another year, another lay off + thoughts on working in animation 🤔 💭
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- Опубликовано: 20 май 2024
- ✹ hello friends! ✹
Welcome back to my channel! In today's video I'm just talking a little more candidly about my experience working in animation. I've worked in animation for nearly 4 years and have experienced a LOT during that time. And with everything that has happened recently in the entertainment industry, what better time to talk about my thoughts and feelings on everything that's going on in the world. I hope this video is insightful and sheds light on my experiences!
✹ timestamps ✹
0:00 intro
2:20 breaking up with adult animation
5:37 new dreams
8:49 some existentialism
11:37 in closing
✹ links ✹
✧ patreon (my monthly podcast): / niadragon
✧ online shop: www.prettymagical.shop
✧ instagram: / niadragonart
✧ tiktok: / niadragonart
✹ music ✹ 
Развлечения
Time is on your side enjoy the journey Dragons live forever
The industry is WILD rn! Interesting to hear your artistic journey.
Gosh, this is just a massive mood, ain't it?
I graduated in 2017 with a degree in Animation, and have worked exactly ZERO hours professionally. I think over the course of seven years, my application have gotten a respond from a real-human maybe four times total? Its exhausting. Just a sea of automated rejections/ghosting. Not to mention my portfolio has been reviewed multiple times by working pros who believe I'm ready for my start, only for entry-level opportunities to just go extinct!
Celebrate your successes! Even if they're not in the direction you want to go in the future, take pride in the fact that you've already proven you can do the work!
They don’t warn you about the marry go round of animator lay offs in college…
I moved into data security and educational animation. It’s not glamorous and everyone that asks about what I do thinks it’s boring but it’s VERY stable.
stability is where it’s at. I really crave that. good for you! :)
Do you mind explaining what education animation covers exactly? Congratulations on the stability! That’s a lucky thing in todays age
Loved hearing from you and seeing my own struggles within you. I Dropped out of the animation because it was so competitive, I could only do commerials and I'd have to move to the US to do things that I'd actually like. It was weird to drop a life long dream just like that but i guess all the childlike wonder just got sucked out of me and im not passionate anymore. But its nice to hear that you tried and seeing that you can find new goals makes me feel that I can to.
absolutely!!!! that kind of career struggle can wear you down, and honestly sometimes getting a look behind the curtain is a reality check. it’s so ok for dreams to change!!! please keep dreaming :)
@niadragon that's an important message 👏
Everything is pretty much competitive
It’s so good to hear the true reality of the animation industry. So different from what you are told in school and I feel like that’s just so wrong. They should really put emphasis on how difficult it really is.
it’s criminal they don’t tell you about CONSTANT LAYOFFS!! such a huge thing to leave out!!😭
Sometimes art schools really feel like a scam! They just want your money and don’t actually care if you have a good career
Absolutely. Yes. I agree. Now, I did not major in art in college. Instead, my focus was education. I got a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's in curriculum and instruction. I spent a great deal of my time working in the education field, until I became a mom. It was then when I realized that I enjoy art. I love crocheting, working on wooden dollhouse miniatures, writing. I have loved everything art since I was an itty bitty child. It was clear I had spent a large amount of time in the wrong world. While it is challenging (I'm 45 years young!), I am finding my way now
I feel like you could still apply the skills you learned in education etc to your art in numerous ways. o:
For example workshops, video content, maybe tutorial, etc. Do you post your art somewhere? Dollhouse miniatures sound amazing 💜
I’m an elementary teacher with an art side business so I feel this😆 I just try to balance the two though and it’s working out so far.
I’m about to graduate from art school for animation. And I’m about to turn 30 💀 So your perspective on having a fulfilling art career was very comforting to hear. I hope you get a project that scratches that itch!
Congratulations!!
Thank you!! And congratulations, that’s huge! 🥳🎉
I went through my own career metamorphosis but as a writer. I wanted to write fiction novels, and studied journalism for the publicity but also the honor of giving people the news. When I found out that news companies are all being pulled to certain topics based on what will make them more money vs. What the people need to know to stay informed, I decided to remove myself from that industry entirely.
I went into advertising, made waves and $$$, but was sooooooo unhappy. I was being gaslit left and right and was severely underpaid based on my experience. A coworker publicly humiliated me and that was my last straw.
I left that job last year, but I know now that nothing is more valuable than what I want for myself. I also experienced a few deaths in my family, and as you said "I could be gone tomorrow" I love art and stories and have been trying to create and heal at the same time.
