Research Summary:
Since 2015 that I've started building my career as a freelance illustrator, working for commissions and self-proposed projects. This has been key for my development as an artist, and has opened the way to new and more interesting present and future commissions.
My employers know that I'm studying Animation, and currently ask me for some animation work when it's appropriate and simple. I hope this ongoing relation with some portuguese theatres and companies will keep evolving, until eventually I become a freelance animator/animation director as well.
Resuming, my work experience so far is supporting my overall objective.
I've done some specific research on freelance animators, contacting two freelancers based in the United States, Anne Beal and Tess Martin. Even though they know the industry mostly from within the US, their work features in european festivals and they attend artistic residencies in Europe. Their insight emails have been very useful, and I've discovered some films/books on freelancing/animation festivals guides through them.
My employers know that I'm studying Animation, and currently ask me for some animation work when it's appropriate and simple. I hope this ongoing relation with some portuguese theatres and companies will keep evolving, until eventually I become a freelance animator/animation director as well.
Resuming, my work experience so far is supporting my overall objective.
I've done some specific research on freelance animators, contacting two freelancers based in the United States, Anne Beal and Tess Martin. Even though they know the industry mostly from within the US, their work features in european festivals and they attend artistic residencies in Europe. Their insight emails have been very useful, and I've discovered some films/books on freelancing/animation festivals guides through them.
Having a look at their professional websites, I've also started to understand how important it is for a freelance artist to have an online portfolio and a blog to share work in progress, achievements, etc.
Theirs and some more freelance artists' websites served as inspiration for the creation of my own.
Theirs and some more freelance artists' websites served as inspiration for the creation of my own.
Another important issue that I was having was understanding, organizing and planning how to submit films to festivals. Using the Glas Festivals Guide wasn't enough. Therefore, to make it clearer, I've done a personal list of festivals submissions deadlines, grouped in months. It's the most important research I've done so far, and I'll keep this lists for reference whenever I have something to submit.
When the time comes, I'll definitely send my graduation film to almost all of these: