“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 ideas popping up all over news feeds and social media, it looks like a new business venture is always right around the corner. And among those business ventures is an animation studio or a freelance animation service.
However, truth be told, launching particular businesses can be a shot in the dark. You must come in at the right time, equipped with the right knowledge and skill, and ready to attract the right people.
But the taste of success in business is enviable. Increases in profits, connecting with different people, and building something that’s uniquely your own sounds would undoubtedly be such an accomplishment for anyone.
And whether you are familiar with the ins and outs of launching a business or you’re still starting out, you have to admit that there’s a small part of you that’s always wondered what it would be like to build a successful business –– Something that’s close to your passions and can turn up an unexpected amount of profit.
So, why animation?
As an animator, launching a freelance animation business not only makes sense but could be the start of your success in business. If you have a talent and a passion for animating, why not turn it into a profit?
In this blog post, we share with you the top 5 reasons why animation is a profitable venture.
Why Animation is Expensive
Generally speaking, animation gigs are not only exciting and creatively stimulating, they also pay incredibly well. The reason why animation gigs are this way is that you can earn an annual wage as high as approximately $113,600 or even more, especially if you decide to specialize in certain niches or industries.
According to the job search site ZipRecruiter, in the United States, the average monthly wage is approximately $6,630. Of course, this digit is also determined based on your level of skill and experience with animating. The more advanced you are, the higher you can charge for your animations.
The Animation Industry Will Connect You To More People
GIF by TheBachelorette via GIPHY
While there are many freelancing platforms available like Fiverr and LinkedIn, the animation industry is already rife with connections to big companies, brands, and even fellow creatives such as yourself –– that’s why animation is so profitable in itself.
This means that the moment you put your animation services out there in the world, your connections to animators and other creatives can help you attract your desired target market. For instance, they may link you to businesses or individuals who are under your niche or in need of a particular type of animation you specialize in.
Through that, they’ll help expand your freelance animation business and you can eventually return the favor by connecting them to brands or businesses under their niche.
Additionally, the moment you meet different kinds of animators or animation business owners, you can learn from their expertise and experience. Not only are these free lessons but they’re really so you can be sure to avoid making the same mistakes that will hurt your profit.
However, you may also be asking yourself, how can you start forming connections within the animation industry in the first place?
One way and the most popular way is through social media.
With Facebook, Twitter, and even TikTok at your fingertips, you can find tons of different animators from all over the world. All it takes is a quick message “hello” and you can easily connect to whoever you want to.
You can also join animation classes, such as our Animator Accelerator Program, which will teach you the skills you need to succeed as a freelance animator.
In online and offline classes, you can get to know animation business owners who are either just starting out or looking for more ways to increase their business. Take advantage of this and start building your animation circle.
Not only will animation and business classes expand your knowledge but it’s a helpful way for you to work your way inside the animation industry and form valuable connections.
There Are Tons Of Animation Niches You Can Explore
GIF via GIPHY
Why are animation niches important? A niche is what will make you stand out from other freelance animators. It involves the animation style you do and the industry and target market you do it for.
For example, you can specialize in making animated explainer videos for universities or other educational organizations. Or say you’re interested in music and entertainment, then you can create animated music videos for singers and artists within the music industry.
Whether you want to create animations for education or fashion and lifestyle, most businesses are in need of animation services for their advertising and promotions campaigns, so there’s a wide range of industries and animation styles for you to choose from.
Furthermore, there are so many animation services you can offer. For instance, you can stick to creating short 2D promotional videos or you can be the animator who designs motion graphic company texts and logos.
If you’re having trouble choosing an animation niche, you can assess your lifestyle, skills, and passions, evaluate the industries with the most and least competition, and even ask yourself certain questions, such as “What kind of videos am I particularly skilled at making?”.
Doing so will help you choose the niche that best suits your personality and will therefore be the reason why your animation services are more profitable.
Lots of Big Companies Need Animated Videos
GIF via GIPHY
As mentioned earlier, most if not all businesses rely on animations for their advertising and promotions campaigns. But why animation?
Animation is highly in demand because of its ability to creatively reach out and connect to brands’ target audiences. This, therefore, yields high profits.
And the longer you stay in the game, the more developed your animation and business skills will be, the higher you can charge for your animation services. Soon, you may even find yourself connecting to large global companies.
You Can Work On Your Animation Wherever You Want
Image by Ken Tomita via Pexels
A prime benefit of your work being entirely on your laptop means you can work wherever you want. Whether it be at home in your pajamas, at your friend’s house, or at a coffee shop, the choice is yours as long as you can finish your work on time.
This flexibility and freedom can also prevent you from making any additional expenses on office space, especially if you’re just starting out. The money could instead go into marketing your animation services for more profit.
Additionally, this means that you can connect with clients from all over the world without actually having to meet them in person. The reason why animation is more profitable than other gigs or careers is that working in animation means you are not limited to having clients solely within your area.
This allows you to cut the costs of transportation. With the output being completely digital, you can initiate meetings and send notes and revisions through email correspondence or any messaging applications.
Why Animation Could Be Your Successful Business Venture
Nowadays, everything is fast-paced. New businesses are springing up every second and the demand for innovation is increasing. With that, getting into animation would be one of the most lucrative freelancing ideas. But how and why animation?
First, availing animations themselves are expensive, especially if you’re highly skilled. Second, the animation industry can help you form meaningful and beneficial relations with companies and fellow creatives. Third, there are tons of animation niches for you to specialize in.
Fourth, all these new brands will need someone to create their animated promotions. And finally, the freedom in becoming a freelance animator means you can work whenever you want and connect with clients from all over the world. That’s why animation is a profitable venture.
So, if you’re skilled in animation and eager to make a profit, then you should consider turning your animation skills into a business.
For more tips on developing your business skills as a freelance animator or animation studio owner, you can join our informative free masterclass, download a copy of our free marketing handbook, and check out our blog on “How to Start an Animation Studio”!
