PP Freelance Research – Ana Animates

A freelancer is someone who works contractually for companies, and could either focus on a single project or work on multiple projects at once. Freelancers are hired for a specific skill set or role for a defined period of time. Often a freelancer has to apply and source their own work, but occasionally an established freelancer can be sourced out by companies.

Freelancing in Animation

Freelancing is very common in film, gaming and animation industry’s as projects are produced within a certain time frame and there could be a lull before the company produces another product, mainly due to promotion and marketing of the project just finished. It is more common in film and tv to freelance than the gaming industry as a game normally needs to be patched and maintained.

Freelancing is desirable for someone who wants to work on multiple projects or work with a wide range of people on a range of projects. Often a freelancer can work their own hours and from home.

Jody Clark is a UK based 2D and 3D freelancer. She handles all aspects of production for her work, from concept through to modelling and then to rendering.

Screenshot from Jody Clarks website, Personal Statement

From viewing her work she has produced for both smaller and larger companies, ranging from Impleo, to Royal Mail and London Zoo.

Screenshot from Jody Clarks website, Enquiry Form

Simon Tibbs is another freelance artist based in the UK, graduating from Solent University in 2007. Unlike Jody Clark he is more specific about the work he produces, describing himself as having a passion for illustration and ultimately becoming a freelance art director and animator. He has produced work for the BBC, Sony and MTV.

Examples of Simon Tibbs work from his website

An article from Garagefarm.NET outlines a lists of 5 main reasons as to why freelancers struggle with becoming self sufficient when it comes to being a successful freelancer, especially when it comes to 3D design.

Afraid of Failure – the fear and worry of rejection is a big factor in freelancing. Unlike being hired permanently by a company a freelancer is almost continually searching for new jobs and opportunities, and more often than not their work may be overlooked or not suit the company hiring.
Not finding a niche yet – Sometimes freelancers spread themselves too thin on what they are capable of doing and what they are passionate about. This leads to lower job satisfaction and can lead to freelancers turning away from the industry.
Starting too big- When beginning to freelance its important to start on smaller projects were you are over capable in, rather than aim for an unrealistic challenge. Although it is important to push further in your work. It may seem satisfying to get commissioned for a big project, but if you don’t have confidence or ability in the skill set right away, you will face difficulties with the client and meeting deadlines.
Hoping the work will come to you – Networking is vital to freelancing and it is important to keep up to date with ongoing projects and places hiring, even if you are working on a project.
You’re not working smart – Being able to work efficiently is very important to freelancing. There is software available to speed up and assist various parts of creating an animation, such as addons or scripts.