Freelance Tips Motion Design Los Angeles
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- Advice on things to do and avoid as a freelance designer. How to not get taken advantage of by companies that book you. How to get consistent work and modulate feast or famine cycle associated with being a freelancer.
04:50 Basic terminology. What's a day rate mean? How many hours should I expect to work?
05:40 What's your rate? Get used to saying it. Say it with confidence.
06:48 How much work is expected of you for the rate? Under promise and over deliver to ensure future bookings. Be careful about over pricing yourself.
08:20 Clarify terms to avoid conflict later on.
10:25 Getting paid in a reasonable amount of time.
11:10 Being conflict adverse opens you up to be taken advantage of.
12:20 Why are companies late in paying?
13:40 Trust your gut. If you don't have a good feeling about a company, don't take the booking.
14:30 What you should do if you are in demand as freelancer.
16:20 What are the differences between "hold, book and challenge"?
19:20 What about cancellations? How should I handle that?
Julia Wright
julia-wright.com
Angie Son
angieyson.com
Want more info? Read Chris Do's LinkediN article "Freelancing 101" here: lnkd.in/b4vbTWa
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Credits:
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Hosts- Chris Do
Director- Aaron Szekely
Cameraman- Aaron Szekely, Andrew Truong
Producer- Aaron Szekely
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Show Open- designed by William VanSkaik, animated by Bara Kwon
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The fact that you breakdown your videos with timecode in the description shows that you are the perfect design channel!!
glad you appreciate the annotations. we put a lot of work into our shows.
I started working as a freelance Motion Artist almost 3 years ago, It was the best decision i ever made.
alright! mograph in the house.
@@thefutur hahaha
I want to become a Motion Artist but I'm from Europe and I think here there's not a lot of work. Is it true??
This is really helpful. "hold, book and challenge" is new to me. Once, I got a 2 days job. I finished in a day. And of course, was told I need not go in the following day. I got a day's pay.
FYI, $450 is not the rate for motion. Artists like these women guests (check out their site in the description) are easily getting $600 to $650 a day in 2019. Animators back in 2008 were getting $500/day. Just based on the rule of inflation, ALL PEOPLE should receive a raise just to keep up with the cost of living especially in a expensive city like Los Angeles. You do C4D, AE, can design, have a solid skill set.. $600-$650 in 2019. Good luck freelancers. BE CONFIDENT.
so, where is this forum where we can see rates, companies etc?
Got additional questions that we didn't cover? Ask away here.
Where do you look for freelancers and do you also use talent scouts / agencies?
I am from Germany and have been working for several big companies in the last years (Deutsche Telekom, DHL, Johnson Controls) and they have mostly used the services of Harvey Nash and similar agencies which subcontracted me and other freelancers. An approach I find quiet odd when they already got a big human resources department but have to pay 10-25% on top of our daily rate for the subcontracts.
We find most of our freelancers through: A) local schools, B) friends of friends and C) people submitting reels to our companies. We rarely use head hunters. I've also tried placing ads and that hasn't worked for us either. We also actively look for people through websites like Behance.
What's the underground forum? Anyone please.
You seem to be good at the whole professionalism thing. One thing I struggle with is putting on different masks for people when do the customer service side; I often act differently than I feel, for the sake of the relationship continuing smoothly. I can't stand it, although I know it is a reality. I am a very polarizing person. I hate fluff, no one has time for it, no one is getting paid for it. I would like to know your philosophy on acting differently than you feel in business.
Geoffrey I think for me it's a volume thing. Sometimes I want to dial it down. While others I need to dial it up. But I'm the same person. Not sure you are truly fooling anyone when you try to be someone else.
Thanks so much for all this content. I am a product designer beginning the hustle of freelance and all of these videos are helping greatly.