I wish you luck on your creative journey! Thanks for telling your story :)
I've been reading a story called Primal Hunter, and tbh it has a strong start, but it turns mid real fast. Yet... the writer makes over 60k a month with his patreon alone, not including his book sales. Maybe that's the ideal model to go for? Maybe you won't make 60k, but maybe you could make even more as well. Even half or a quarter of that is decent money, and he only writes about 3 chapters or so a week looks like.
sooooo so real. I fear that animation has gone a similar direction - what works "works" even if it's not inventive, and what's authentic is not worth sharing. sorry to hear that this permeates even journalism. but thank you for sharing as well, and thanks for watching!! :)
so real
@@someblaqguy Oh wow, I never thought about this🤔 thanks for the suggestion
@@niadragon Thanks ☺I agree, I think media in general has been taking a swift turn from authentic and unique voices in favor of, ya know, whatever makes money or is safe to broadcast. May be it's Maybelline, maybe it's late-stage capitalism. 😵💫 That's not gonna stop me from creating but as someone who makes a living off of being a creative, it can be alarming at times to this play out in real time.
Thanks for sharing, I was laid off from my dream job in tv and it made me reconsider so much about what I thought was true about my life, my work and my dreams
God, it’s so relieving to hear that there are other artists who feel this way, I felt like I was being too stubborn? Too self-absorbed? For feeling unfulfilled by work and employers who truly only want me for my technical skills rather than my voice as an artist. I still feel silly typing that out, why can’t I just accept that “this is just how the industry is”…and low and behold I work a non-art related job to get pay, which Ik is not bad! But…it almost feels like “this is what u get for not letting yourself be used as a tool in the arts”, now i let myself be a used as a tool in manufacturing :,)) I graduated in 2022 in illustration and animation still trying to break in, but also wondering if it’s even worth it
Ur point on have I done everything I wanted to do yet is a well-needed reminder. Thank u for reframing things for me! I wish u the best of luck in all ur future endeavors
PS, we graduated from the same uni! I remember my prof playing ur reel in my class as an example for us to follow haha, the characters in ur student film are adorable and I always recognize them!!
you are not crazy!! I’ve felt all of this. def felt like I should be “grateful” to be “chosen” for such a competitive job (which I am! But would be nice to scratch that creative itch)
also wow, hey fellow UArtist!! that really warms my heart to hear, wow!!!! 🥲
@@niadragon yeah! doing work that fulfills u, expresses u, and to see other ppl actually interested in it too!! I think it’s so vital as an artist and as a person to have this sort of connection and outlet. Haha shoutout to chris!
This was recommended to me randomly by YT's algorithm and I'm glad it did since I managed to find your channel. I've been a bit stressed over the past couple of hours but listening and watching your videos while I worked truly helped me calm down. Not trying to make it about me with the earlier statement but I mentioned it because I wanted you to know that you've had a positive impact on a little stranger somewhere in the world, and will probably continue to do so! Big fan of the warm and casual calm energy of your vlog. Maybe it's the pacing, and the graphics, your voice or the way you talk, or the results of all of those elements together. I admire your attitude towards hard times, and that you shared some hard truth. I really had a good time going through your channel so far. I hope you have a lovely time and that the opportunities that come to you will allow you continue to be your creative self. Thank you again for sharing these with us!
thank you so SO much for your kind and thoughtful comment - this honestly made me a bit teary today!!! as someone's who's tried to make RUclips videos again and again for years, this was really validating to hear. I'm so glad my videos could put at you ease and I really do appreciate you watching 🥹❤️
I've been doing freelance motion graphics for a couple decades. I now call it managing my own unemployment. I miss the security of all the benefits attached to payroll employment. I agree that the work-life balance is way better on a freelancer's schedule... but there's no net or cushion. I wish you the very best of luck. You're clearly really talented!
Finally, don't move to LA. Everyone's unemployed here, too.
Do not move to LA. I lived in Irvine and worked as an art model in the animation and videogame industries and I just saw an over-saturation of talent. Creatives are fired every 6 months and leases usually can't be broken in less than a year.
Thank you for your video. I'm an animation student graduating in a few days and the last few weeks have been...stressful. It's just been an endless spiral of failed animation job hunting, stressing over my portfolio and reel, avoiding working on my reel out of stress, and working on applying for work permits in my country of residence.
It's comforting knowing I'm not alone in worrying about my future prospects in an industry that's going through a rough time.
