the animation profession is a competitive landscape. However, you need to keep updating your skills as per the latest requirements of the industry.
Tips to Become a Freelance Animator
As a freelance animator, you need to have soft, technical and creative skills in order to succeed. Through your drawings, you must be able to tell compelling stories and make them visually appealing using various tools and software.
As you foray into the booming gig economy, keep in mind these tips that will write your success story as a freelance animator:
Hone your Craft
To build your credibility as a freelance animator, it’s important to continuously hone your craft. You may have graduated from the top animation colleges in Bangalore but till you don’t test your skills, you will reach nowhere. Master both technical as well as artistic aspects of animation. Gain control on characters by learning 2D animation software. Start with Adobe Animate and After Effects. As a freelance animator, you should also become a master in 3D modelling. For 3D animation, Autodesk Maya is ideal. Using this software, animators can create detailed models, realistic animations and visual effects. This can help you create video games, product designs, architectural designs, and more in the future. On the other hand, 2D animation comes in use to create ad shoots, marketing and digital campaigns.
Work on your Drawing Skills
In the field of animation, drawing skills are the most important. Always remember that animation is a creative field and in order to express your ideas better, you need to be able to draw well. It forms a sort of tangible basis for any kind of animation work. Whether you get into stop-motion, CGI or 3D animation, the ability to sketch and draw is invaluable.
Build a Strong Animation Portfolio
To showcase your skills and creativity to potential clients and employers, you need to have a well-organised animation portfolio. Whether you have a job or are a freelancer, a portfolio is invaluable. It’s your big ticket into the real world. It not just highlights technical proficiency but also individual style and artistry. Clients will be able to gauge if you’re the right fit for a particular project.
When you’re making your animation portfolio, make sure you include a mixed bag of work. Consider quality over quantity. Each piece of work should showcase your unique ability to bring a character to life. A few skills you should highlight include motion graphics, character animation, stop motion, 3D modelling and visual effects. In addition to commissioned work, it may be a good idea to also include your personal projects which you may have done for friends or family. Experimenting with different styles and techniques says a lot about your dedication to the craft. Lastly, don’t forget to include your collaboration work. If you’ve worked with sound designers, writers or illustrators, make sure you include it.
Network,
We cannot stress enough on the importance of networking. You’re a freelancer, you need people to know you exist and you’re good at what you do. Connect with other animators, industry professionals and peer through social media platforms and LinkedIn. You can share your work, gain feedback and engage in discussions over the animation landscape in general. You can even join online communities to make connections and build relationships.
Be Flexible
As a freelancer, you need to be flexible. Nobody will want to partner with you if you’re not adaptable. Be willing to take on a variety of projects. Don’t say no to an opportunity especially if you’re a beginner. The money may not be good but think about the exposure you might get through the project.
Stay Organised
In the freelance animation space, you are your own boss. You need to manage your projects and finances. If you don’t submit a particular project on time, nobody will want to work with you in the future. Thus, the best way to stay organised is by using a project management tool online so that you can set realistic deadlines. Properly documenting your work is the secret to succeed in the gig economy.
Conclusion
For freelancers, the animation industry is continuously evolving. Don’t restrict yourself to a certain style of animation. If you want to succeed, keep striving and get a thorough comprehension of both 3D as well as 2D animation. For various tasks, both these animation tools are essential. Pursuing an undergraduate degree in visual arts will help maintain your competitiveness. Stay abreast of the latest technologies and keep updating your skills to make it big.
