You can't talk about the pros and cons of animation freelancing without first knowing what exactly it is. So, let's start there.
The term "animation freelancing" refers to when an animator (or a team of animators) works independently rather than as part of an established studio or company. It's most often associated with digitally animated projects but can also include traditionally-animated content made outside the walls of a studio or film school.
The pros are obvious: You get to work on your own schedule from wherever you want! The cons are also pretty self-explanatory—namely that you're responsible for everything from pitching ideas to making deadlines and everything in between solo, so it's not exactly easy street for all involved (unless you've got superpowers).
But in this blog, we'll dive into the pros and cons of animation freelancing in depth so that you can visualize a career path as an animator working freelance a bit more accurately!
Freelance Animation Allows You to Set Your Own Hours
One of the biggest pros of animation freelancing is that you can set your own hours. This can be a major plus for someone who likes to work from home and has a family, or for anyone who has trouble getting out of bed in the morning.
It also lets you work at your own pace, so if you're in the middle of something and need to take a break, there's no pressure from an employer saying "you have three hours left until deadline!" You get paid by project rather than hourly wages so it doesn't matter how long it takes for each project--the amount will remain consistent regardless.
Animation freelancing also allows you to work on multiple projects at once. This can be a huge benefit if you're looking to make some extra money while also trying to focus on another career path.
For example, if you have an online store that sells products, you could use animation freelancing to create promotional videos for your business and then advertise them through social media channels! This is why being able to set your own hours is gold when working as a freelance animator!
No Office Politics When Working Freelance!
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One of the best things about freelancing is that you don't have to deal with office politics. You can work on your own terms and be your own boss, which means that if you want to take a vacation day or just sleep early because it's raining outside (or because you're feeling sick), there's no one stopping you from doing so.
It's also easier for freelancers not only because they don't have someone breathing down their necks but because they also don't need permission from anyone else in order to get their work done--they simply do what needs doing when it needs doing!
Pursue Your Passion for Animation as a Freelancer!
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Working as an animator can be a great way to pursue your passion. You can work on projects that you are passionate about and that have a social impact.
Animators can work in a variety of different fields and make a good income. If you are interested in animation, check out the many training programs and schools that offer courses in this area like our Animation Business Accelerator Course!
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Animation Can Be Difficult
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Animation freelancing is not for the faint of heart. You must be able to work hard and keep your clients happy, or else you won't have any work at all.
If you're looking for a job where your boss tells you exactly what to do every day and gives you regular paychecks, animation freelancing may not be for you. However, if being self-employed sounds appealing (and financially rewarding), then this could be the career path for you!
Animation Networking is Essential for Freelance Animators
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If you're interested in animation freelancing, it's important to get out there and meet people in the industry. You can network online through social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook, or attend local events where other freelancers might be present.
If you have the opportunity to meet with people face-to-face, be sure to bring plenty of business cards and leave a good impression on them. You can also check out local networking groups or organizations that work with freelancers who specialize in animation.
You can also sign up for newsletters and email lists from companies in the animation industry. This way, you'll be notified when new jobs are posted and have a better chance of getting hired.
Not All Animation Clients Are Easy to Work With
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When you have a bad client, you have to work hard to make things right again.
If they are unreasonable, try not to take it personally and empathize with their situation. You can offer them suggestions on how they can improve their project or even suggest other freelancers who might be better suited for the job. If all else fails, consider terminating the contract and letting them find another animator instead.
At this point in your career as an animation freelancer, there's no reason why any particular client should be able to make or break your business--you're in control of what projects come through your door! In fact, as a freelance animator with experience under your belt (and hopefully some recommendations), there may come a time when one of these clients approaches YOU about working together again!
You Can't Slack Off As A Freelance Animator
In the world of animation freelancing, there is no room for complacency. You have to be on top of your game if you want to stay competitive professionally. This means not only learning new skills but also constantly improving your existing ones and staying up-to-date with industry trends.
Animation freelancers must also be able to work with people across different cultures and countries, whether they're clients or collaborators on projects like films or video games.
They also need to be able to collaborate effectively with others from all walks of life--from animators who specialize in specific fields (such as character design) all the way down through artists who specialize in 2D/3D animation techniques such as Flash and Maya software packages respectively.
Animation freelancers are constantly facing new challenges and learning new skills, whether it's how to create better character designs or improve their animation in Flash. This is especially true for those who want to get into the industry as an entry-level artist.
The Pros and Cons of Animation Freelancing Is Up to You!
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Animation freelancing can be a great way to make money, but it's not for everyone. If you're looking for steady paychecks and benefits like health insurance, then animation freelancing may not be the right choice for you.
On the other hand, if you love working in this industry and want to pursue your passion on a freelance basis then go ahead! Animation freelancing offers many opportunities for people who want more freedom over their schedule or work environment than they would find in traditional office jobs.
For more information about other 3D animation facts, as well as answers to any other questions you might have, be sure to follow our blogs, check out our free masterclass, and our Animation Business Accelerator Program, download a copy of our free marketing handbook, and check out our blog on “How to Start an Animation Studio”!