Right now I've just resigned to looking for minimum-wage jobs in the service industry to get by and work on my portfolio during my off time.
It's probably naive of me to think but I just keep tellin myself this will pass and I'll be okay.
Thank you for your vulnerability!! I was also just laid off from work and I think a ton of people in the creative industry are going through a similar dilemma. It's a very transformative thing to go from employed and unfulfilled to striking out on your own. Seeing you pave your own path and take it all in stride is very inspiring! I'm excited to see you continue to grow
thanks so much (and thank you for watching!) !!! sorry to hear that you were laid off as well - it's such a crazy time in the job market at large. at the same, so much opportunity to do more!!! wishing you all the best in your next endeavor as well! :^)
Honestly it was really soothing and motivating to listen to you be so open. I relate so much to the “being shy but wanting to put myself out there”. It’s been a hard journey trying to break this habit but your “have you done everything you wanted to” point really stuck with me. Love your content and hope to see more of you💕
Great video! It would be really cool to see a video exploring some of your own character designs or even a series that you have ideas for :)
thank you!! for sure, I'm definitely hoping I can share a really big project I've been working on super soon 😉
I came across your video when I think I needed it most haha so thank you. Video game/board game 3D Artist here-heh I experienced a pretty unpredicted layoff almost a week ago. A lot of what you said in your video resonated with me-from working on projects that weren’t really aligned with what you want/working on somebody else’s vision to the experience of trying to balance work art and your own art after work. It’s been difficult trying to figure out the path forward from giving up and trying to learn a trade, trying to rebuild my portfolio to get back into an industry that’s in an unfortunate place, or go through with my idea for trying to sell miniatures or other 3D printable art. Listening to your video has given me a bit more courage to try to at least see where a shop could go. After all like you’ve mentioned, life is too short to not do something you enjoy and to not at least try. ☺️
this resonated with me a lot. i was picking up on a lot of these same things right before i graduated in 2016 so this definitely hit
As another animation professional (now ex-animation professional I guess) - I worked in the art department, painting bgs, doing character and prop design here and there. I have to say the industry burns you out but...running your own business can burn you out as well:) I guess for me it was a choice - if I'm going to work my butt off for something, I want it to at least feel like the work I do matters or is appreciated.
Thank you for sharing your story! I’ve been hesitating sharing my art journey in youtube because I feel like it might not be “good enough” but your story & others are constantly reminding me that it’s not about experiencing everything but rather it’s taking everyone on the journey as you live it! ❤
absolutely!! i've been honestly pretty embarrassed to speak my truth for the longest too, especially when the truth is I work on raunchy adult comedies. but it's important to embrace your path, even the weird detours and bumps in the road :^)
I'm feeling this so hard -- my layoff for my animation job is in a month and I'm so excited. I'm gonna take a good chunk of time on to focus on having fun with my art
It was so good to get a real life industry professional's perspective on this. Thank you for sharing! I hope you keep making videos like this!
Nah, both of them are so real for that. Toji and Yuji are definitely my two favorite characters too😆
I work in post and last year was a bloodbath at my company, especially after the strikes started. Three rounds of layoffs. Thankfully I made it through them but it's tough out there. Feel like the industry has no idea where to go from here and it sucks because a lot of it is self-imposed by studios thinking they could churn out streaming content endlessly and now realizing a) they can't b) they've now changed consumer behaviours in a way that makes less money (ie expecting a quick streaming release rather than going to a theatre, or expecting some quick six episode show to constantly come out rather than long-running series that employ people with regularity)
Im not in animation but I am going through something similar in the gaming Industry. The games Im working on are not really what I want to be working on! Im trying to do it on the side but its hard! Keep up the hard work! Excited to see your work. Im also working on my own portfolio for making my own games.
i’m a shy artist too! i’m graduating this may with my BFA in animation/illustration and i have similar fears regarding the industry right now. hoping i can get my foot in the door. thank you for this advice and sharing your thoughts 💖 it was really helpful! i love your character designs! i hope you can explore that more in animation industry (if you want) and in your personal art💖💖💖 i also share similar dreams of having a shop and such. i wish you the best and wish you all the happiness 🥺💖🦋
thank you so much, this is so sweet!! congratulations as well, I hope you're able to land where you want to be
This is so interesting to hear about, as someone who recently graduated in film. Not much experience in animation, though I always thought it seemed so cool and love art. Thanks for sharing!
