“Nothing’s occurring in animation – You manufacture everything.” Gore Verbinski, film director The animation industry is rife with technologies and techniques to speed up or enhance the animation production process. Every month, various innovations pop up across the world with the promise of guiding animators to improve their animation styles or develop impressive techniques.  These steps […]

"Animation is different from other parts. Its language is the language of caricature. Our most difficult job was to develop the cartoon's unnatural but seemingly natural anatomy for humans and animals." Walt Disney Let’s be honest: Movies and shows with human actors are great, but there is something about watching animation that adds an extra […]

“A dedicated workspace is the cornerstone of high-quality productions!” Nate Eckerson, Animator When thinking about creating the perfect animator setup, there are many things to take into consideration, like price, aesthetics, practicality, usability, longevity, and more. It can be hard to find the perfect equipment, but deciding which will be the best pieces to fill […]

“It is critical to understand the story and emotion of the sequence before placing cameras into the scene. Without this, a camera is only a spectator in the scene, not a storyteller." Arem Kim, Layout Artist, Pixar The animation layout process involves conceptualizing environments in which character animation and special effects occur, founded on an […]

“Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals.” Jim Rohn, Entrepreneur In all aspects of life, there are always going to be essential skills and Jim Rohn, Entrepreneuractivities everyone must know, like dressing up and eating. These fundamentals are the groundwork which more impressive skills can […]

"The most important thing is that you have to have the visual effects working for you, instead of you working for the visual effects." David Heyman, Film Producer & Founder of “Heyday Films” Animated videos and Hollywood blockbusters have one thing in common—they grapple audiences' attention with unique animations and video effects, or VFX, that […]

“More often than not, rendering takes forever and a day! You could have the fanciest gears and still, rendering takes hours, which could be a problem if you are working on a tight schedule.” Tina Lee, Animator and Writer Completing an animation project after spending hours, days, or even weeks creating it is one of […]

“Animation is different from other parts. Its language is the language of caricature. Our most difficult job was to develop the cartoon's unnatural but seemingly natural anatomy for humans and animals.” Walt Disney There are a vast amount of animation techniques out there that can help animators work faster and more efficiently, all while creating […]

“We're made up of thousands of parts with thousands of functions all working in tandem to keep us alive. Yet if only one part of our imperfect machine fails, life fails. It makes one realize how fragile, how flawed we are.” Ingun Black-Briar, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Animation is paramount in bringing video game […]

"Good composition is like a suspension bridge; each line adds strength and takes none away... Making lines run into each other is not composition; there must be a motive for the connection. Get the art of controlling the observer — that is composition." Robert Henri Compositing in animation involves combining elements like character animations, special […]

"Whereas in animation, you have to kind of do a series of drawings in between to complete the movement." — Gerald Scarfe GIF by Azarang Azarang via Pinterest The name or title "in-betweener" can give the impression of an insignificant animation role. That impression is far from the truth, as the role of an in-between […]

“Nothing’s occurring in animation – you manufacture everything.” Gore Verbinski As a freelance animator, you’re likely aware that you constantly need to improve your skills. One of the things that make animation such an interesting and exciting field is that it always offers new opportunities to learn and is constantly evolving.  While this means that […]

“When you learn animation, you will gain an incredible super power. The super power to create motion, emotion and life from nothing…” Animator Island, Animators As an animator, you need to know the tricks of the trade, and this includes the rules of animating.  While there are several fundamental rules of animating, like the 12 […]

“Diversity and inclusion, which are the real grounds for creativity, must remain at the center of what we do.” Marco Bizzarri, Gucci President and CEO Over recent years, the animation industry has become more diverse and inclusive. This means hiring, casting, and featuring more women, people of color, and members of the LGBT community.  It’s […]

“It's not like the computer magically does it for you. Animation just takes forever." Stephen Hillenburg, Creator of SpongeBob Square Pants Creativity is paramount in continuously creating distinct characters and worlds, to which animators exercise good practice by knowing how to prepare and organize animation assets for working on the animation project. Animation assets are […]

“I visualize a time when we will be to robots what dogs are to humans, and I’m rooting for the machines.” Claude Shannon Animation is an incredibly unique form of art. It can be very personal and intimate, but it can also be incredibly vast and open-ended. AI is rapidly changing the world of animation, […]

“Efficiency is doing better what is already being done.” Peter Drucker, Author Image by Anders Norén via Duduf 2D character animation is a fun and exciting process involving combining various pictures of different widths and heights to create the illusion of movement when there is none in a two-dimensional world without any depth. Animating characters […]

In the late 1800s, moving pictures took the world by storm. The idea that movement could be captured and replayed for an audience introduced a whole new chapter in the tale of entertainment. And when moving cartoons came onto the scene in the early 1900s, the extra twist only added to the excitement. Around the […]

“Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the hearts and minds of the community, where it really counts.” Barbara Gittings, Activist In TV and film, LGBT representation has always been rather half-baked or forced; even mere references would have to be thoroughly discussed between writers and executives or face the […]

“With film, TV, and video game fans all over the world hungry for fresh content, there are more opportunities than ever before for aspiring 2D and 3D Animators.” Nadia Stefyn, Animator and Writer There are numerous animation styles that you can try out to create and sustain a successful career as a freelance animator. Deciding […]

"We use math, science, and code to create these amazing worlds. We use storytelling and art to bring them to life." Danielle Feinberg, Director of Photography, Pixar While the primary focus is usually on the creativity in animated films, behind the scenes lies the unsung glory of math and how it is significant to an […]

“Computers are incredibly fast, accurate, and stupid. Human beings are incredibly slow, inaccurate, and brilliant. Together they are powerful beyond imagination.” Albert Einstein Ah, the age-old question: what do I buy, and why? In this case, we’re talking about computers and not just those big towers you might be used to. There are many reasons […]

“As well as grabbing attention, video content can also make social media messages more memorable.” The Animation Guys, Animators GIF by Margarita Ivanchikova via Dribble Social media’s popularity has grown exponentially over the past decade. Social media has become an integral part of our everyday lives, and many people have taken advantage of this to […]

“Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” Richard Branson, Entrepreneur and Business Magnate There are tons of animation software and mobile applications springing up. Each one promises advanced new features and a more efficient animation process.  See for yourself and check out the top 10 best animation software for freelance animators or […]

“The role of culture is that it’s the form through which we as a society reflect on who we are, where we’ve been, and where we hope to be.” Wendell Pierce, Actor For some, a cartoon by any other name would still be just a cartoon. But, for animators and animation enthusiasts, where a cartoon […]

“Line drawing is to understand the world around you; even when the lines create something quite abstract, the interpretation of feeling and observing can come together in beautifully raw and unexpected ways.”   Jen Dixon, Abstract and Figurative Artist  Line drawing animation is probably one of the most exciting animation styles out there. It provides animators […]

“As a 3D animation artist, you get to be a part of a creative industry with plenty of exciting projects and perks.” Jasmine Katatikarn, Technical Arts Manager Being a 3D animator is exciting! You get to bring images to life through movement and create life-like renditions for films, games, or even advertisements.  Many animators opt […]

“Luckily, I went to school at CalArts and then ended up at Disney, starting in the Animation Building and working my way up. I started as an animator, and then did character designing and storyboarding, and eventually, directing.” Chris Buck, Film Director, Frozen 2 Animation roles, artistic abilities, and computer and technical competencies vary slightly […]

The animation industry is filled with talented people at every corner. Animators have created tons of impressive content that has shaped the world we know today, from trendy video games to brand websites to iconic films.  Unfortunately, it would be no surprise to hear that men are usually at the forefront of such big animation […]

“For as long as humans have crawled upon the surface of the earth we have held a fascinated with art and motion.” Rob Redman, Animator, and Creative Editor 3D animation has taken the animation industry by storm in recent years. The rising popularity of animated television shows, video games, and feature-length films has ensured no […]

“Unity is strength, division is weakness.” Swahili Proverb The Unity Engine is one of the most well-known video games and IDE engines on the market. A considerable number of people are using it all around the world in all spheres of development, ranging from animators and designers to game developers and filmmakers. It has undoubtedly […]

