Most times you're going to do more for others than for yourself.....to get paid
It's true. If you're not in an environment/location where you can get employment in your art field of choice whether it be animation or game development for example, you're going to find yourself having to do jobs that are outside your art expertise in order to make a living.
I'm going to be honest, finding animation related jobs is a difficult task. That's why I decided after thorough research, to go the independent route to make an income and see how far I can go. Here is one of the ways that I earn money as an independent artist.
Graphic Design for company/clients
Thankfully, I have about 4 years experience working as a graphic artist at a large media company in Canada. I did not expect to be working in this job but it just happened that way. Now, with this extra set of skills, I am more comfortable doing graphic work for other clients including smaller companies.
In my own experience, I find it easier to get clients who are looking for artists to do graphic design work. As much as I tried to get away from that in the beginning [because I was more fixated on the animation side], it became a part of my skillset that guarantees an income. There is always someone out there that is starting a business. Startup businesses need art to market their products or services. That's where I come in. If they need a logo, I make a logo. If they need a poster ad for their restaurant, I get it done. Its a simple transaction that I've become familiar with. Added with my ever-growing skill in communication, I can make deals with clients at a comfortable pace that provides trust that will be beneficial to me long-term.
Think outside the box
You have to understand that not everyone will comprehend what it is that you do. Animation is still a very niche market in the Caribbean and in small towns in Canada. Instead of trying to explain the terms of your skillset, try asking business owners what they need in terms of a visual. Do they need a commercial? Do they need posters showing off their product or service? Do they need logos? Most likely startup businesses will say yes to at least one of those questions. You have to think outside the box in cases like these. If you studied animation or game development in school, most likely you will have some design capabilities. Use that skill to your advantage. Don't completely dismiss it because its not exactly what you want to do. Opportunities can come from anywhere. You just have to put yourself out there, find a need in your own community and fill it.
What does this mean for you?
So, does this mean you have to stop animating? Or 3d modelling? Or whatever art related thing you do? Absolutely not! Part of being an artist means you have to sacrifice your time a little to receive an income. And you know what? Its okay. You are a tax payer just like everyone else. Bills have to be paid. And sometimes there are other priorities that occur in your life that forces you to put your passions last on the to-do list. I go through the same thing. I work many hours during the day working on projects for clients. However, I always save just a couple of hours for my own personal art projects per week.
Yes, life gets busy. The older you get the more you will see just how much life actually does change. Just remember to sacrifice a little time after all the client work is completed to work on your passion projects. You may be exhausted, but fight it. If I did not work on my own projects, I would be a very dissatisfied and unfulfilled person. These projects give me purpose!
Conclusion
In conclusion, I do not make money doing my passion [yet]. I make money doing graphic design work which is providing a service and growing my connections. Does that make me any less of an artist? No. I am very much active in posting my 3D modelling projects on social media. I am consistently learning and trying to increase my knowledge and understanding of the art medium. I am keeping up to date with all of the art industry information. I post on my YouTube channel every now and then sharing with you all that I've learned so far. I am very much an artist just like any other person that works at an animation studio. And so are you. Do not feel like you are missing out on anything. Things in the industry are changing. Artists do what they can to stay afloat and there is nothing wrong with that. You may not be doing what you love right now but, if you keep managing your time and scheduling those hours working on your craft, it will pay off eventually.
This blog was a quick one but I hope you understand what I'm trying to say. There are only a select few artists that can say I got a job working for "insert studio". The rest of us will have to figure out other ways to get by on our own. It may not be the ideal work that you wanted but, you never know where it may lead you. Do not mistake this as me telling you that I am unhappy in my position. I thank God everyday that I have work. And I am very grateful for everything I have experienced career-wise so far.
Keep working on your goal no matter what.
Thank you for reading!
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