I've been illustrating since i was 5 years old and now i just recently obtained a bachelor in computer science. I'm beginning to have a passion for motion graphics. I was wondering how i was going to leave Africa for a design school abroad with ridiculously high tuition fees. Then i came across The Futur a few days ago. I have already learned more about the business and success of design these few days than before. Thanks again Chris Do and the entire Futur team. God bless you.
Awesome! Glad to hear. welcome to the Futur
Love this video! Its great how casual and realistic it is. Would love to see more like this. Thank you.
Really great material.
One thing I actually have a different take on is taking someone to small-claims, actually its very cheap and very fast (all could be done in minutes online). You have all the evidence in e-mail.
Last time I used it was for 10K+ unpaid, I politely emailed the company saying it was my last attempt to ask for pay, I attached the small claims notice and all email evidence. I got a nervous call from the accountant and I received the check in the mail the next day. Luckily I've never had to deal with something like that for years.
good for you and you are right. if the company pays based on small claims filing, you are in a great spot. if it drags on, depending on the amount and aggravation, you might be upside down on it. i've been to court (on both sides). it's no fun.
As a motion design freelancer in LA, I find these videos incredibly helpful.
Was this inline with what you experienced?
Absolutely! I also struggle with the cycle of "feast or famine" so I found those tips to be extremely insightful.
super. hopefully you will find a balance.
This is a great video on confidence building and honest client relationship building. Jedi Knowledge is being dropped right here! Especially getting paid on time.
Do or do not. There is no try.
I was hoping to hear more from your guests.
It's always enjoyable hearing you talk your way out of difficult situations playing mock employer/client. There were definitely little tidbits here that were useful even though I am not in the freelance game anymore. It is useful from the other perspective as a company that occasionally hires freelancers. This was great. Question - Chris, you are doing a phenomenal job. I feel like I am almost getting to know you on a more mentorship/personal level which is awesome that you can offer that type of engagement from such a large and open medium. Curious though, where Jose? Hope everything is going well with him! Seems like this channel is gearing more toward you and your company, Blind (p.s. I'm not complaining at all, I enjoy both of you - can actually relate a bit better with you as you focus much more on the business end, and I like that. Just curious what has been going on with him is all - you two truly are a great duo!) Cheers!
Alex. Jose has been busy and we've both been experimenting with different kinds of content. You'll notice he's been producing a lot more content on FB live and Medium and it suits him. He's been hinting about writing a book and developing some new tools. Don't worry, you'll see him again.
The Skool Network ah, had no idea! I'll have to check out FB Live. Totally makes sense and sounds like a good strategy. Thanks for the reply!
I discovered the channel few days ago, and im really enjoying all the videos with the solid advises!
Redwan how did you "discover" us?
"Id pay you before i pay my self" RESPECT
entrepreneurs and leaders should eat last. - Simon Sinek.
I love your videos, the set up the dialog, the professionalism and the direction. Call me your number one fan ha ha ha.
Ok #numberOneFan
This is a great, great discussion. Thanks for producing this content and making it available for us. Vey Cool!
You are very welcome! What up Gabriel.
Good show. I suggest giving Angie and Julia links to their portfolios in the show notes.
done!
No, that's the 100% correct spelling of Wright! (I am one!)
Another excellent video!
Not just motion graphics. But great Q&A for freelancers.
I think this applies to more than just motion but these were two motion freelancers.
Love your content but it comes across as condescending at times. Perhaps you should address your guests more directly rather than critiquing them in them in the third person. They're right there!
James Sanday was I critiquing them? So long ago. I don't remember.
James Sanday, I don't understand your comment. When Chris was speaking to the third person it was to mention fictional companies. And he said "you" to his guest, and gave them advices to problems they brought up.
I read it in Mr. Chris's voice :D
This was great! Keep it coming!
Thanks Sergio. Will do.
Question: If am a inexperienced designer working for a client, and I suddenly find myself struggling within the project as well as my clients being annoyed with the project status, do I go ahead and tell them that I am inexperienced and that I am still learning through some things? Or do you fake it till you make it.
i think honesty and transparency is the best policy. so i would recommend that path. it's important that you do this early though so that they don't feel burned later on.