“The animation industry is a competitive field with a wide variety of possibilities.” Josie Myers, Writer As the world of animation expands and the importance of animation in business increases, it should come as no surprise that the demand for quality freelance animators has escalated too. Choosing to start a freelance 2D animation career can […]

2D or traditional animation is considered one of the oldest animation styles. Originating in the early 1900s, the work of 2D animation has resulted in some of the most popular and iconic videos and characters, such as the film Spirited Away and the character Mickey Mouse. Focusing on 2D animation for your animation business is […]

“We’ve taken mo-cap and made it performance capture. You don’t just want the motion, you want the emotion and for that, you need a performance.” Jon Landau, Film Producer We say, “Lord of the Rings” odds are you think “My precious” (You heard it in your head, didn’t you?) - words were eerily spoken by […]

“Movement brings shapes to life, creating connections for an audience. Animation can also bring data to life…” Andy Cotgreave, Visual Analytics Expert Data animation is useful for visualizing and making sense of complex data in a world with a lot of information at our fingertips. Animating data makes it more engaging and useful, especially when […]

“Most industries have a skills gap somewhere, and the animation industry is no exception.” Lucy Lee, Animation Author Most creative industries have skill gaps and the animation industry is no exception. Animation skill gaps make it hard for animation studios and clients to hire suitable animators for the job. Animation skills gaps can be your […]

“You shouldn’t focus on why you can’t do something, which is what most people do. You should focus on why, perhaps, you can, and be one of the exceptions.” – Steve Case, CEO  The world has seen the rise of diverse industries and tons of innovative companies over the years. With new products and business […]

“If you’re sitting in your minivan, playing your computer-animated films for your children in the back seat, is it the animation that’s entertaining you as you drive and listen? No, it’s the storytelling. That’s why we put so much importance on story. No amount of great animation will save a bad story.” John Lasseter Storytime […]

“Real-time animation allows your characters to come to life in completely new ways.” Kito Kondowe, Animator The animation industry is ever-evolving and it was born out of artists' experimentation with filmmaking in the early 20th century. With experimentation comes discovery and with discovery comes innovation and evolution.  The animation styles many grew up watching as […]

“Animation is not a damn genre. Animation is cinema!” Guillermo Del Toro (Filmmaker, and Director) Animated films have been underestimated in the film industry and classified as a ‘children’s genre’ for years. Although the majority of animated films are created for children, there are also animation genres created exclusively for the enjoyment of adults. Animation […]

“Animation is not the art of drawings that move but the art of movements that are drawn.”  Norman McLaren Whether you’ve been a freelance animator for years or are just starting out, you’ve probably heard about frame-by-frame animation.  It is a highly respected form of animation hailing from the golden days when Walt Disney created […]

“Good communication is just as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh: Writer and Aviator Graphic design is an integral part of the way we communicate today, and the fusion of graphic design and animation has given storytelling a new kind of flourish.  By merging graphic design and […]

“I am an animator. I feel like I’m the manager of an animation cinema factory. I am not an executive. I’m rather like a foreman, like the boss of a team of craftsmen. That is the spirit of how I work.” Hayao Miyazaki Starting your own business can be excruciating, and you must simultaneously juggle […]

“The animation industry is a competitive field with a wide variety of possibilities.” Josie Myers, Writer When deciding whether to enter into a new industry, you often have to consider the state of that industry and look at its potential future growth. It can be tough to weigh all of the factors such as potential […]

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” Dr. Seuss: Author, Animator, Filmmaker As a freelance creative and a freelance animator, one of the best ways to ensure a high chance of getting work is through your 3D animator's portfolio. Your animation portfolio contains the essence of who you are as a 3D […]

“It’s the most challenging option for animators, but starting your own business and studio is rewarding just for the experience alone” Julia Kotlyar, Producer While freelancing is a great option for many animators, it can become quite difficult to keep up with the heavy workload required to pay bills and survive in an increasingly uncertain […]

“I still have a dream of what if Rodin was alive today or Michelangelo, and you gave them the art form of animation, but did not show them anything that had been done before. Where would they take it?” - Glen Keane Image by Gifmk7 via Giphy We at Business of Animation (BOA) have a […]

“Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working.” Pablo Picasso While it’s true that inspiration really can come from anywhere, it’s very rare that you’ll find your eureka moment sitting on the floor staring at a wall (it definitely works for some, but you can’t rely solely on that!)  When you’re in a slump […]

“Light boxes allow artists to improve their drawing process with a quick technique.” Jacob Cass, Brand Designer Animator's lightboxes are extremely versatile pieces of equipment for animators and artists. An animators lightbox is also one of the most essential pieces of equipment to own if you’re a traditional animator since it drastically cuts down on […]

“Art is anything you can get away with." Andy Warhol, Artist Rotoscope animation is a contentious topic in some animation circles. But, there’s no denying that this animation technique has significant benefits for freelance animators. For animators striving to produce outstanding work that's realistic and completed timeously, animation rotoscoping holds heaps of potential.  And if […]

“If a static picture is worth a thousand words, how much is an animation worth?” Ana Gregurec, Graphic Designer As an animator, your most significant source of income is doing projects for clients, but you should always be looking at ways to expand your stream of income. One of the ways this can be done […]

“The animation industry is ripe with opportunity and it’s yours for the taking if you have the potential and are willing to put in the work.” Osama Khabab, Animator & Writer So, you went to a top animation school, and you have all the essential skills to become an animator. But have you ever wondered […]

"Nowadays the skills and crew required to make a game and a movie are virtually identical... I've witnessed the blurring between the two media which has been occurring gradually over the years." Lionel Gallat, Animator and Game Developer While the medium of animation has been around for hundreds of years, video game animation is still […]

“Art is a continuous activity with no separation between past and present” Henry Monroe Known as the golden age of animation, animations in the 1930s have had a significant influence on the course of the animation and film industries alike.  From color and sound to characters and techniques, the golden age of animation took the […]

“Color is the place where our brain and the universe meet.” Paul Klee Color has the potential to hold your attention, calm you down, annoy you, or send an impactful message to viewers. Color plays an essential role in everyone’s lives as it is culturally significant and it has the potential to influence our decisions.  […]

“I made tons of films. I did animation for my friends’ films. I animated scenes just for the fun of it. Most of my stuff was bad, but I had fun, and I tried everything I knew to get better.” Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Being a freelance animator means staying at the […]

“Any program is only as good as it is useful.” Linus Torvalds, Creator of Linux What is Blender Animation?  Blender is the open-source, free-of-charge 3D animation software you have been dreaming of!  Blender refers to itself as a community-driven project under the GNU General Public License. What does this even mean, you ask?  Blender gives […]

“I want you to be you, the best version of you, because, ultimately, that’s what inspires the world.” Steve Savalle The 12 principles of animation were first introduced in 1981 by Disney animators Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas.  In their book “The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation,” Johnston and Thomas examine the work of Disney […]

"Technology is the friend of traditional animation. It doesn't have to replace it. It can help you do it." Tomm Moore Technology has done wonders for the animation industry, and that’s a fact. From the evolution of 2D to 3D styles and from paper backgrounds to digitally rendered shadows, we’ve seen massive change over the […]

“While traditional animation may be waiting in the wings now, its artistic impact and merit are nothing to ignore.” Beth Nipper A traditional animation process is the oldest known process for creating animations. It was first used in the 17th century by the Venetian inventor Giovanni Fontana who popularized the method that became the dominant […]

Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive. - Walt Disney So, you’ve heard of Disney recycling animations and at first either felt disappointed or were impressed by how inventive they are. Disney recycling animations was a hot topic a few years ago, and while the studio never tried to hide that they […]

“Focus on being productive instead of busy.” Tim Ferris Whether you should be animating on 1s, 2s, or 3s is an age-old question that many animators may find themselves facing.  There’s value in every option, but animating on 2s has grown in popularity for some crucial reasons. Some of the most efficient animation producers, animation […]

