How can you build a character animation network that lasts?

1 Identify your goals and values

Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what kind of people you want to connect with. Do you want to work on specific projects, genres, or platforms? Do you want to learn new skills, tools, or techniques? Do you want to find mentors, peers, or clients? Do you want to collaborate, share, or compete? Do you want to have fun, make money, or make a difference? These questions will help you define your goals and values as a character animator and guide your networking efforts.

2 Research and join relevant communities

One of the best ways to build your character animation network is to join existing communities that match your interests, goals, and values. These can be online or offline, formal or informal, local or global, niche or broad. For example, you can join forums, groups, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or social media platforms that focus on character animation or related topics. You can also join associations, clubs, events, workshops, courses, or contests that offer opportunities to learn, showcase, or collaborate with other animators. You can also create your own community if you see a gap or a need in the market.

3 Engage and contribute actively and authentically

Once you join a community, you need to engage and contribute regularly and genuinely. This means not only consuming content, but also creating, commenting, sharing, and giving feedback. You also need to be respectful, supportive, and helpful to other members, and avoid spamming, trolling, or self-promoting. You need to show your personality, passion, and expertise as a character animator, but also be open to learning, listening, and improving. You need to build trust, rapport, and reputation with your network.

4 Follow up and follow through

Networking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. You need to follow up and follow through with your network to maintain and strengthen your relationships. This means keeping in touch, updating, thanking, and acknowledging your contacts. It also means delivering on your promises, meeting your deadlines, and exceeding your expectations. You need to show your network that you value them, appreciate them, and respect them. You also need to ask for feedback, referrals, or recommendations when appropriate.

5 Expand and diversify your network

While it is important to have a core network of people who share your goals and values, it is also beneficial to expand and diversify your network beyond your comfort zone. This means reaching out to people who have different backgrounds, perspectives, skills, or experiences than you. It also means exploring new communities, platforms, or opportunities that challenge you or expose you to new ideas. You never know who might inspire you, teach you, or collaborate with you. You also never know who might need your character animation services or skills.

6 Nurture and celebrate your network

Finally, you need to nurture and celebrate your network as a source of creativity and innovation. This means recognizing, rewarding, and recommending your contacts for their achievements, contributions, or talents. It also means celebrating, sharing, and showcasing your own work and achievements with your network. You need to create a positive and supportive environment where you and your network can grow, thrive, and enjoy character animation. You also need to be grateful, humble, and generous with your network.

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?