How can you use freelance work to build your animation portfolio?

"How to build an animation portfolio with contract work". Animation jobs are a little different than other industries. An animator may sign for 6 or 9 months on a specific project, after which there may (or may not) be another project to start on immediately. This can be perceived as stressful compared to the idea of a "permanent" position. Keep in mind there is literally no such thing as a permanent job. Having a diverse skill set is the key to more stability, and removes the dependence on any one company for consistent employment. Staying versatile and being willing to adapt and grow can result in free training and ultimately a longer career. So embrace the impermanence. ...and it may just lead you to the longevity you seek.

What kind of animation lights you up? What kind of work do you feel drawn to? Most likely, this is the kind of work you will have an aptitude for… or the kind of work that you will want to spend your time and resources to master. What companies/studios create the kind of work you dream of creating? What kind of culture do you feel is the best fit? Make a list of your top three to find your niche.

Before pitching your service you must know what you are providing and what the client is looking for. You should look for the clients who are producing similar style of animation and pitch to them with you past works reels.

While it is important that you identify your niche to be successful as a freelancer, most of the time a motion designer may be required to wear many hats by taking up multiple roles. For such a freelancer, it may be hard to pin point to what exactly their niche is especially for beginners. Many are in this phase and they do not care as long as they render the service and make money. However, a man that is for everyone will soon be for no one. I believe it is highly important to tailor your service to a defined set of animation styles, doing this will make you stand out better and help you speak to a specific type of audience. Also, you will only be doing the style of work that gives you that feeling of an artist reward.

The beautiful side of freelance is that you can choose which kind of projects you want to take on. If you develop your portfolio in a specific direction, I suggest you aim for projects likewise. And every time you finish a project, create an appealing case study and upload it to your website.

I think a website is useful if you do other things like drawing or photography for instance, but if it’s an animation job you’re after, make sure your demo reel is on the home page and ready to play. People in charge of recruiting will most likely not have time to browse through pages etc. Make it as simple as possible for them to see your best work, and by helping them you’re helping yourself :) In all honesty, it’s easier to just use a video hosting platform, such as Vimeo, which is what most people do in our industry.

Nobody's looking at your website if you are looking for a job in feature films. In my experience when recruiting for feature projects we have a list of links to reels to look at that has been compiled by the recruiting team. Unfortunately it isn't possible to watch every single reel that is sent in, but the lists are still generally very large. Generally you can tell during the first shot if an animator has what it takes. So make sure your reel is amazing, especially the first shot, and keep it short. Also unless you're the Daniel Day Lewis of acting in animation, make the first shot funny or dynamic. Watching 50 reels in a row of head and shoulder acting, and shoulder shrugs gets pretty tiring.

"How useful is a website for marketing your work?" Short answer - not very useful. When I review demo reels, I want to see: 1) a clickable link that takes me to a video that I can play and frame through (Youtube is best for this, Vimeo is a close second). 2) Clearly labelled scenes in the demo reel that show what portion of the work was done by the artist. 3) Contact info at the end. If I am sent a full website with several options to click on and all kinds of fancy bells and whistles, I prepare myself to spend more time looking FOR the demo reel, and less time watching it. I don't want to see your website. I want to see your animation skill clearly displayed, so that we can decide if we're going to interview you. Simple :)

A simple nicely designed website is always a nice for a freelancer to have, but the showreel is much more important. A freelance animator’s showreel should be 30 - 45 seconds long, it should start with your best work. It should be nicely cut to music. You should send a link to your reel, not your website, to prospective employers.

When making your website, think about how much time the producer who will be skimming through it has. My bet is they're pretty busy and this is your first chance to show how easy you are to work with.

Ensuring your animation reel is up-to-date is crucial. My recommendation is to craft a fresh reel annually, incorporating the best of the previous years and any new projects from the current year. In instances where you lack sufficient projects for a new reel or have work bound by NDAs, a common occurrence, consider updating your existing reel. Swap out some older projects with newer ones to keep it relevant. The choice of music is paramount. Opt for well-known songs that resonate, as they create a lasting association with your reel. Choosing impactful tracks increases the likelihood that viewers will recall your work when hearing the song. Keep the reel no more than a minute and a half. Longer than this, viewers may disengage.

The internet is filled with so many possibilities. You can join online webinars, forums and more. Discord is a great place to finds communities working in the industry such as AIA( Asians in animation) RIA ( Rise up animation) LB ( Lightbox) official severs for animation festivals like OIAF, TAAFI and more. There’s usually channels where people post job openings and other opportunities as well. On top of that you can network, join some really cool workshops and discussions all while meeting some really cool people along the way.