As you make your first foray into the freelance animation business, questions such as “What sort of animation equipment do I require for my office/studio?” and “Where can I get this equipment from?” are bound to cross your mind. With a vast array of animation equipment, software, and hardware now available online or at specialty […]

You may not know it yet, but unless you've been living television free for the past 30 years, there's a good chance you are well acquainted with one of Matt Groening's creations, like, for example, The Simpsons. You know, the silly, hapless, sometimes dysfunctional, but well-meaning animated family from the fictional town of Springfield?  And […]

Virtual reality has become more and more popular in recent years, especially in the realm of video games and the emergence of a metaverse, both spaces where animators can flourish and take advantage of new animation technology.  Animation has come a long way in terms of its uses as it is no longer only used […]

We've come a long way in the evolution of animation. I mean, can you even believe there was a time when each frame of an animated character was drawn by hand? Well, believe it or not, it happened, and yes, it still happens in some cases.  People who draw their animation characters by hand are […]

All modern-day animation is built on the foundations of the Principles of Animation, the 12 techniques that all animators should understand and practice as much as possible. We have the original Disney Animators who worked on the earliest and most well-known Disney animations to thank for these concepts and it is indeed something every animator […]

Succeeding as a freelance animator requires you to have the necessary animation and business skills, as well as good animation software to keep your animation clients satisfied with good quality animations. If you’re considering becoming a freelance animator, check out our blog on the answers to 12 of the best freelance animation questions to see […]

Animation is a long process, and it can take anywhere between a few weeks and a few months to complete a project. Not only that but completing an animation project often requires a whole team of animators who specialize in certain areas in the animation process. Each one of these job roles in an animation […]

So, you finally decided to take the leap and become a freelance animator. You’ve got big dreams and high aspirations, and you’re looking forward to being your own boss and running your own small animation studio where you get to choose your own work hours and the clients you want to work with.  It’s a […]

The animation industry has grown exponentially in the last few years, and it has become increasingly difficult to be successful as an animator. There seems to be an infinite number of animators who want to make their mark on the industry. Because of the high job demand, many animators have opted to become freelancers instead […]

Have you been pondering the question of whether or not you should get an animation layout artist for your animation business? Well, all we would say for now is this - it is very advisable to employ the services of an animation layout artist for your animations! Don't worry, the picture gets even clearer as […]

While some of the best animators may be self-taught, gaining the right animator qualifications will ensure that you have what it takes to be successful in the industry and that your abilities are clear when applying for new projects or working with partners.  Since animation has its roots in creativity, you may want to skip […]

When entering a profession or career, one thing people tell you is that it's important to look the part.  Looking the part creates the first impression as it's what people will automatically notice when first meeting you. And while first impressions may not always count for some people, it's vital if you want your career […]

With the changes, constant evolution, and advancement in animation technology, animators are required to keep up to date with these changes so that they are not left behind. This is why animation events are organized to inform animators of the latest animation techniques they should be aware of. Animation events are simply programs, conferences, or […]

Whether you’re new to the world of freelance animation, or you’re a seasoned industry veteran, it is absolutely important to know your rights regarding the copyright of the animations that you, or your team of animators, create. As a freelance animator-turned-animation studio owner, you will spend the bulk of your time working with different clients […]

Animators on YouTube have dominated the animation industry for a long time and YouTube provides the perfect platform for animators to share their work with the animation community and teach fellow animators valuable skills.  YouTube has long since been a popular platform where people can get creative and share their ideas and talents with the […]

As a freelance animator, it’s important to learn about all the animation terms and skills that may help you grow as an animator. Using an “animation base” is one of the terms and practices you should learn as it can help to improve your animation skills. If you’re looking to make your animation more fluid […]

The life of an animator in the past goes something a little like this.  Go to school and earn your degree. Next, find an unpaid internship at a major animation studio. Make coffee and draw fan art for a year or two. Leave the studio with great coffee-making skills.  Not sounding as appealing as you […]

Walt Disney, Ub Iwerks, Matt Groening, and Hayao Miyazaki. Known by many as some of the best animators of all time, these giants in the animation industry are responsible for creating classics like Cinderella and Mickey Mouse and more modern animations like The Simpsons. But like everybody, they had to start their animation journey somewhere […]

Being a freelance animator is great. You can take on projects you are passionate about and work your own hours.  When you’re a freelance animator, you don’t have a boss constantly looking over your shoulder, and while that might seem like the best thing that could ever happen to you, it also means that all […]

As a freelance animator, you are required to be versatile, a real jack-of-all-trades, as it were, and, to receive a steady influx of work, you need to be able to offer your animation clients a variety of services. Put simply, as a freelance animator, you will be working with a plethora of different types of […]

Creating entertaining and to-the-point animations is just one of the many animator job responsibilities professionals need to manage.  You may find that your workday as an animator is unpredictable and not very easy to set to a schedule.  This may be because you aren't fully aware of all the animator job responsibilities that fall in […]

If we’ve learned anything from Age of Empires, it’s that you cannot build an empire without sufficient resources. Much in the same way, we cannot as freelance creatives build our careers without the proper tools and resources aiding us. There are a lot of animation resources out there to both help you start out as […]

Animation imparts a significant visual impact while simultaneously evoking enduring memories, which is perhaps why the popularity of marketing animation continues to rise and has become an integral part of businesses’ advertising campaigns.  Marketing animation has a long history that starts, unsurprisingly, at the inception of animation itself.  Animation has always been an extension of […]

Working as a freelancer is for many a very enticing thought. It sure makes sense when you think of the benefits like working “your own personal hours”, and charging “whatever you want” for the work you put out, but before you decide to take a dive into the ocean of freelancing, there are some questions […]

The way you work as a freelance animator is influenced by your creative workspace.  Picking the right type of animator’s desk for you will make your work processes smoother and feed into a more efficient animation workflow.   But, before rushing out to buy the first animator’s desk you see, you should look into the specs […]

If you’re a freelance animator, you know that sometimes inspiration and creativity elude the best of us. That’s usually when you need to go back and figure out why you love being an animator in the first place.  Luckily, there are tons of top animated movies for freelances to draw inspiration from when the going […]

Being a successful animator requires learning about and mastering several essential animator skills. These include both hard technical skills and soft people skills.  Some of the most important animator skills for animators to learn are hard skills. These are technical skills that are used in the process of animation and entail having an understanding of […]

Two questions that come up often in the animation field are “How do you get inspired as an animator?” and “What is your animation inspiration?” Unlike other jobs, which don’t rely entirely on being creative, animators thrive on inspiration and creativity.  However, when animation is your job, you are obliged to work hard, practice, and […]

It’s no secret that the Disney animators within Walt Disney animation studios have created any number of timeless classics over the past century and there is a huge amount that every animator, either aspiring or professional, can learn from the company, the animators who work there, and the art that gets released. It’s also well […]

Do you have big dreams to become a famous animator that everyone knows? You want to be a well-known animator, but you don’t know how you could achieve this through freelancing.  People can frequently misjudge how much potential and growth comes from being an animation freelancer. Starting your animation career as a freelancer can get […]

A key to succeeding as an animator - whether that be as a freelance animator or the owner of an animation studio - is to effectively advertise your animation services to potential animation clients.  In the past, the process of advertising animation services was a complicated and often time-consuming endeavor, requiring animators to spend copious […]

There are many pros of working from home as a freelance animator - no time-wasting commute; more flexible working hours; increased time with friends, family, and pets; and better control over your own schedule.  However, embarking on a career as a freelance animator comes with its own set of challenges and it’s essential to create […]

TikTok has climbed its way into one of the most popular social media platforms at breakneck speed. With its viral funky dance moves, its simple how-to tutorials, and its calm day-in-the-life vlogs, this social media platform has become an attractive space for artists, influencers, content creators, and even the casual observer. Among those actively taking […]

While working as a freelance animator, you’ll pick up tons of general animation terms that’ll help you understand animation and navigate your day-to-day work.  But, how much business-related animation lingo do you know? And, how beneficial is knowing this animation lingo when it comes to running a freelance animation business?  Having a sound animation terms […]