Chris Do, you're my freaking hero.
Thanks Jonathan! I always wanted to be a hero. : )
fresnel.. better warmer light. but overall great great lighting-
Chris, great job on these videos- they're really informative and entertaining.
I've been freelancing for many years, and I have found that negotiating with companies can be tricky when dealing with topics such as working hours, kill fees or overtime. Many companies would rather just find somebody else without those requirements (usually recent graduates)- and because of that, you risk losing the opportunity.
What you're describing is reasonable and fair- but unfortunately, I don't think it applies to the motion graphics industry.
good points David. I understand your concerns about risking an opportunity because there are so many young people looking for work that it makes it harder for veterans such as yourself to negotiate.
what companies don't realize at first is that with the higher price comes experience. time = money. if you want to babysit a project and spend more time, you will save money. but, when possible, i prefer to work with people that know how to get the job done.
Awesome video, thanks for the information. Very helpful
you're welcome. Go make some money.
Being a freelancer, I would love a discussion of the pro and cons of positioning/promoting yourself as a freelance individual or as a company. What's your take on that?
Are you trying to get work from a company or client? That's the key difference. Someone looking to get booked should be presented as a freelancer. It's not threatening. Conversely if you are looking for a client, appearing as a freelancer vs company might take away some of your credibility.
Mainly I work for other companies project based. My aim is not to go for clients directly but to get bigger projects. As a freelancer (I think) I get excluded from such projects. When I actually get the chance to do something big I collaborate with other freelancers (me being the person who schedules and puts everything together). I feel as a "company" I might have a better shot at it. But I get your point, other companies don't know what my intentions are and might feel threatened by that.
I would suggest talking to whoever brought you in. tell them that you'd like to play more a leadership role and be involved in bigger projects. Ask them, what you'd have to do to get a shot. See what they say.
just being real. try to put yourself in their shoes. not many companies would open up if they knew you were going to be competing with them.
the part you cautioned the company about horrible experience 👍
Rehman Rashed yeah.
$450 day rate, good lord. I can only imagine what someone with 20 years experience charges.
$800/day
This is great. Solid advice.
Thank you. Good luck.
Have it up front tell them. If they fight and your uncomfortable negotiating, refer them back if they broke it.
Anybody know and care to share the 'forum I'm not supposed to know about' Chris mentioned?
Would you guys consider doing a show on mid-career switches to the design field? Particularly in freelancing. UX/UI/web what have you...This was informative for sure, but your perspective for those of us that have tons of work experience and want to bring that to table along with a passion for design, would be valued highly. And...I bet there are a lot of us out there. Thanks!
Sean. I think this one is for Jose.
Thanks!
Very Interesting! Never knew about this work system and issues MOGRAPH Creatives live by.
So basically you hire them and they come over, work at your studio, on you machine and you pay them for contract stipulated hours etc.?
my very first thing i did on fiverr. (just getting started out) someone sent an offer on my gig, but asked for the following things: (which were not on the gig description) 1. Full Video editing with transitions, titles, sound editing etc. 2. Budget: $5 3. With REVISIONS UNTIL SATISFACTION. I had to say no. lol
Don't waste your time.
@@thefutur hey I was just checking to see if u guys had a video on fiverr and came across this. I'm just starting out and considering Fiverr to help build a portfolio. Any options?
Another awesome video. Do you feel that mo graph is a field growing in demand or rather declining in opportunity?
i think mograph for traditional advertising is in decline. but luckily, there are other outlets for motion design. for example: event graphics, heads up display, screen graphics for feature films, explainer videos, tutorials, information graphics, product launches, augmented reality, projection mapping, marketing videos, viral shorts.
animated design combined with type and live action will have applications moving into the future. it will just happen less and less on tv.
wow thanks for that answer! With all the info here I've already watched this episode a few times lol The Skool rocks
you're welcome Spencer.