There are numerous platforms for us to showcase our work. However, it's not enough to just think that this alone will suffice. The first step is undoubtedly to have solid sales material on some digital platform(Demoreel, Portfolio Website, etc). But beyond that, to find a new project, to get invite for a next job, involves building relationships. It's important to create a network of contacts and strengthen these connections, and this isn't limited just to people who might hire you. Don't build relationships solely with the goal of being hired. Do it to be part of the community, to be present, to learn, and to share. As a result, this will open doors for future projects.

Outbound marketing is a marketing strategy that focuses on reaching potential customers who are not yet familiar with your company or products. It can be an effective tool for gaining more animation job opportunities as it allows you to communicate directly with people who may be interested in your services. Here are some examples of how to use outbound marketing to win more animation job opportunities: - Send marketing emails to companies you think might be interested in your services but don't be insistent sendind a lot of times. - Create content for social media that is relevant to your target audience. - Advertise your services on relevant websites and social media platforms. - Attend animation industry events.

To reassure future clients and win freelance projects, prioritize a professional online presence.Respond promptly to inquiries, showcasing your commitment and reliability. Clearly communicate your process, timelines, and expectations for transparency. Provide detailed project proposals with transparent pricing. Emphasize relevant experience and expertise to instill confidence. Offer a satisfaction guarantee or revisions to address concerns. Showcase positive feedback on social media to boost credibility. Personalize your brand with a bio or introductory video. Engage with clients through personalized communication to understand their needs. Consistently deliver exceptional work to build a stellar reputation and encourage repeat business.

I mentioned this in another article, I think it's also relevant to this as well. - There is a term is called an elevator pitch which is a brief (think 30 seconds!) way of introducing yourself, getting across a key point or two, and making a connection with someone. If you think the same way while applying, it makes a difference. Less is more sometimes is the key. - Grab the client's attention with your skills and that you are the best fit for their needs. - And if you have the chance to do a little research on the client, that would be a point that helps in writing the proposal.

Se debe ser mas municioso a la hora de presentarte o presentar una propuesta ante un cliente: - Tu portafolio deberia estar adeucado a lo que que busca el cliente - Indagacion acerca del cliente, sus paginas, como comunican, por donde lo comunicar etc. - Investigacion y proyeccion. Estos parametros ya son indicadores del profesionalismo que tienes para ofrecer, despues de ello todo va depender de tu trabajo y la buena comunicación que se tenga.

To adapt effectively to freelance client requirements, prioritize communication. Understand their needs by asking clarifying questions. Tailor your approach to align with their vision and expectations. Be flexible with project timelines, incorporating feedback promptly. Provide regular updates to ensure transparency. Offer options when presenting solutions and be open to revisions. Demonstrate a proactive attitude by anticipating client needs. Strive for excellence in each deliverable and maintain a collaborative mindset. Prioritize client satisfaction, making adjustments as necessary. Continuous improvement based on client feedback will strengthen your adaptability and lead to successful, long-term collaborations.

You may need to be clever when trying to get freelance work and give them a compelling reason they may want to hire you. You may want to send a potential client a sample work (create something in their style but done better or differently) so that they can see what you bring to the table. Then ask them if they would like to work with you.

Understanding a client's objectives is crucial when applying for freelance animation work. Before submitting your portfolio or pitching your services, take the time to research the client and their industry to gain a better understanding of their needs and goals. When communicating with a potential client, ask questions to clarify their vision, budget, timeline, and any other specific requirements they may have.

One thing I've found helpful, is opening a line of communication with the client at the development stage. Clients who work with tight deadlines could be restless, so it helps put their minds at ease. If you can't meet the required deadline, state it upfront rather than being dishonest, by not keeping your word.

Set clear timelines, and make sure your client understands the milestones for completion. Communication throughout the process is really important.

Ensure a polished freelance project delivery by first confirming alignment with client expectations. Provide a clear and organized final deliverable, adhering to agreed-upon deadlines. Accompany your submission with a concise summary highlighting key features. Encourage client feedback to address any potential revisions promptly. Include a personalized note expressing gratitude and openness to further collaboration. Offer post-delivery support and clarify any usage guidelines. Demonstrate professionalism by tying up loose ends and confirming client satisfaction. This attention to detail in the delivery process fosters a positive client experience and increases the likelihood of future collaborations and recommendations.