Whether you're an animator looking to build your portfolio, sharpen your animating skills, or have some fun, doing personal animation projects can help you better appreciate the craft without feeling burdened by external deadlines. Luckily, one of the great things about being an animator is that there is no shortage of new animation trends and […]

The scene is set, the animator's toolset poised to go. Your mind is scrambling to sort through numerous overused ideas or there’s just…nothing. And just a tiny bit of panic starts to set in. Sound familiar? Maybe you're looking at the numerous animations already created for various companies and wondering “how on earth do I […]

Even if you love your career in the animation industry, it’s common to feel overwhelmed every once in a while. This can cause an animator’s block, a temporary lull in creativity that hinders you from producing animation content. When you’re going through a creative block (or an animator's block), it can be difficult to get […]

Being a freelance animator is no joke, and if you’ve been at it for a while, you know that sinking feeling you get when a proposal gets turned down or you end up not acquiring a job after having an interview with a prospective client.  You probably have various thoughts swirling around your head when […]

The animation industry is booming, and these days, it’s open to anyone who desires to work in it. But that wasn’t always the case. It’s common knowledge that many industries were male-dominated in the past, and the animation industry was no different.  Luckily, there were some brave women who refused to let the very obvious […]

As the world of animation expands and the importance of animation in business increases, it should come as no surprise that the demand for quality freelance animators has escalated too. In recent years freelance animation has become a very popular practice among the modern workforce. Currently, 57 million Americans have selected freelance work as their […]

The life of a freelance animator has changed drastically since the early conception of the art of animation so many years ago. Both the hardware and the software have improved dramatically to assist in making the animation process that much friendly, and easier. Not only have the specific tools of the trade evolved brilliantly, but […]

You may feel a shiver of fear run down your spine when you think about selling your digital art online. How do you know you’ll be dealing in secure online transactions? What about ownership of your digital animation and ensuring you receive royalties? This is where crypto animation comes in, in all its blockchains and […]

To grow and maintain a successful freelance animation business, it’s important that your animation projects reflect the desired ideas and end goals of your clients. One way to do this is to create a basic blueprint in the form of an animatic so that your clients can get a sense of how you’re bringing their […]

As with any business, in the animation industry, it is essential to keep up with the latest and greatest animation trends. Indeed, understanding current and upcoming animation trends can set animators up for future success. The demand for quality animation within the creative advertising industry has increased exponentially in recent years, with animation being utilized […]

Animation is an industry that has made huge contributions in both the marketing and entertainment sectors. Although these contributions were very important, there are other industries that have also benefited from animation. Animation's impact has been significant in many sectors, however, the nature of some industries has made animation’s impact more important and valuable to […]

When you think of Morgan Freeman, what’s the first thought that comes to your mind? You’ll most probably think of his deep voice, like that of a narrator. Science has offered various explanations on why we love Morgan Freeman’s voice so much. His voice alone has made him a memorable personality. In effect, when we […]

Tidying up your animation production workflow can shave hours off your workload, and help you become a more efficient professional animator while you’re at it.  No matter how convoluted or inefficient the animation workflow you’ve grown accustomed to is, whipping it into shape is always doable. The best way to start is by understanding your […]

As the name suggests, a call-to-action (CTA) is an instruction that can appear on your animation website and encourage further engagement with potential clients.  Typically, a CTA may exist in the form of a hyperlink, button, or even a video, which is perfect for animators. When clicked on, the user is prompted to take some […]

How Do You Start an Animation Studio? The animation industry is one that has a bright future ahead, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Creating animations is far more accessible today than it was in the past, just as queuing in cafes to access the internet is now history.  Close […]

If you’re an animator, chances are you’ve asked yourself these questions before when the going got tough: Is there a demand for animators? Is it hard for animators to find a job? And what are the different animation jobs you can consider?  The truth is that there are tons of animation career opportunities you can […]

I am a good animator, why am I not getting the clients I am looking for?  Sound familiar?  You’re not alone in this sentiment. The ability to animate is only one small part of what makes a successful animator. Beyond your technical skills, animation is about networking, client relations, and business sense.  It feels like […]

Burnout can happen even to the best and most experienced animators. This type of work-related stress can lead to physical or mental exhaustion, ultimately affecting efficiency and the way we handle projects.  Though rewarding, the animation industry can be demanding. It is a career that requires you to perform and thrive under pressure, meet tight […]

Almost all small animation studios start as one-person operations. This can be helpful to teach you how to be resourceful and handle all the responsibilities that come with running an animation studio. Working alone can also help teach you important business skills to have as an animator.  To learn more about what business skills you […]

Adding to your animation skills while you work can be tough. But there are some awesome  options that can fit your time schedule, budget, and professional goals.  For freelance animators of every skill level, there are countless 2D animation courses, 3D animation courses, and courses for everything in between to take advantage of. In this […]

Many businesses turn to animated videos to get their brand message across and engage their audience. Animated videos are a great way to present information in an educational yet entertaining manner.  Your clients may have somewhat of an idea of what they want to be portrayed in their message, but it is animators who bring […]

A creative brief is comparable to a game plan. Commonly developed in the planning stage, a creative brief often works as a benchmark to be referred to by animators and their clients. Creative briefs are usually one to two pages long and contain guidelines and essential details that will help steer animators in the right […]

“Until the contract is signed, nothing is real” Glenn Danzig, an American singer, songwriter, musician, film director, and record producer. Glenn Danzig speaks from experience as he built his career in a creatively cutthroat environment. This is similar to the animation industry. It is extremely competitive so you need to have your skills up to […]

As a freelance animator building your portfolio and clientele, it’s inevitable that you’ll come across difficult clients who make it nearly impossible to complete your animated video projects.  It’s important to do what you can to keep your animation clients happy, but sometimes it isn’t always easy to do so when your motivation is drained […]

Upselling and cross-selling are some of the best business practices that can help set your animation services apart from your competitors. These two techniques focus on meeting clients' needs to enhance their experience with your animation business.  Though getting the hang of upselling and cross-selling may take some time, it will be worth it once […]

How do you balance raising your rates as an animator and keeping your clients happy? Asking people for money is a challenging experience. Never mind asking people for more money.  “Happiness is not the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of the creative effort.” Franklin D. Roosevelt […]

As an Animator, there are unique career opportunities available to you that are specific to certain industries. These ‘opportunities’ are called animation niches. Think of your successful animation career as your destination and your animation niche as the vehicle that gets you there. In this article, we will explore and analyze the potential impact of […]

The key to succeeding as an animator is to make a killer animation portfolio that draws the attention of potential animation clients and employers. When you’re looking to pursue your career as an animator, you need to find a way to portray your animation work to show future animation clients or employers your capabilities and […]

NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are all the rage right now. Odds are that you’ve probably heard of NFTs whether it be from word of mouth or scrolling on social media. For animators, this could be a huge step in improving issues they have with maintaining ownership of their animations and gaining royalties from sales. In a […]

Podcasts have gained popularity within the last two decades as a form of entertainment that fits right into people’s busy lives.  Unlike videos, it requires less attention from the listener, which means it is also less effort for the animator wanting to start their own animation podcast. If you’re an animator who is rather camera-shy […]

As an animator, joining communities where you get to meet and connect with fellow animators or creative professionals in the animation industry is a crucial step in sustaining a successful career in animation.  There are tons of animation associations, organizations, unions, and networks you can join to expand your animation career, knowledge, and skillset.  These […]

When thinking about kitting out an animation studio, there are many things to take into consideration like price, aesthetic, practicality, usability, longevity, and the list goes on. It can be difficult to separate the perfect equipment from the imperfect, but deciding the best pieces to fill your space with is paramount to ensuring a level […]

2D animation, often known as Traditional Animation, is the process of animating still images using computer software or traditional arts in a two-dimensional space. It allows you to play with the height and width of characters and backgrounds to artificially create depth. The traditional aspect refers to the hand-written drawings where frames are drawn on […]

Marketing and Sales are closely related departments that directly affect the success of an animation business. Besides being the driving force behind income, these departments are also the first points of communication between an animation company and its clients. This means that by fine-tuning your marketing and sales techniques, you come as close as possible […]

