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Just been chatting with a recent @UWEBristol Animation graduate about finding work in the Creative sector and thought I'd try and pass on some of my advice...
Now I have to say I am NOT that successful in the grand scheme of things! But I have been able to eke out a meagre living as an illustrator, character designer and set up @RumpusAnimation with Joe Wood 10 years ago (I left this year to focus on illustration again)
My first point is that working as a freelance creative is TOUGH. It took me a year of working in a pork pie factory after I graduated before I got a creative job.
That was depressing.
That was depressing.
But, I had been a pretty bad student and was never given (probably my fault for not seeking it out) any advice on the industry
It was also pre-twitter. Almost pre-internet - so finding opportunities or reaching an audience was very different.
It was also pre-twitter. Almost pre-internet - so finding opportunities or reaching an audience was very different.
The most important thing I can say now, with a bit of hindsight, is know your worth. And try and understand who your audience might be.
There are many different roles within the creative industry. Where do you fit in?
There are many different roles within the creative industry. Where do you fit in?
Do you want to work at a studio? I know plenty of people who freelance as animators and are always in demand, but I also know plenty who only get sporadic work.
I fell into the second category so I had to get creative with how I found creative work.
I fell into the second category so I had to get creative with how I found creative work.
As well as trying to work in studios as a character designer I took part in group exhibitions. Collaborating together with like-minded people is a great way to build something that becomes bigger than the sum of your parts.
In the early 2000s there were lots of illustration collectives and animation studios that were a loose band of animators/designers etc that made work which caught the attention of clients
Make work that brings people and clients to you
Make work that brings people and clients to you
Work doesn't have to be epic 4 minute animations or 100 page comics.
Create gifs, illustrations, stickers, prints, zines, shorts - anything that you can and want to. But think about who is going to want to read/watch it or, hopefully, buy it.
Try and find your audience.
Create gifs, illustrations, stickers, prints, zines, shorts - anything that you can and want to. But think about who is going to want to read/watch it or, hopefully, buy it.
Try and find your audience.
There is a huge industry built around comic cons and indie creators - like during the goldrush, the people making the most money were the ones selling pickaxes.
But there is opportunity out there to connect with people all over the World. What is the best way for you to do that?
But there is opportunity out there to connect with people all over the World. What is the best way for you to do that?
Some creators make money from Patreon. I'll be honest, I don't! But if you know your audience and can create work that people want it can be an additional income stream
Kickstarter can fund independent projects and reach new people - but again, you need to know your audience
Kickstarter can fund independent projects and reach new people - but again, you need to know your audience
I've done a couple of Kickstarters - my advice is start off small, with something you know you can achieve.
I'd also say a comic or book (something physical) is a better place to start than trying to make a film or game to start with.
Don't expect huge success right away...
I'd also say a comic or book (something physical) is a better place to start than trying to make a film or game to start with.
Don't expect huge success right away...
Enter your films into animation festivals
My friends at @mcranimation are looking for graduate films RIGHT NOW
My friends at @mcranimation are looking for graduate films RIGHT NOW
Seek out funding opportunities.
There are regional funds for short films, game dev and the BFI has funding for films and animation.
It's hard work applying to funds all the time, but look into it
There are regional funds for short films, game dev and the BFI has funding for films and animation.
It's hard work applying to funds all the time, but look into it
And there are opportunities to work at animation studios, game studios etc.
Look for roles and apply. Try to understand where your skills might fit - storyboarding, animation, background design, character design
Look for roles and apply. Try to understand where your skills might fit - storyboarding, animation, background design, character design
It's hard trying to make art while you are desperately seeking the next job, so look after yourself!
You aren't alone!
Help others out and build up a community.
Make the work come to you (if you can)
You aren't alone!
Help others out and build up a community.
Make the work come to you (if you can)
I hope all this blathering has made some sense... and fortified and inspired you.
But also none of this is the only way. Times and technology change so be aware of what is going on and adapt.
That is the bonus to be creative! We are adaptable!
But also none of this is the only way. Times and technology change so be aware of what is going on and adapt.
That is the bonus to be creative! We are adaptable!
If anyone wiser or smarter than me wants to join in, please do! There is no right or wrong way of being creative.
If any of this seems confused, illogical or just plain daft, that's because I am. This is the advise of a not-particularly-successful creative.
But I hope it helps
If any of this seems confused, illogical or just plain daft, that's because I am. This is the advise of a not-particularly-successful creative.
But I hope it helps
SO
Good luck!
Good luck!