Greetings from South Africa. From one animator to another here's a sub.
Howdy from a fellow animator who graduated during the pandemic (2021)!! 😄✨
I really loved hearing your perspective on the industry and I really empathise with this entire sentiment.
I've been off for around 3 weeks now and have been really focusing on burnout recovery. I used to draw for fun up until my second year of animation school when burnout started (2020) and only in the past few weeks I've started drawing for myself again.
The animation is such a cool industry to be working in (and I absolutely love it,) but the contract / project based work cycle gets a little stressful. I also always find myself super exhausted at the end of the work day and don't have a lot of motivation to make something for myself.
Here in Canada, the industry is like a desert right now. I have been lucky enough to have just recently finished up my latest contract but, I have had a couple friends that haven't had work in almost a whole year. At least here, this dry spell is seemingly mostly due to a domino effect of the writer / actors strike.
I'll keep crossing my fingers the industry picks up again soon but, in the mean time, don't forget to look after yourself 💜
hey thanks for sharing!! (and also thanks for watching!) so interesting to get your take on the Canadian animation scene. That's honestly an area I've been super intrigued by but don't know a ton about. sorry to hear that you guys have also been through the wringer with all the industry ups and downs. but yeah hoping the dust settles and opportunities start flowing again!! the lil silver lining is that a lot of us can at least take some time to rest - burnout is too real. 🫠
I'm so happy that the algorithm brought your video to me! Listening to your video felt like a warm hug, your genuine chill energy reminds me of hanging with a friend in art school. I'm in motion design which is adjacent to animation, but I know there's some crossover so I related a lot to your experiences. There weren't a lot of jobs when I graduated last year because of the writer's strike and other economy stuff. The good thing is that things feel like they're coming back... gradually. I've noticed more people posting about openings on LinkedIn lately.
The experience you've gained in such a tough time for the industry is amazing. Even though things have been rough, now that you're recentering your life, I hope you're proud of all that you did accomplish through the emotional and mental hardships with all that's been happening in our industry. And as you progress your freelancing career, I hope you remember this when things feel low. I wound up falling into freelancing when I graduated and it picked up enough to the point where I'm cool if this continues to be my career instead of full-time. I'm even taking the step to move out of my parents' house and become financially independent, which is still scaring the shit out of me since freelance isn't reliable income. But I'm doing my best to maintain confidence in my choice and that I will figure it out, no matter what happens. I hope you remember that for yourself too.
I've been so grateful for the bandwidth freelancing has given me to be introspective about my life and figure out what truly makes me happy. And it's also given me the bandwidth to expand my mind creatively, as well as work on my emotional issues so I can push past perfectionism and create for fun. I'm excited for you to have more time to do that too.
Thank you for being so vulnerable with us!! It's really comforting to have a video like this to know I'm not that alone in this feeling.
what an incredibly thoughtful comment - thank you so much for all your kind words and taking the time to validate my experiences! 🥹 I'm so immensely flattered. It's also really intriguing to know where your path has taken you too, very impressive!!! I wish I had been braver and pursued MORE freelance out of college, but I was so sure I needed to have a 9-5. Kudos to you. I'm sure you will continue to figure everything out on the freelance side - moving out is so exciting. (and i was technically a freelancer when I moved out too! 😉) Wishing you the best in that endeavor and starting your next chapter
My journey's been very similar to yours: animation graduate except I've never worked at a studio. I'm grateful for having spent my post graduation years working from home for a personal reason, but it's a relief to see that the studio/professional life wasn't everything they tell you in college.
So much time has passed since then and the world has changed a lot... not sure how to put this in this comment but mostly I wanted to let you know I understand what you're going through because we have a lot in common. I'm definitely going to check out your channel bc your artwork is adorable and your demeanor is calming :)
as a college sophomore studying animation this has been better advice than any prof has given me lol. it's nice to hear that it does burn you out and that you will be doing things you don't want to, i feel like people are so scared to tell us that anymore. while it seems dark, it can be a huge motivator to work harder to get where you want. sorry for your loss, i hope you take the proper time to heal and focus on yourself
I love your transparency and it's interesting to hear your perspective on layoffs in the animation industry. I've never worked in animation but I have held graphic design and marketing jobs that have all been unstable. Job security just isn't a thing anymore. I too enjoy watching other artist's and have really gotten my passion for art back by joining this community of creatives. Can't wait to see you grow from here! Subscribed! :)
wow that's so interesting to hear! for a while I was considering graphic design / marketing, but I guess it was naive for me to think it was the "unicorn" of stability so to speak haha. but thank you for watching!! i really appreciate it!