You may be considering pursuing a career in animation, but you find yourself asking, “Is being an animator a stable career?” The short answer to this question is yes! When you’re considering what career path to choose, you need to question what will be a stable source of income for you. This can ultimately determine […]

You know you’re a great animator, with skills to reckon with!  But, how do you convince a potential employer or client that you have what it takes to make the best animations for their needs?  With a smashing animation resume, that’s how!  What is an Animation Resume? A Resume for Animators? GIF by The Nebraska […]

All animators go through a creative block from time to time. There are many ways for animators to overcome a creative block which includes learning more about animation and its current trends, as well as getting inspiration from other animators’ styles and tips. This can also help you brush up on animation knowledge you may […]

Are you an animator who has writing skills? Do you want another source of income as a freelance animator? Does your animation business need a little traffic and exposure? If your answer to either of these questions is yes, then you should consider writing guest blog posts as an animator. If you own an animation […]

The world has seen a ton of impressive animated videos across multiple platforms. With the help of animation industries, different professional fields and brands have produced either animated promotional materials, infomercials, or short films. The impact of animation has spread and is consistently expanding with the acceleration of technology and the innovation of various unique […]

The new age of digital and remote work can be an exciting thing to think about, to say the least, and not just for animators. However, with this increased level of interconnectivity, you need to be careful with managing your time and space and make sure not to blur the lines between your work life […]

Motion Graphics and Animation are the same things, right? Right?! Well, only partially right. Now although they might have the same “roots”, think of animation as a “tree” and motion graphics as one of its “branches”. Let's take a deeper look that hopefully “leaves” a better impression than my tree analogy. Understanding these concepts is […]

Whether you’re a freelance animator or own an animation studio, using a survey is a valuable way to receive feedback. Surveys can serve numerous functions, but their main purpose is to gather feedback and information for market research. Surveys for animation businesses are simple and easy to make, especially if you find survey templates for […]

There are a lot of animation styles out there that you can try out and develop to create and sustain a successful career as a freelance animator. A handful of the more famous ones are 2D animation, 3D animation, stop motion animation, motion capture, typography animation, and claymation.  Among the list, the most common styles […]

There are many ways for small animation businesses to market their services.  Various different marketing strategies are implemented and developed to increase profit. These strategies include email, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay Per Click (PPC), and social media, as there are many benefits to each of them.  Another strategy that can help you avoid upfront […]

Animation is your life, right?  You live, breathe, think, and see in pixels. Your movements are a series of brush strokes.  Your passion though, you can’t eat it.  Creating strong business networks and finding your first animation client is a challenge at first, but not one beyond you. And, as this network grows and your […]

Once upon a time, an animator just like yourself could earn a living, afford a house and a spouse and a dog and even two-point-five kids from one animation job at one place! No need for side gigs or nights where you lay awake in bed and think of ways to make extra money.  I […]

Marketing is one of the most important things you need to focus on as a creative, and most certainly as an animator in the animation industry. Whether you’re working for a big animation studio, or as a freelancer out of the comfort of your own home, you need to ensure that you’re consistently marketing yourself […]

If you go through the websites and social media pages of many great animators, you’ll find that they have created and developed their personal animation style throughout the years. This is an important aspect sometimes overlooked by beginner animators. As an animator, developing an animation style adds value and authenticity, especially in the comparative and […]

Do Animators Need A Website? You’re pursuing your career in animation, but you’re struggling to successfully establish yourself in the animation industry. Creating a website for animation is the best way for you to integrate into the animation industry. This website can act as an animation portfolio to display your animation references for potential animation […]

So you’re looking at animation as a potential career path? Well, if using your creative flair on a day-to-day basis excites you, look no further. Choosing and preparing for the right career is never an easy task. In this article, we explore 5 questions to ask yourself before starting an animation career. Let's get you […]

An Introduction On How Do You Price Animations Pricing your animation work can be challenging. Figuring out how much to charge for freelance animation can be difficult in many ways and may at times seem either egotistical or demeaning. You need to learn to tread the line of accurate and fair charges effectively for pricing […]

You’re ready to become an animation studio business owner, but you’re afraid of how much it might cost to open a startup animation company. Starting an animation studio can be costly, but this shouldn’t deter you from pursuing your dream as a freelance animator or studio owner. Once you break down the costs, you'll get […]

Pitching your project to an animation client is never easy. Putting together all of your ideas for an animation pitch without proper planning can lead to a messy presentation. The project’s intention and the purpose of the pitch can get lost if you don’t have a set format to stick to when pitching. Thankfully, an […]

3D animation has brought us several unforgettable films. They can suspend our imagination and allow us to travel to different unique worlds. When we think of 3D animation, the likes of Toy Story, Frozen, and Shrek come to mind. What we fail to realize is that making these films is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. […]

With the many challenges freelance animators and animation studio owners face from day to day, they must be equipped with the business skills and proper know-how to build and sustain a successful animation career. These skills are essential considering the fast-growing and competitive animation industry. From general information to financial tips and tricks, some particular […]

As a studio owner, you should advertise your animation services to the right audience.  Simply posting animation ads online can earn you some clicks, but if you’re serious about your ad campaigns reaching your target animation clients and turning those clicks into conversions, optimizing your ads is crucial.  One of the many ways this can […]

Reading books about animation is one of the simplest places to begin. There are unlimited books on how to become an animator. Animation books are fantastic as they can be referenced at any time. Through reading animation books, you will discover the different types of animation styles. It is helpful to know what kind of […]

One of the best ways to maintain a successful animation business for the long term is to keep it organized. Being organized is especially important with all the other tasks and responsibilities you have to juggle as an animator or studio owner.  It is one of the best skills all businessmen should acquire. Not only […]

Finding a job that you enjoy doing sounds like a dream come true but the process of finding that dream animation job of yours is often a lot less glamorous. There’s a lot they don’t teach you in school, one very important thing being how to find work. Hunting for work, especially in animation can […]

The basis of communication with freelance animator clients is a transfer of knowledge to fulfill a project. Effective communication with clients is essential for building a strong rapport. This builds confidence in the brand and ensures a comfortable relationship between team members and animation clients. Companies should bend over backward to satisfy client needs.  A […]

Hiring Voice Actors isn't just about experience, it's about finding a voice that fits the tone, goals, and personality of your animation and client's brand.

Technology has given animators many opportunities for growth and career advancement, with its features championing accessibility and convenience from production to promotion.  One of the more popular avenues for success is through selling digital assets on the blockchain. In the art industry, more specifically the animation industry, this refers to selling NFTs.  What Are NFTs? […]

Salespeople or sales representatives are the people committed to ensuring your animation studio is profitable. They strategically attract animation clients by identifying their needs, offering your animation services, and fostering strong client relationships that guarantee their trust in your animation company. In a nutshell, companies and businesses hire salespersons to reach their ultimate established goals […]

Whether it’s an animated explainer video or musical jingle, a well-written script is the backbone that holds any video together. The script is an important document that outlines all of the elements that will be seen and heard by your viewers. Several other aspects, such as the voice-over and animation ideas, rely on it to […]

Animated video is an engaging medium to tell your animation clients’ stories more thoroughly in an informative, entertaining, and memorable way. Animation can strike a broader range of emotional tones. No matter how complex a concept is, animation can bring it to life with ease. It can help cover difficult subjects in a way that […]

When you’re building a successful career as an animator, making excellent animated videos should be your top priority. To do that, you have to use a storyboard. Animation storyboards will help you step by step in creating remarkable stories that satisfy your animation clients. In creating storyboards for the animated stories of your clients, you […]

There are many things to consider in creating an excellent animated video. As an animator, you need to craft videos with an engaging story, a well-written script, the appropriate sound effects, and background music, sufficient research, and, of course, the proper animation know-how.  But if there is one thing that ties everything together, it’s the […]

Email drip campaigns are a valuable addition to an animator’s marketing toolbox. They are a series of automated emails sent to animation leads and clients over a period of time.  They enable you to generate leads by showing how you can help solve their problem, enticing animation leads to keep engaging, and proving how you […]

