What are some ways to build resilience when working with difficult clients in animation?

2 Manage your emotions

Another key aspect of resilience is managing your emotions. Working with difficult clients can trigger negative feelings such as anger, anxiety, or resentment. These emotions can cloud your judgment, affect your performance, and damage your relationship. To cope with your emotions, you can use techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, or positive affirmations. You can also express your feelings to a trusted colleague, friend, or mentor, or seek professional help if needed.

3 Focus on solutions

Instead of dwelling on the problems or blaming your client, you can focus on finding solutions. This can help you shift your mindset from reactive to proactive, and from victim to agent. You can brainstorm ideas, suggest alternatives, or negotiate compromises to overcome the challenges. You can also highlight the benefits, value, and impact of your work to persuade your client. By focusing on solutions, you can demonstrate your creativity, flexibility, and professionalism.

4 Learn from feedback

Feedback is an essential part of the animation process, and it can help you improve your skills and deliver better results. However, some clients may give feedback that is vague, inconsistent, or harsh. Instead of ignoring or rejecting their feedback, you can learn from it. You can ask for specific, actionable, and constructive feedback that can help you meet their expectations. You can also use feedback as an opportunity to showcase your expertise, explain your choices, and educate your client.

5 Set boundaries

While it is important to be responsive, accommodating, and collaborative with your client, it is also important to set boundaries. Boundaries can help you protect your time, energy, and well-being, as well as your creative vision and integrity. You can set boundaries by communicating your availability, scope, rates, and revisions clearly and respectfully. You can also enforce your boundaries by saying no, pushing back, or escalating issues when necessary.

6 Celebrate your achievements

Finally, one of the best ways to build resilience is to celebrate your achievements. Working with difficult clients can be draining and demoralizing, but it can also be rewarding and satisfying. You can acknowledge your efforts, progress, and results, and appreciate the positive aspects of your work. You can also reward yourself with something that makes you happy, such as a break, a treat, or a compliment. By celebrating your achievements, you can boost your confidence, motivation, and passion.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?