I like seeing this. I worked at Rockstargames and blizzard and some other companies for years.ive given up the industry, it's super toxic and unstable.ive been laid off for 3 years before. Becareful out there
Commenting for the algorithm, but we enjoyed hearing your thoughts and story! Thank you!
Very cool to see a young Black animator
Subbed and sending you all the good vibes. It's always an amazing thing to see someone pursue their own artistic freedom and make their own stuff!
It’s only up from here✨ sending good vibes!!
It was really awesome hearing your perspective on the animation industry and how it is doing today! I haven't had the chance to work within art yet but so far it can be quite unstable and without a goal that really motivates you to keep going in this field it can make things tricky. I am happy you found new goals to achieve and am wishing all the best
thank you so much!! and totally agreed - having that inner compass is so important, and I’m looking forward to chasing that more ❤ wishing you the best in your art journey as well!!
Glad I was brought to this video. I just graduated film school this month and have had the opportunity to Direct and/or produce 3 short films. I’ve decided I am not able to do short films and get paid for the time being and continue to self fund them for now. I started my own production company and I’m doing what I love. I’ll find a job at some point that might not be my dream but that’s okay.
I'm so glad youtube pushed this video my way, I've just gone through all your videos and absolutely love the vibe. I just hate the circumstances of the video, that is what finally pushed your channel my way 😭 Totally bookmarking Hit Monkey!! I'm happy to see that you didn't take being laid off to heart, in the sense of your own skill. Like you said, being laid-off doesn't reflect what you do at all, just a horrible reflection of what the animation (and gaming) industry is like atm. Keep doing you, I love your style so much!
Normally I don’t comment on videos but this one really spoke to me. I also went to school during the pandemic/graduated a few years ago (still trying to break in)- surrounded by peers who’ve either broke in because they got lucky and got an internship or still trying to break in. Seeing everything so up in the air has been so stressful- the doubt about whether after all this effort if the journey is going to be worth it for what kind of quality of an unstable career is definitely something I’ve been thinking about a lot. Like if your going to put so much heart and soul into your portfolio pieces “to tell your own story” but majority of your career isn’t even gonna be truthful to that originality:,) similar to what you said about finding joy in the content on RUclips- I’ve been kinda redirecting my hope in seeing the rise of indie animation becoming more known/successful, but ofc it’s not the same as a stable paycheck so there’s that. Anyways, it’s always reassuring to hear that these kinds of thoughts are common/we’re not alone in these concerns :)
I feel you. Graduated in 2020 and struggling to find job security after doing so many internships. Most of my friends in my course are either mid weight or senior designers which I find so hard to cope with at times. I just remind myself on a slower path compared to others.
Just subscribed, you have such a good attitude and outlook, you've made it through a lot and I'm excited to be along for the ride to see how you grow!
I’m so glad this was a recommended video. I think it’s always nice and sometimes motivating to hear another artist and their positive outlook within the industry. I’m 100% sure that moving forward good things will come your way because not only have you had time to process everything but you’re willing to try new things and put action into some of those goals. Being an influencer can seem very daunting (I totally agree with you) but you made this video. That’s a start. Anyways thank you for sharing and hope to see more in the future.
Loved gaining your perspective! Liked and subbed ❤
This reminds me of modoodles here on RUclips. She quit her job in animation and is now doing RUclips and her shop full time.
Also I appreciate this video because I chose a non art career (teacher) and I often wonder if I made a mistake. But I love teaching and doing art as a side business is really fulfilling when I don’t compare myself to others. This reminds me that I made the right choice for me and it’s different for everyone. I think you’ve got a great perspective on it Wishing you success in your future projects ✨
Side note your hair looks AMAZING! Giving strawberry shortcake vibes 🍓🌷
Thank you for sharing your experience ❤❤
I love working in animation and it’s been 2 years since I haven’t gotten on a project from from the strikes and stuff. And when you said you reflected a lot about your life during it, I felt that especially second guessing my skills. I really considered going back to school to get into another stable career. But I thought at the end of the day I enjoy the process of animation or like any artistic work. Instead I’m using the time to creating projects I’ve always wanted to do and just an overall personal growth, because once I do eventually get back into the industry, realistically I’d probably too brunt out to attempt what I want to do. I love your perspective and I’m glad I came across your video❤
YT randomly served your vid to me and it’s proof the algo is listening 😂 had the exact same thought/push to pursue what I actually cared about after my mom had a heart attack a few years ago, at the same age her mother had a heart attack. Luckily my Mom survived, but man did that make me feel like i have a clear date with death in my future. So I also asked myself what I would regret not doing, and for me that was pursuing a career in animation. Anyway, liking, subscribing, & commenting, because taking a chance on you should be rewarded.