As hooked as we are on social media today, using it for professional purposes can be a lot of work, especially when animation is already a very time-consuming job. You have to use multiple channels to maximize your online presence since one social media platform isn’t enough to promote your animation services. For instance, your […]

As a studio owner, having a successful animation business for the long term should be your main goal. To efficiently accomplish this, you will need to hire a skilled salesperson.  A salesperson or sales representative is concerned with maximizing the profit of your animation business by identifying the needs of your potential animation clients and […]

As an animator, you’ll have your hands full, ensuring your animation projects run smoothly and according to your animation client’s vision. After all, running a successful animation studio would require more than a one-man team.  You’ll need to hire a reliable and skilled team of people with the ability to carry out specific creative visions, […]

Whether you’re a freelance animator or studio owner, finding a sustainable amount of work can be challenging. With some animation clients giving you one and done projects, the need to find more work is crucial to keeping you afloat. Thankfully, setting up animation video retainers can help solve this problem.  In this blog post, we’ll […]

Do you recall your first day in college? New city, new home, new classmates, and all the possible newness in life. Everything just seemed strange, with no signs of familiar things lurking around. You thought of going out there and making friends, but that was quite nerve-wracking, especially in an unfamiliar environment. Cold messaging animation […]

The internet is often regarded as the great equalizer for its democratization of content creation and distribution tools. In particular, YouTube has made it possible for many freelance animators to not only post their animated videos but gain widespread fame and recognition for them.  These independent YouTube animators are essentially self-made, and their success stories […]

Being a freelance animator can be challenging especially when it comes to finances, not just because your paycheck isn’t consistent, but also because you’ll have to manage your personal finances by yourself. For instance, you’ll have to plan for your taxes. This includes the self-employment tax and the business tax you will be charged with […]

Sales calls are just one of the many ways freelance animators or animation studio owners can acquire new clients and work. To put it simply, a sales call is a meeting between you and a potential animation client where you promote your animation services to help grow your business. A successful sales call can be […]

Selling your services as a freelance animator or studio owner can be a difficult task, especially if you just started your animation business.  The animation industry is a competitive industry full of skilled and experienced animators and studios that provide almost the same video styles. By having a unique selling proposition and delivering on your […]

The key to being good at animation isn’t just working hard but it’s also working smart. Even if you’ve practiced harder than anyone else, all that hard work still might not amount to much if you’re not thinking about other important things, such as the business side of animation and the importance of taking breaks. […]

As an animator, you’re well-acquainted with long hours of sitting at a desk and looking at a screen. Long hours of doing these for days on end can lead to bodily discomforts and even certain injuries or chronic conditions. This is why it’s important to set up an ergonomic workstation to boost your productivity in […]

Your animation demo reel is like your cover letter or resume when applying for a job. It’s your first opportunity to show your ability to create amazing animations that stand out from other animators. It has to attract your animation client’s attention enough for them to want to work with you If you already made […]

Meeting an animation client for the first time can be nerve-wracking for sure, especially if you’re just starting out. There would be so many concerns racing through your mind. You might even be so overwhelmed to the point where your first meeting with an animation client causes you to be more stressed than excited. Questions […]

As a freelance animator or an animation studio owner, it’s challenging to get clients every now and then. And when you do secure those animation clients, it would be another challenge entirely to keep them happy. Now that you’ve got clients trusting you with their animation needs, how do you keep them happy? In this […]

Having trouble keeping up with your relationship with your animation clients? Frustrated with spending too much time organizing client profiles and interactions instead of focusing on animating? Often losing track of emails, calls, inquiries, and whatnot?  Being a freelance animator or an animation studio owner comes with its own barrage of responsibilities, from administrative to […]

Animators are under constant pressure to be creative, but more often than not, pressure can stifle or hinder creativity rather than allow it to thrive. Though many animators are passionate about their craft, the pressure to be creative combined with a heavy workload can make them feel burned out. Burnout is a result of chronic […]

In anything that you do, approaching with the proper mindset is key. For animators, it’s important to have a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset. This way of thinking allows you to look at challenges as opportunities for growth while having a fixed mindset makes you less inclined to believe that new skills can […]

A major crossroad in your animation career lies in deciding whether you should generalize or specialize. This decision will determine both your education and your career path as an animator. Because you’ve got a long road ahead of you, it will also really help if you make a decision early on.  A generalist is an […]

According to Hellen Keller, "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight and no vision.” Vision is defined as the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom. Also, as a mental image of what the future will look like. Your personal vision statement as an animator, in this […]

One cannot underestimate the power of a loyal client base. Not all of the animation clients you get remain loyal to you. As a matter of fact, only 12 to 15 percent of clients remain loyal to one retailer. However, they represent 55 to 70 percent of retail sales. A lot of businesses focus on […]

Email automation is one of the online marketing tools that have completely changed the way businesses communicate with their clients.  It’s a powerful tool that allows you to automatically send your message to specific animation clients based on their business needs at the schedule you set. If you link it with your website analytics tool, […]

When you hear the word customer service, what comes to mind? Is it answering customer questions, solving problems, delivering on a promise? Customer service is even more than that. If you want to make a powerful impression on your customers, you need to level up your customer service skills. As an animator, you’re expected to […]

The incredible power and results of online marketing is more widely known than ever. That’s why individuals and businesses are leveling up their strategies by using online platforms. Advertising online allows you to create your perfect ad campaign easily and efficiently. With online ads, you can reach and engage with a huge audience and target […]

Working with a website designer is a significant investment and takes a lot of time and effort. That’s why, before you solicit a web designer to work on your animation website, you have to be sure that they’re the best fit for your website needs. Instead of trusting your site to someone after exchanging one […]

If you’ve been an animator for years now, odds are that you have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with newer animators. Luckily, there’s a way to help other animators thrive in the industry while simultaneously expanding your reach and legitimizing your business. The answer is blogging!  Blogging has been around for around […]

As an animator, you know that turning your leads into clients is one of the most difficult but important parts of the business. Every animator wishes they had an easy time pushing sales leads down their marketing funnel, but looking for and converting new leads can often take a back seat to all the other […]

Even as tech evolves faster than ever, email is still undoubtedly the best electronic communication there is and is still relevant in business communication.  So what makes email stand out as a top-tier form of communication? It’s all about the basic principles. The greatest factor in email’s time-tested efficacy is the fact that email is […]

Payment terms determine how and when you, as a freelance animator, will get paid by your animation clients. They contain everything related to payment, including deposits, who pays for what expense, payment methods, payment deadlines, and late payment penalties. According to Twine, freelance animators are usually the ones who set the payment terms. It’s rare […]

Even if you’ve been animating for a long time now, you may still feel like you don’t know what defined your personal style of animation. Or maybe you know your style, but want to change it. You may not be sure how to develop new a animation style because you’re afraid of deviating from the […]

Animation is an ever-changing industry. You’ve surely noticed that the animation style you grew up with as a kid has morphed into something entirely new. Well, since the very beginning, animation has been evolving into what we see today.   We first saw animation in movies and shorts. Now, we see it in TV shows, ads, […]

As an animator, you need Twitter in your networking arsenal. Twitter is a great platform to connect with like-minded creative people, make friends, and share your work. With Twitter, you can even gain animation clients for free. It may seem challenging since there’s so much competition, but if you use the right strategies to market […]

Getting your animation clients to pay you on time is a common problem for many businesses and individuals. If you’re new to the business, you may assume that you’ll automatically get paid after getting hired or completing a job, but, typically, that’s just the beginning of getting your paycheck.  If you want to receive your […]

If you’ve watched a movie or played your XBOX lately, you’ve probably already noticed that animation in games and movies is evolving faster than ever. Each decade, the smoothness of playing games and the experience of watching animated movies continue to improve in quality and in the number of games and movies produced.  It is […]

Animators like you spend about half of the day sitting. A comfortable chair can make the difference between a productive day full of creativity and an annoying day filled with aches and pains.  This is why choosing the perfect chair is so important for an animator. Most likely, you will be sitting down and not […]

