Learn the entire process of making animated short films. From writing the script, storyboarding, modeling, rigging, and animating, to exporting a final film.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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If you\u2019re in between jobs as an independent animator, or just starting and looking for work, we\u2019ve compiled this list of some of the most useful places independent animators find their next gig (or have their next gig come to them).<\/span><\/p>\n This may seem like a no-brainer, but many animators hesitate to publicly share when they\u2019re looking for work for various reasons\u2014from feeling embarrassed to thinking it\u2019s not worth the effort. However, there\u2019s no shame in sharing your situation on social media, especially in the independent scene, where animators can take on numerous projects throughout the year and have days, weeks, or even months off between jobs.<\/span><\/p>\n LinkedIn even has their \u201cOpen to Work\u201d banner feature <\/span>which claims a 40% increase in recruiter InMails when used<\/span><\/a>. Another effective strategy is to announce your availability if you know your current contract ends at a certain date. This positions you as someone in demand rather than out of options.<\/span><\/p>\n Overall, consider posting about your job search on social media and discussing it within your friend groups\u2014you never know when a new opportunity might land in your lap.<\/span><\/p>\n Why not create your own revenue stream by opening commissions to your followers via Twitter, Instagram, or otherwise? The commission could include illustrations, graphic design, 3D modeling, short animated loops, or any other creative project. Here are some popular commission types to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for advice on how to market and price your commissions, check out this short informational video by <\/span>Mimimoo Illustration<\/span><\/a>, who\u2019s successfully built a career out of commissions.<\/span><\/p>\n Marketplace sites are places where artists can post their services for hire, or bid on projects that are posted. While competition can be very high \u2013 since anyone from around the world can post or bid \u2013 marketplace sites are still an option if you find yourself exhausting other options. In fact, some animators like <\/span>Guy M. who specializes in Explainer Videos<\/span><\/a>, have made a whole career out of marketplace services. Plus, showcasing your work can help increase your visibility online.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re considering diving into marketplace jobs, the three most popular marketplace sites are <\/span>Fiverr<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Upwork<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Freelancer<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Unfortunately, there aren\u2019t many animation-specific job sites that maintain up-to-date postings, but there are two excellent options. The first is <\/span>Animation World Network<\/span><\/a>, which is also one of the largest animation news aggregation sites. The second is <\/span>Animated Jobs<\/span><\/a> which keeps a current RSS feed of animation jobs from around the web, including studio-submitted jobs.<\/span><\/p>\n Many independent animators overlook video game projects when searching for work. However, there is a high demand for animators in the gaming industry, especially now that indie animation is thriving like never before.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re more of a generalist, indie game studios could be an excellent fit for you. Because these studios tend to be smaller, they typically seek animation generalists\u2014those who can illustrate, create 2D animations, or even do 3D modeling. Additionally, smaller team sizes often mean you\u2019ll have more influence and responsibility, allowing you to make key decisions regarding the art of the game you\u2019re working on.<\/span><\/p>\n Two sites where indie game studios frequently post job openings are <\/span>Work With Indies<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Game Jobs<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n A strategy that some indie animators employ successfully is reaching out to local agencies and animation studios by sending them their reels and an introductory email outlining who they are and what they specialize in.<\/span><\/p>\n The aim here is to raise awareness about yourself, so that when these companies have a need for a specific type of animator, you are the first person they think of\u2014and they already have your email. <\/span>And since many jobs are remote now, you can connect with any agency or studio in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n While not always the best option for indie animators, it\u2019s worth mentioning that popular job sites like\u00a0 <\/span>Indeed<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Monster<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>LinkedIn<\/span><\/a>\u2014which are typically focused on full-time studio positions\u2014may still feature contract work or listings from smaller studios that might not be aware of other avenues for posting animation jobs. To easily filter your search, use their tools to look for keywords such as \u201canimator,\u201d \u201c2D,\u201d or \u201cCG.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Overall, your best strategy for finding consistent work as an independent animator is to immerse yourself in the animation community\u2014specifically, the group of animators who specialize in your area of expertise (such as 3D, 2D, motion graphics, etc.). Since independent animators are always on the lookout for new opportunities, when someone discovers a job that requires additional animators and knows you are a good fit and actively seeking work, they are likely to make an introduction on your behalf.<\/span><\/p>\n Learn the entire process of making animated short films. From writing the script, storyboarding, modeling, rigging, and animating, to exporting a final film.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nPost Your Availability in Your Socials<\/span><\/h3>\n
Open Commissions via Social Media<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Post Your Services or Browse Opportunities on Marketplace Sites<\/span><\/h3>\n
Browse Animation-Specific Job Sites<\/span><\/h3>\n
Browse Video Game Opportunities<\/span><\/h3>\n
Local Studios and Agencies<\/span><\/h3>\n
Search Popular Job Sites<\/span><\/h3>\n
Your Best Option As an Independent Animator<\/span><\/h3>\n
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