You are so pretty!
I wish you luck on your journey and hopefully you land another gig soon :)
Your vid was recommended to me! You have a beautiful speaking voice and narration. Thank you for story. Also w in 2020 with a first degree but in graphic design and I’m still struggling in between jobs, whilst other people
I know have become midweight-senior designers. I’m happy I’m not alone in the feeling of how challenging the job market is.
I loved hearing your thoughts on everything! very personal and friend to friend:> looking forward to more videos all the best ly
Somebody already said it, but your voice really is soothing to listen to! 🌸 I commend you for overcoming your shyness & putting yourself out there.👏🏾As someone w/ social anxiety, it can be so overwhelming. 😵💫But when you have a dream/vision of your life - or just the need to put your voice out there like you've described - following through with it is the most freeing feeling ever. 💫 Enjoyed listening to your experience as an animator! It very much solidified me doing my by-hand 2D animated series + stop-motion series online & independently lol. Just subscribed, keep doing you! ^.^
This is absolutely crazy because his monkey has been on my list for a while as a long running marvel fan since before the main stream movies even hit off. It just had an interesting surreal and yet ground level field to it, and it seemed pretty obscure because I have never heard of The hit monkey. I’ll definitely pay attention to the animation extra when I watch it now, I’m a fan of the medium so doubly so I guess noe
You have a lovely voice! Thank you for sharing your perspective.
this video is amazing omg it was extremely eye opening for me!! keep up the good work please and stay motivated 🫶🏾🫶🏾 (i very much did like and subscribe😋)
I'm still at the beginning of my journey as an artist. I do 3D and 2D art for video games as well as being a programmer. I'm currently going to school for computer science and we've finally found a game idea that could really put our company on the map. It's something I've pitched to a couple different types of people and regardless of the person's personality or personal likes for video games they still seem to like the idea.
I think doing something on the side is always good because it shows you have passion outside of the job. That's why I'm going to get a job in software engineering and I'll work in game development in my free time.
I'm slowly making better games and I think our next one could be the big hit we need.
Hopefully, one day, I'll watch a show you played a major role in. I also hope that one day you, and any others reading this comment, get to play one of my games.
awww you’re so sweet, thank you! I hope so too!! coincidentally, my brother did the same thing (went to school for software engineering and was doing game dev in free time) wishing you good luck on your programming journey! 👾💻
I can empathize. In my case, as a Christian, selecting projects and vying for projects is much more of a chore for me - not that it's a breeze for every artist anyway. So many intellectual properties lean into raunch or just push things I can't ideologically get behind. On the other end is "safe" work that I find boring. It's hard to find that Goldilocks zone of 'just right.' This is not a woe-is-me complaint though. It is what it is. And like you and many other artists, I'm trying to build up my own things on the side.
And yes, deaths certainly put life into perspective. I don't want to get into the habit of taking tomorrow as guaranteed.
I find this video to be very comfy, especially with the music😊I love hearing your thoughts and struggles, thank you for sharing! And also love your hair!
Thank you so much!! 🥰🥰
Its such a struggle right now. I have been in post production for 15 years, never has it been like this. Take the small victories and know there are more of us who are on your side out here.
In my Funemployment time ( I love that you phrase it that way) I have managed to create 2 very unique music videos for Music artist I respect. I may not have had that opportunity if I was at my 9-9 job for Hollywood/Netflix. And while the small victories help warm the heart and soul they definitely don't pay the bills. Keep up the great work, some people say your time to shine will come. But it looks to me like you are already a bright star! Take your time to enjoy it.
This was so inspiring and enlightening, I really appreciated hearing your thoughts. I think you hit the nail on the head with so many of your conclusions. Loved this!
thank you!!! so glad you enjoyed it!! ^^ thanks for watching!!!!
you touched on a lot of topics that ive been thinking about lately, this was a wonderful video to have on in the background!
