What are the best ways to market yourself as a freelance traditional animator?

When creating your portfolio website, it's important to remember that its purpose is to showcase your artistic and technical abilities to both potential clients and fellow artists. Here's what I suggest you should do: 1- Placement: 1.1 start with the best visuals you have at the top. 1.2 follow it up with project breakdowns, the challenges you've overcome to deliver this project, and how you overcame them. 2- Hierarchy 2.1 start big then slow down a bit then finish with a blow. Start with one of the best projects you have then above average then another stunning project. 3- Impressions 3.1 show how other clients like working with you. Don't hesitate to ask for their feedback to show others how good you truly are.

Creating a portfolio website was a game-changer for everyone. It's a centralized hub where potential clients can explore your best projects. I make sure to include detailed project descriptions, emphasizing my unique approach to traditional animation. This online showcase has significantly increased my visibility and attracted clients who resonate with my style.

A demo reel is good. But you know what's better? A Video Sales Letter. One where you go over who you are, what you do, how you do it and then back it up with past work and social proof. I believe a VSL is more practical than a demo reel, and makes more sense to use when marketing your service as a whole.

Crafting a compelling demo reel has been pivotal in showcasing your versatility as a traditional animator. I suggest you regularly update it with your latest and most diverse work. Sharing this reel on platforms like LinkedIn has not only garnered attention from potential clients but has also connected you with fellow animators and collaborators.

When promoting yourself and your service on social media, follow the G.A.P. framework: Growth, Authority, Personal Growth content = talk about popular trends and figures Authority = past work, case studies, testimonials, sales assets Personal = your story and world views You're guaranteed to grow and attract attention to your offer if you execute on this strategy properly.

Social media, especially LinkedIn, has been a valuable tool for self-promotion. Regularly sharing snippets of your work, engaging in industry discussions, and connecting with professionals have expanded my reach. The interactive nature of these platforms allows you to build a community around my work and stay top-of-mind for potential clients.

Attending workshops is an excellent way to connect with people. Be yourself and leave a good impression. Try it yourself and see the results. If you're attending a big seminar or event, it's natural for everyone to want to talk to the most prominent name in attendance. However, you don't have to do the same. Instead, look for the important people who may not be as well-known. For instance, if an art director is speaking at the event, they may have a friend at the managerial level nearby, but not everyone knows about their status. By identifying and getting to know these people, you can build more meaningful connections.

While online presence is crucial, offline networking has its unique benefits. Try to attending industry events, conferences, and local meetups has provided you with valuable face-to-face interactions. Establishing personal connections has not only led to freelance opportunities but has also enriched your professional network and you can build more meaningful connections.

Staying updated on industry trends is crucial. Collaborating with fellow freelancers for joint projects has broadened my scope. Experimenting with paid advertising on social media has been beneficial in reaching a wider audience. Continuously refining your skills and diversifying animation offerings ensures that you can cater to various client needs and stay competitive in the freelance market.