038: Getting started as a freelance motion designer w/ Donna McAvoy

As freelancers we often feel like we’re all on our own, that we have to come up with everything ourselves. But there are communities of us, both online and offline, that we can lean on and use to learn from each other. Whether you’re just starting out or have been running your own freelance business for years, the power of community and networking can be a major benefit. Few know this better than today’s guest.

Donna McAvoy is an amazing freelance animator and a member of our recent Mograph Mastermind Program. She studied computer arts at Abertay University and worked on mobile games before moving into animation for television. Now she’s freelancing as a 2D animator based in Glasgow where she creates some truly awesome work.

In this bonus episode, Donna shares the story of her journey into freelance motion design. She has found a way to make a career in her home in Scotland where it may not seem like there are as many opportunities as elsewhere. Donna talks about the realities of looking for and finding jobs as a freelance animator and how she makes it work.

Donna credits much of her success to proper networking. It’s helped her discover how others in her situation are making a living and has connected her to some of her best jobs. By connecting with other freelancers, Donna has been able to learn valuable tips from others like her, including that she could significantly raise the rates she was charging her clients.

In this episode:

• Finding work as a freelancer while living in a place without many big studios
• The power of motion design communities for helping you find direction as a freelancer
• The importance of networking for finding jobs when it may seem like none are available
• Why you should think about significantly raising your rates and the challenges and payoffs of doing so
• Why freelancers should be charging more than employees of a company
• How a mastermind can help build confidence, keep you accountable, and come up with great ideas for your business

Quotes:

“Networking is just the biggest thing to be doing. And it’s also good to just get out from your desk. I guess a lot of people are working from home and you get a bit crazy there.” [10:43]

“Although what you can charge varies from media to media, I think if you’re working remotely, it shouldn’t have such a big impact where you are based.” [12:23]

“The networking part is probably most important I feel. Basically just getting your work out as soon as you can because maybe if you do feel like it’s not good enough, it’s good to get someone to give you perspective and feedback on what you could be doing to make it better.” [24:35]

Links:

Find Donna McAvoy online

Follow Donna on Instagram | Twitter | Vimeo | Linkedin

Sign up for the Mograph Mastermind

School of Motion

Find the full show notes here

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