Glad you enjoyed it! thanks for listening ❤️
As a person who's also in the creative industry (video editor) and a pandemic graduate as well, I feel you. I've heard it all from just move to LA, to work on your portfolio to land the jobs you want and like you I've had to learn that it usually doesn't work out like that. Being from a small island in the Caribbean it's been hard to work on projects that fulfill me or any at all due to a lack of an established industry here and moving to another country I've learnt is REALLY REALLY HARD. I'm lucky enough to have met some ppl who provide me with work remotely but it's not always the things I want to work on and it does leave me feeling a bit burnt out. I'm happy that you're coming to the point of wanting to put more time into your own art because that is most fulfilling to you. I hope one day I too can get to the point of working on things that I'm passionate about and I thank you for sharing your story.
I really loved this video! New subbie! I’m so excited for more videos! Plus, your voice is so beautiful and calming 💗. Good luck on your new journey!
thank you soooo so much!! i really appreciate you coming along for the ride!! 🥰
Great video!! Thank you for posting. I hope your make more videos on the animation industry and what you want to work on in the future. You earned yourself a subscriber!!
aw thanks for sub!! more anim talk is definitely in the works! 🤭
thank u for this
This is great, Nia- been really feeling a lot of this myself. All too relatable these days. But hey, we’ll make it!! Good luck!!
For sure!! Thanks so much, and thanks for watching!! 🥹✨
So much of this resonates, even as an artist/freelancer in other fields. Thank you for putting more of your unfiltered voice into the world! Encouraged by the way you're recalibrating your internal compass with clarity and delight. Excited to cheer you on (and hear from you more in this way!). ♥
Wow, thank you! its disheartening to know other creatives feel this way too, but also oddly comforting to know I'm not alone in these thoughts. again, thank you for watching!!! I appreciate you so much
I'm at a place right now where I'm not even sure if I wanna be in the animation industry anymore, money is tight and I'm having a hard time competing to get work since my skills need some work, plus I'm in South Africa we barely have an industry to begin with compared to what the Americans have but their industry is on fire right now and their the blueprint we're supposed to be following. It's all a lot really 😅.
Thanks for sharing btw. I didn't mean to be a downer but this has given me a lot to think about, and I appreciate the work you did to make this such a good watch.
Ooooh, this popped up on my feed and honestly I'm so glad it did, as I've been struggling with my freelance work after the loss of a family member late last year, so I understand how hard that hits. It doesn't help when seeing what's going on in the animation and gaming industries as an indie artist, I'd always wanted to go into those or comics, but with the state of things it just doesn't seem like it's feasible. But in spite of the fickle nature of the beast that's our industry, I hope you find joy and success in whatever projects you take on next!
hey likewise!! you deserve it!! i hope you're able to really hone in on what it is that brings you happiness, I know it's so difficult after experiencing a loss. thank you so much for watching, I really appreciate you
I'm in design and it's very similar! Great vid Nia!
Loved hearing your thoughts and your editing style is so cute! I'm also pivoting from animation (partially due to the market and partially because I want to) to youtube/ and freelance so a lot of your perspectives resonated with me. I'm sorry to hear that your previous year was tough but I hope good things come your way moving forward! You seem like a very resilient person 🧡
aw thanks a lot! I just noticed I've seen your videos before but hadn't subscribed yet, so I just hit that subscribe button. :) Wishing you all the best as well as you keep pursuing your freelance / RUclips dreams. we got this!!!
instant sub. love your vibe!
aww thanks so much!!! appreciate you!! 🥺
Thank you for this perspective! I'm currently approaching the end of art school (focus on illustration and animation/film) and I'm really struggeling with figuring out what I want to do afterwards and have been overall quite anxious about it. Hearing this was quite reassuring that I don't need to figure everything out right now :)
totally understand! you would be so surprised how much everything changes post-grad, haha. just keep pursuing your curiosity and you’ll find your way ❤
Good luck on your journey. I think creating art and content for yourself is a good move. I subscribed.
Thank you so much! ☺️
Ah that’s so cool!!
Hi! New subscriber here! As an illustrator, I completely resonated with this video! Having a creative voice in a “professional industry” is very important for me and often, that is what lacks. Which is also why I opted to create more YT videos in hopes it would give me the fluidity to express myself without restrain. I am excited to follow along your journey! 🫶🏼☺️
Good luck with your journey! It seems like making good youtube videos comes very naturally to you
awww thank you so much 🥹🥹
Im wishing you the best!
great vid!