Repeat Clients: The Lifeblood of Your Animation Business In a world where more is more, gaining new clients tends to stay at the forefront of a company’s to-do list. Many businesses focus most of their budget on new customer acquisition, and unfortunately, retaining customers takes the backseat of the priority bus.  For example, for the […]

When it comes to defining your brand, a logo can set the tone from the very start. The best and most famous logos are the ones that immediately attract attention (in a good way!). Big brands such as Apple, Coca-Cola, or Starbucks Coffee convey reliability, quality, and originality through their logos, which have become iconic […]

In this day and age, live chats are a must for websites both for small and big businesses. Live chat capabilities turn your website into a powerful channel to attract leads, convert customers, evaluate performance, and enhance your business’ reputation. So what makes live chat so necessary? A live chat feature is a cost and […]

Twitter isn’t just for seeing what celebrities have to say about politics; it can also be a powerful marketing tool for your animation services. You can use Twitter’s advertising service to build brand awareness, increase engagement, and get more animation clients. With more than 330 million monthly active users and 145 million daily active users […]

What does it take to run a business? Hard work, determination, and… a website! If you want to succeed as an animator, you will need a website to attract new clients and legitimize yourself. Unless you’re also a web developer, requiring a website also means needing a website hosting provider.  Website hosting providers help you […]

Are you finding it difficult to balance spending time on your work, being with family and friends, and taking some personal time? It can be a challenge, especially if your focus is on gaining new animation clients or getting noticed as a successful animator in the industry. The good news is you have complete control […]

Being an animator is generally a pretty sweet gig: you get to enjoy doing creative work for a living and even have complete control over your schedule if you’re a freelance animator. However, if you want to attract more clients and make more money, you need to take on some challenges to level up your […]

When it comes to making it as an animator, there are more than just art skills required. Even if you’re the best animator in the business, you won’t find true success until you learn how to communicate properly with your animation clients. Many animators forget that this is a part of the sales process and […]

Many people enjoy working from home. It can allow them to have more freedom, the potential to be creative, and control over their time. But on some days, even the most enthusiastic purporters of working from home can feel lonely and have the “work-from-home blues”. Without making an effort to set boundaries between life at […]

For most animators, their careers began as a hobby. As it turns into a profession and a source of income, though, it can sometimes feel draining and, and animators forget why they started animating in the first place. You may have felt this way too in the past, or maybe you’re currently experiencing it. If you’re […]

As you may have noticed, more and more people are making their foray into podcasts lately. From major influencers to people within your own circle of friends, it seems like everyone has a podcast. This isn’t just a bandwagon to hop on, though; there’s real progress to be made with podcasting. Whether someone chooses to […]

Whether you’re hoping to raise brand awareness for your animation services or attract sales leads, LinkedIn, with its more than 660 million users, is worth pursuing. Advertising your services on LinkedIn will allow you to build a powerful network of other animators and companies looking to create animated videos. Growing your animation business has never […]

There has been a rise in the number of people using animation for various purposes, and the number is predicted to rise continually from year to year. One of the biggest reasons the number will surge is that animated videos have many advantages compared to conventional live-action videos.  Through live-action-videos, there are numerous constraints, such […]

Empathy - the ability to understand and to some extent, share the feelings of others as our own - is a skill that all of us are capable of demonstrating. Nevertheless, there is a varying degree in the depth of our abilities to demonstrate this particular skill and implement it in beneficial ways. First of […]

Drawing is arguably the essential skill that aspiring animators need. Accurate as this may be, relying on just this particular skill alone will not be sufficient to go a long way. Many challenges that animators face daily - such as working on a tight schedule, thinking about ways to pack the content in a relevant […]

In the past few years, YouTube channels about animation have become a great resource for animators of all kinds to show off their work. With YouTube being accessible worldwide by anyone, many animators can share their creativity anytime they want without any limitations. Some people may think that becoming a successful YouTube animator is easy, […]

YouTube is the second most popular website in the world with billions of users each month and billions of hours of videos being watched on it every single day. According to Oberlo, it reaches more 18-49 year-olds than any tv network. Plus, 81% of people are convinced to buy a product or service just by watching […]

Instagram is more than just a place to post pictures of your lattes. It can also be the perfect hunting grounds for new clients! Maybe you’ve had an Instagram for your animation business for a while now or maybe you’re brand new. Either way, if it seems like no prospects are following your account it […]

With so many entrepreneurs, artists, and brands fighting for attention in this digital era, animators like you need to follow strategies to stand out, get followers, make them stay, and convert them into animation clients. There are tons of effective hacks you can use to get animation clients for free on Instagram. However, if you […]

Disclaimer: We don't necessarily recommend finding work and clients on some of the marketplaces listed here due to high competition, low-quality clients, commissions deducted from your pay, not being able to grow your own brand, unstable source of income, etc. But it can be a good way to get started for some. With that said, […]

Finding your animation niche is not an easy task. If you’re just starting out your animation career or looking to get as many animation clients as you possibly can, finding your niche can be even more difficult. However, carving out a place for yourself in the industry is the best way to not only make […]

Becoming a great animator takes years of work, experience, and inspiration to master. A great source of inspiration for your animation career videos is learning from the best animators on YouTube. Some of the YouTube animators that we feature in this blog post upload their own drawing tutorials and animation projects. In their YouTube animation […]

Everyone has a website these days. Whether you’re an individual with a blog or a business that needs to draw in new clients, having a website is imperative in this day and age. Despite the prevalence of well-designed sites, many people who make and commission websites aren’t aware of the importance and benefits of having […]

If you have a website for your animation website, you know that the aesthetics and function of your website make a strong first impression about your services -- whether it be a good impression or a bad one. You should make your website look appealing if you want to promote your animation services in an […]

Writing proposals as an animator can be time-consuming and, even worse, BORING. Being a visually creative person, you would probably rather spend your time working on your animation projects over making a bunch of proposals that might not even lead to an actual project. We get it!  For many years, people would always use Microsoft […]

With so many skilled and experienced designers, artists, and animators using great animation software in the world today, there’s more competition than ever. That’s why you will need a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) as an animator. A unique selling proposition helps you define your unique place in the animation industry. It’s what you show and […]

Working on a new animation project, whether it’s an explainer video, short film, advertisement, or even a passion project, can seem overwhelming and tough to finish. Here’s the thing: if you want to reach your goal, you need to set objectives. Without goals, you will feel lost and not have a sense of fulfillment as […]

Are you looking for a website builder that you can use to showcase your animation work? We’ve got you covered. You’ll find all the best website building sites right here. Website builders work wonders for freelancers, artists, bloggers, creative professionals, and more who don’t have the budget to hire someone to develop a website for […]

Everyone has their ideal lifestyle. Whether it’s far from the way you currently live or well within reach, you probably have an ideal lifestyle, too. The way you live now as an animator, as a friend, or as a family member is a reflection of all your choices and efforts in the past, and your […]

A website is an essential part of your freelance animation business. Your website is responsible for expanding people’s awareness of your animation services and getting you animation clients.  Whether you’ve never made an animation website or you already have one but want to start fresh, this article will help put you on the right path […]

As an animator, your job is to give your animated characters believable movements that your audience will understand. Your characters shouldn’t just move; they should have a certain way of thinking as well as a unique personality. If you want to get better at animating your characters, you should first learn about acting. In this […]

You’ve got the animation skills, you know the technical side of the business inside and out… Becoming an animator should be a breeze, right? While having the technical skill and know-how certainly puts you on the right track to becoming a professional animator, things might get trickier when you are faced with managing the expectations […]

Does this sound familiar? You’ve been on a roll, animating up a storm, and nothing could slow you down! Except… rendering. Waiting for your projects to render can be frustrating, but it is a necessary step for you to finish your animation project. Unfortunately, there are many things that can slow down your rendering process, […]

Too much of a good thing is never good, especially in animation. Over-animation is excessive animation that animators put into in a scene. When animators over-animate, they give a character or an object unnecessary movements that ruin the animation’s purpose. This is a common problem for animators. In the pursuit of the best animation possible, […]

