Category: Networking

It was a pleasure speaking to the students from Royal College of Music to collaborate on our films.

Although exciting I was also stressed, knowing I was basically pitching myself and my film because it was also the Composers’ choice with whom they’d like to work. I might have gone through my presentation a bit speedier than I wanted due to this as the room was much more fuller than anticipated – I also forgot how to give presentations in person? I’ve given my presentations online before and it’s much less stressful when I don’t have to make eye contact. It’s definitely something I’d like to practice more.

For my final presentation, I would like to try and practice it in class with either fellow students or teachers.

It was really a great experience to hang out and talk with the composers a bit more casually with the composers in the Bar. It definitely encouraged me to try and go to more events in person and network with more creatives.

Also, I was very lucky to be approached by 3 different composers who would like to work with me on my film. It was a bit nerve-wracking to go through their portfolios knowing I could only choose one. I tried to be very encouraging in my ‘rejection’ emails, as I decided to collaborate with Haukur Karlsson due to his flexibility.

It was nice to attend the online networking event and speak to the alumni to see where they are today. I definitely followed their social media accounts and I look forward to meeting them in person in the future.

Here are some of the notes and advice:

• As a freelancer, the work-life balance is on you.
• Prepare for job seeking now, don’t leave until the last minute. Reaching out to the studios now is OK.
• Keep track of your process (rendering, drafts, colours).
• Short courses are good for networking &expanding your knowledge and skills.
• When writing a cover letter or an email to a studio, talk about what work of theirs you like and why you want to develop with them.
• To show off your skills as an artist and storyteller there is no need to make a 5-minute film. You’re better off making a short trailer. Or animating the first 30 seconds of it. It will be less daunting and you’ll be more likely to finish a project.
• In the UK most of the available work is preschool and commercial.
• When doing prop/BG/character design, look for current design vibes and trends on current shows.
• Ask your mentor to set you up for an internship.
• Post your progress (on socials or a blog).
• Don’t be precious with your work.

Regarding some other questions, I would like to ask:

• What things do you wish you did more of while you were still at uni?
• As a freelancer, how do you go about pricing?
• Where do you go looking for work?
• Do you follow individual studios?
• As a freelancer, do you seek out potential clients to send cold emails to or do you hope you’re found by clients through your work?
• Do you find it difficult to do personal work after you’ve spent a whole day/week/month being creative for work?