Um dos aspectos mais negligenciados que percebi ao longo dos anos é a parte de coleta de informa??es iniciais perante ao cliente. Nesta hora o contato deve ser bem próximo a fim de extrair todas as informa??es necessárias para a execu??o sem atropelos e refa??es. Na pratica é uma fase bem ma?ante mas é ela que vai garantir uma entrega correta e tranquila para ambos os lados.

Communication is key, always communicate with your client while you are working on their project and show WIPs, this is a good way to dodge any kind of misunderstanding.

There's a bit of an unwritten rule in the freelance (motion design) world 'create work you want to get hired to do'. This mostly applies to personal projects BUT posting freelance work (that you're proud of and want more of) on your portfolio is obviously an amazing way to showcase what you can do. I would go one step further and break things down. Show your process for whichever area you were involved in, why you made the decisions you did and even better if you can share the results of the work ie; what the client gained from the work you created - increased revenue, increased engagement, brand refresh etc. Showing how you add value will signal your value to future clients. Best of luck :)

One of the things I have done as a freelancer is ask for reviews from clients. You can always ask for testimonials from clients and put them in your LinkedIn profile or website, doing this can make potential clients and recruiters to trust your work and character. Sometimes in freelance you get some projects or work that are above your skill level, putting those works in your reel or profile put yourself ahead of the employees that are in the same experience level and increase your chances of hiring and get more clients. Always ask for permissions from clients before sharing your work in public and if you worked for a company directly or indirectly, mention the name of the company/studio in your portfolio.

Before updating portfolio, make sure that it's fine to share widely regarding copyrights. There is a term that is called "Elevator Pitch", this can be a better understanding of what portfolio is for me. An elevator pitch is a brief (think 30 seconds!) way of introducing yourself, getting across a key point or two, and making a connection with someone. If the portfolio is to sharing your work with others for more connections and to have more opportunities, I think it's is kind of the same idea.. when you think this way, you might have a fresh eye on how to update your portfolio.

It is important to keep updating your portfolio and showing your skills and works progress. I have to admit current competition among fresh grads, junior and senior animators are getting harder these days. So, one has to outshine the others in order to secure the position. It doesn't matter if it is freelance or personal projects. The focus here is to show your growth and progress.

Designers hear it time and time again but it's true; use your portfolio to showcase the work you want to do MORE of. It's not necessary to add every project to your past work if it didn't entirely align with the style of animation you want to do in the future. If you don't have many paid examples, use some personal projects so you're attracting the right kind of project/client your way.

Dive into freelance projects like a penguin into a fish buffet. Start small, animate a dancing potato, or give a hedgehog a hip hop routine. Showcase diversity; clients love a versatile animator with more moves than a breakdancing octopus. ???? Let me share an example my colleague sally snagged a freelance gig animating a salsa dancing toaster. The result? Toasters across the globe now cha cha with style. Moral of the story: spice up mundane tasks, and your portfolio will sizzle! ?? Remember, your portfolio is your animated autobiography. Showcase your evolution from stick figures to majestic space operas. Clients want to see growth, not just in pixels but in your animation journey. ???

Stay updated. Software are updating bringing in new features. New tools and styles are emerging. Have a growth mindset and always consider what new or interesting features can you learn and incorporate into your work to stand out.

As artists, there’s many pathways for us to make a career out of our skills. Asides from just freelance and commission work or selling things, teaching is another great side hustle for people in the industry can do. Artists are always seeking out how to improve their skills, learn new techniques and get critique on their work. Providing services like portfolio reviews, beginner classes and so on is not only a great way to earn some side money but also give back to the community you love so much and helping other budding animators. Giving teaching services aren’t just reserved for artists but any field! There’s always someone out there who can learn from you so don’t think you’re not good/experienced enough to give teaching a try!

Here is how I started my career! 11 years into animation now! 1. I started with Vyond, Powtoon, & Animaker. Created a few videos using the trial version. Got some good clients. I started offering end-to-end production. Got into custom projects. Started learning Adobe After Effects and hired more freelancers to my team. My 2 cents- 1. Work on animations for different industries, styles, and purposes 2. Share snippets of your process on professional sites like LinkedIn. It provides insight into your creative approach. 3. Create a portfolio on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, Behance, etc 4. Utilize freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. 5. Request and feature client testimonials.

- Don't underestimate personal projects. - Be open to learn new skills. - Keep yourself updated. - Try always to have a bit of traditional stuff, even for fun. - Share your skills and work widely with your network.