They’re every professional animator’s enemy: deadlines. Though they always seem to come too soon, deadlines are a necessary part of the business. This means that animators frequently have to speed up their animation times and submit their animated videos to clients as soon as possible. Sometimes, marketing agencies, advertising agencies, animation studios, and businesses need […]

If you want to succeed in an online business, you need to know your SEO. Understanding how SEO works and using it properly will help drive traffic to your website and increase brand awareness as well as conversions. To do this, you’ll need to observe and emulate what your competitors are currently doing with SEO, […]

Are you struggling to find more clients for your animation business? If you are a freelance animator and have no idea where to start searching for clients, LinkedIn can help you – for free. With more than 350 million members, LinkedIn is a huge, business-centered social media platform. On LinkedIn, you can connect with other […]

Communicating with a client is an everyday thing for animators. Since most of the work an animator like yourself does take place online, most of your communication is centered around devices such as your phone, laptop, desktop computer, or tablet, via various applications.  Even before your client commissions your service, communication is already happening. After […]

There’s a very important part of freelancing or owning your own business that many people never talk about: collecting payment! Thankfully, today there are so many different options to choose from when it comes to online payment solutions for your transactions with your animation clients. Each of these solutions have unique features such as analytics, […]

Do you use social media platforms like Facebook to connect with friends and family? It turns out that social media can also be a great place to connect with clients! You can promote your animation business and find new clients all from the social media platforms you most likely already use. Is it really effective, […]

The internet is filled with questions like: “Is drawing really important for animation?” Many aspiring animators want to know if they can animate without great drawing skills. In a previous blog post, we talked about “4 Steps to Make Your Bad Drawing Work for You as an Animator". In this blog post, we won’t tell […]

To be a digital nomad means to live a life on the road or sometimes, on a beach. Instead of being in a place because of work, the world is your place, and you bring your work along with you.  The Rise of Digital Nomads  The workplace has evolved at an outstanding pace through the […]

Whether you’re new to the world of freelance animation or not, there will always be basic principles that you should remember to do and not do to please animation studios, businesses, marketing agencies, advertising agencies, etc. Below are the top 15 dos and don’ts for freelance animators. Dos of Freelance Animation 1) Do Prepare Your […]

Making mistakes is an inevitable part of life. Students, teachers, people in the workforce… it doesn’t matter who you are; we all make mistakes. Some of them can have a negligible impact on your life or work, but there are other mistakes that can impact your life both inside and out of your job. Whether […]

As an animator, there are many ways you can be employed. You can work on-staff with a company, or you can freelance, and there are many different types of freelancing! All these options can be confusing, so here, we’ve summarized 9 differences between freelance and on-staff animation work, so you can decide which path best […]

If you were to ask experienced animators which book they consider the number one must-have for up-and-coming animators, they would most likely have different opinions. That’s because there are so many great animation books out there breaching all the topics an animator could ever need. From 3D animation, 2D animation, motion graphics, and more, there […]

More and more businesses are hiring agencies and freelance animators to work on animated videos. That’s because animated videos are one of the most effective ways to inform and persuade customers in a very simple, but still entertaining, way. Agencies and animators should have a fixed process of planning, organizing, and working together if they […]

If you’ve decided to hire a website designer for your animation website, it’s essential to hire the best designer. A well-designed website can help you promote your animation services, establish a robust online presence, and get more clients. However, some businesses and employers don’t know where to hire, whom to hire, and how to hire. […]

In the world today, animation is everywhere from films and television shows to advertisements, video games, and all over the internet. Since animation is a thriving field, you as an animator should be thriving too! However, since there is more need than ever for animation, there are more up-and-coming animators than ever ready to step […]

Creating a portfolio or animation website is an excellent (and necessary) step towards establishing an online presence as an animator. If you really want to generate leads and increase sales, though, you will need to create a powerful landing page. First thing’s first: what is a landing page? Your landing page is the first page […]

Google ads are a great way to promote your animation services. Google, after all, is the most popular search engine, dominating more than 72% of users worldwide. It also has different advertising options that will fit any business goal – including yours! Not only will Google ads allow you to reach more people, but they […]

When you’re running a freelance animation business, you have to take advantage of all the ways you can get animation clients both offline and online. One of the most important platforms you can use to promote yourself is Facebook. Facebook is not just a place to keep up with your friends from college anymore. Now, […]

The animation industry is filled with so many top-notch animators who are constantly putting out great material and unique characters. Sometimes, though, even they run out of inspiration. To stay inspired and keep up with the most recent trends in the field of animation, artists should  constantly be learning from books, videos, online courses, seminars, […]

No doubt, drawing helps a person understand the foundations of animation. After all, animation developed from hand-drawn illustrations. Furthermore, drawing helps animators easily bring their conceptualized characters into being.  Some 2D animators have a knack for drawing, but not all do! In fact some animators are famous despite, and sometimes because of, their “bad” drawing […]

Have you ever felt like you’re not a good animator, no matter how many times you have been praised? Have you worried that other people view you as a copy-cat or unoriginal? This feeling is called impostor syndrome, and it can happen to anyone. If you regularly doubt yourself, get easily disappointed when you don’t […]

Disclaimer: We don't recommend finding work and clients on some of the marketplaces listed here due to high competition, low-quality clients, commissions deducted from your pay, not being able to grow your own brand, unstable source of income, etc. With that said, in Animation Accelerator we have figured out a unique strategy that will help […]

New animation trends and concepts are developed almost every day. Within the industry, there’s a lot of competition with other talented animators, so you need to create unique animations that differentiate you. Seek inspiration from great animators. Use that inspiration to practice more animation styles that you enjoy and think your clients will like. The […]

Making your animation clients happy and exceeding their expectations are the best ways to promote yourself as an animator. If you make your client happy, you may be able to gather useful testimonials. Testimonials make you and your animation skills look more valuable and trustworthy.  82% of consumers read reviews online to find businesses they […]

Creative block happens to everyone from designers to animators. Sometimes you may feel like your world has stopped because of your temporary lull in creativity. Luckily, you’re not the only one going through this. Many top artists have suffered from creative blocks and were able to get through them. You will get through your block […]

With a project proposal, you present a solution to a problem your potential client has defined, the budget for the project, the ideal timeline, and other relevant information. Animation project proposals are usually agreed on and signed after several conversations between you and your client. It may seem unnecessary and frustrating to write an animation […]

Freelance animation is an exciting and challenging career. As an animator, there are so many areas you can experiment and specialize in, including 2D animation, 3D animation, whiteboard animation, motion graphics, storyboarding, and more. Before you fully dive into being a freelance animator, there are some points you have to remember. Here are our top […]

The most influential and famous animation studios in the world have created many movies. If you are wondering about the history of top animation studios and are looking for some tips on how to manage your own animation studio in the future, then this blog post is for you. Walt Disney Animation Studios Image from […]

Being a freelance animator can seem like a dream job for some people. You get to be your own boss, you control your working hours, and you can work from home. However, there are also challenges that animators might face while being self-employed.  If you want to know more about the daily life of a […]

Just because you’re an animator, you don’t always have to dish out hundreds of dollars just to buy software and practice your animation skills. There are some free software options, which are used by many 2D and 3D professional animators. To help guide you as you practice with and explore software, here is a list […]

Many animators have a hard time deciding how to price their services and also complain that their clients pay them poorly.  Take the wheel of your animation career and learn how to price your services and negotiate properly.  But don’t worry, you don’t have to do it alone. We’ve prepared 7 tips to help you […]

More and more artists, including animators, are moving from traditional art to digital art. Digital animation makes sketching, coloring, painting, masking, etc. easier, compared to traditional animation. In order to create digital art, physical tools such as a graphics tablet, a PC, and a stylus make the experience much more effective, and great software is […]

Almost all animators struggle with time management. The time within a day is limited, and you probably have a whole host of other responsibilities on your plate, outside of managing your animation work. But knowing how to properly manage your tasks within a given time will help ensure you complete your work by deadlines and […]