In 2020, the global animation market was worth over 270 billion US dollars. And, with so many emerging technologies revolutionizing and innovating the industry at an unprecedented rate, the animation sector is not showing signs of slowing down!
This has made animation graduates and professionals more in-demand than ever – and you certainly won’t struggle to build a brilliant career. But what direction should you take? Is freelancing better than being employed?
Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for your career goals.
Freelancing vs Being Employed: What’s The Best Option For Animation Graduates
If you have studied to become an animation expert, you have probably been dreaming about working with giants such as Disney, Dreamworks, Pixar, or even Netflix. However, as an animation graduate, the road to churn out masterpieces is still long!
But what is the best step to take? Should you opt for a part-time job at your local TV or video game production studio or work as a freelance? The answer is both.
Indeed, even if you secure a job with an employer or reputable animation company, you’ll realize soon enough that most jobs are project-driven and time-bound.
So, landing an animation job for a year or two might offer you a temporary steady income and a portfolio boost, but learning how to freelance might be your ultimate safety net.
What You Need To Know Before Joining The Freelancing World
Freelancing can be a double-edged sword – especially for inexperienced animators. During the first years after your graduation, finding jobs and projects to work on with the guidance of an experienced mentor can truly boost your skills and knowledge. And, in most cases, this is why animation graduates opt for working under the wing of an animation or production company.
At the same time, being a freelancer allows you to explore different niches, build a solid portfolio, experiment with new techniques, and remove any earning limitations.
But learning the rules of the freelancing game is essential! Yes, animators and special effects artists can count on a much faster than average job growth of 16% – but the competition has never been fiercer!
You’ll Need To Market Yourself and Build a Portfolio
Whether you are freelancing or running your small animation business, there are two rules: you have to be good at what you do and be able to show your talent to others. Because of this, learning how to market yourself is crucial. Don’t take for granted that you’ll be hired right after creating a profile on UpWork or designing a portfolio website!
Unlike freelancers working in other industries, you will have the advantage of using visuals to showcase your skills. And, social media platforms are fully geared up to allow you to do so. So, consider establishing a social media presence on a range of platforms – including Instagram, LinkedIn, and even Twitch.
You should also hone your demo reel. While you might have worked on a portfolio during your years in school, now it is time to make your work shine. And, you’ll have about 10 seconds to make a lasting impression on potential clients!
Keeping Your Finances in Order is Vital
Learning how to manage your finances as a freelancer can make a difference in how long you’ll be able to enjoy your self-employed life! If you have just graduated, the chances are that you are juggling low savings, increased living expenses, and the first repayments of your student loan.
Of course, in this situation, it is easy to feel out of control and overwhelmed. However, when working as a freelancer, you can maximize your earning potential. Just make sure to keep these cardinal principles in mind:
- Work with an expert financial advisor and accountant to keep your business compliant with tax requirements
- If using a platform such as UpWork, be aware of the commission fees
- If pitching to private clients, be sure to set clear hourly rates or project fees (don’t forget to factor in the time spent crafting pitches!)
- Find a reputable provider that can help with refinancing student loans and managing existing debt
- Keep your invoices in order and don’t mix personal and business expenses
You Will Need To Wear Many Hats – Invest In Expanding Your Skills!
If you wish to pursue a freelancing career, you’ll need to be much more than an animator. You need to step in as your own IT department, marketing team, and customer service.
And, since your livelihood will depend on your expertise, you should continuously invest in learning new and complementary skills, including 3D modeling, rigging, texturing, lighting, and character designing.
But you don’t have to do all this alone! Don’t forget that partnering with an informal team of experts or creative communities can help you boost your skillset and open up new opportunities.