** Thumbs Up! **
appreciate it.
Great job, super informative as usual! Thanks for creating all these videos and spreading the knowledge by the way. Could you let us in on where to find the freelancer forum that you mentioned?
it's a secret forum that owners are not supposed to know about. keep asking around.
-__-
I'm a designer in LA, anyone know of that unspoken forum that talks about companies? Thanks in advance.
Good advices :)
@22:37 Great advice
Chris there is a dilemma here, see, when a client delays on paying the company, it is not fair to reflect it on the artists and the employees. The freelancer is not getting a share in the employer's benefits, s/he is getting paid for the amount of the time and days that s/he puts in a project. I personally try to stay away from clients that don't have the skills to budget their projects and reflect this kind of problems on poor freelancers.
I agree. Freelancers should get paid by the company irregardless of whether they get paid.
@9:21 does anyone know if this blacklisting underground forum Chris talks about is, any link, or if it even exists that talks about studio hiring/working practices?
Wow I love this discussion, and especially the bald guy's wisdom.
You seem like a good company. If you guys need character animator, feel free to contact me.
every video i see about motion designer is at the USA; is ther motion design jobs in europe??
Yes. For sure.
You guys are awesome hope you could visit Manila Philippines
John Joshua Guerrero why not? I'm waiting for someone to invite me.
The Futur wuhoo awesome, will tell someone for that you guys are awesome. hope I can get your email to ask some questions. :) thank you very much more powers and God Bless
John Joshua Guerrero just message me on FB or Twitter.
The Futur can I ask your personal or fb page please. thank you.
John Joshua Guerrero m.facebook.com/BizOfDesign/
It sounds like you need to have a very explicit paperwork on your standards, fees, schedule, and policies. But would that hurt your job opportunities cause you come off not flexible? Is it a bad thing to ask for a deposit before you start the job?
For clients you should ask for 50% up front but for studios that's unusual. Having clear terms up front is a good thing.
For clients you should ask for 50% up front but for studios that's unusual. Having clear terms up front is a good thing.
Great talk. Know any boilerplate terms or deeper literature on this?
I'm sure someone knows in our audience. I haven't freelanced in 2 decades so I don't know.
I would love to know what $450 an hour looks like? haha wish you had dig deeper on calling a price and if it really justifies it, if the skills match it.
$450 was a day rate not per hour.
a bit cringy at some parts but Great Video some good insights here
what's cringy about this?
that heinous beaded necklace! XD
Those socks! AAAAAAAA!!
approve or disapprove? they're happy socks.
I would follow their youtube page for sure. Do they have one?
hvaranhvaran Who? Happy socks?
The Futur Yeah!
czcams.com/channels/2v8ng5MJrT4qcJTEtSR8YA.html
+money
like "on point"? or, give me money?
The Futur oh, 100% on point!
SoSaic boom.
rad rad rad rad rad
Geoffrey thanks x3
i also though it was really cool that you shared their portfolios sites with us
Geoffrey we try to whenever possible to share.
monje freelance?
Chris for the first 8 mins you talked way to much and didn't get the girls to much at all... If this is a conversation please let the girls talk and ask the questions dude
got it.
Jesse, do you know angie and julia personally? they were very reluctant to come on the show and didn't want to be put on the spot. i do everything i can to make my guests feel comfortable and create space for them while they collect their thoughts. with allison and petrula, two art center instructors, that wasn't necessary.
thanks for your concern and advice.
+The Skool Network
Thanks Chris
I've been watching your vids for a while and think your great but was disappointed in how your communication was mainly monologue. I didn't know how reluctant the girls were but as the host knowing this it's more encouraging to be able to extract out of your visitors their thoughts. Don't get me wrong your thoughts that you contributed as normally are great which is why I watch though this time I was a bit disappointed which is why I'm sharing.
+Jesse Emia thanks for sharing, commenting and following up.
Mr. Chris do can i have u r email id