Comment for the algorithm. It's great hearing your experiences, though. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to seeing more of your voice come through in your work!
aw thanks so much and thanks for taking the time to watch!!! 🥹❤️
Love this as a fellow industry worker this vid was *chefs kiss* also room tour I love your aesthetic 👀
thank you!!! And yes that’s definitely on the way!! 🥰🥰
Love your work and insight 💖 Wow, especially now that I’ve finished the video 🙏🏼 So excited for this new season of your life! I’m sorry to ask since it’s not the focus of your channel but I wanted to mention that I would love to see how you do your makeup 🤩🙏🏼💄✨
aww thanks so much!!! def not a pro at it, but I’ll consider doing a GRWM video in the future!! 🥰
Saaaammmeee. I graduated in 2019 and I really had to reassess my priorities when both of my grandmothers passed.
The same thing is happening in the video game industry right now. Overall, VFX, entertainment, and art is suffering now more than ever. I graduated August 2023 with the hopes of finding a gig as a 3D art - in a game studio, ideally, but any industry would have worked. 600+ applications later, weeks worth of networking, improving my portfolio, only to receive a handful of interviews. The biggest comfort has been seeing folks like yourself experiencing the same or similar issues. It's a reminder that it is not that you aren't good enough! There are simply more candidates than jobs right now.
absolutely!! so much hitting us at once. not our fault, but def waiting for the industry to catch up 😵💫
Just know you are not alone! There is a lot of us out there feeling the same way. Fingers crossed that things get better for all of us soon!
so eye opening to know I’m not alone (and scary to voice this on the internet!) thanks for watching!! 🥰
you are so stunning! off topic
thank you!! 🥹❤️
Defo giving you a sub, I've only been in games for around 5 years and I can tell you it's rough and honestly I think this is the biggest growing pains we've gone through in two decades. I'm hoping like a pendulum it will swing back when we are ready for work, great content btw!
thanks so much!! i hope so too, it's so disheartening to see so many talented folks struggle like this (and for so long!) fingers crossed 🤞🏽
This is video really shows the reality of working in the animation industry and how unbalanced it could be at times, nowadays sometimes it seems like some networks just don't care about animation, Warner Bros had new seasons of JellyStone and Tiny Toons Looniversity which they didn't even promote. But RUclips us the perfect place for you to express your creativity for fun great vid btw.
It's good that you have a skill that's in high demand. There's plenty opportunity in Indy project. Keep developing your skills.
I really hope you're able to hit your stride with your goals. I graduated Illustration in 2022 and it was back to back rollercoasters between NFT shit, the pandemic and generative AI, the latter which has been way more determined to stick around.
While collective action and strikes don't surprise me, given how abysmal and undermined the state of employment is, I hope we can get change for the better.
I feel like I'm drifting, personally, I know there are goals I want to hit, but I don't have a career outlook. Still it was nice to hear what you had to say on the industry and how you felt about your career!
thank you, I really appreciate your kindness!! i hope things change for the better as well, and soon. it is an unimaginable time to be a student or a recent graduate in an artistic field. i hope in the midst of everything going on you're able to find your path professionally :^)
As a creative myself, i appreciate your authenticity and it makes me wonder would i be satisfied doing what i wanted to do instead of writing articles my heart wasnt in to? I love animation and love to hear more about it. New subscriber 😊💖
Good to see that you're working on a side hustle. I work on a popular adult animated show and I'm going to be on my "hiatus" (which is the same as getting laid-off but I have an official return date) next week but I have already planned out my time with my own projects that I've been trying to get off the ground. Don't just wait till the last few weeks of the season to get laid-off after you're settled in get your hustle going and make your own luck.
💯💯 I’ve had a shop for years but at the start of this year have started to take it a lot more seriously. happy to hear you’ve got plans as well, wishing you all the best professionally and personally!! 😊
It could be a blessing in disguise really! This could be your chance to go full-time on your business!!! 💜 These quarterly cuts really are stressful but honestly just work on your portfolio and work on you!! 💖 I mean that's the best part about being in the creative field, there is a number of directions you can go!
Currently that's all I've been trying to do tbh because burn out happens to me a ton! I really have been in limbo cuz I'm too tired after my creative job to push out more creativity at night 🫠 and don't get me started on marketing yourself!!! 😭
gosh I certainly hope so. to go full time with my business would be an absolute dream!! i'm going on week 2 of being laid off and it's truly just been so nice to be creative again. but up until then, yeah. the burnout was def real, so I totally relate. 😵💫 i hope you're able to take any needed rest to get that creative spark back!!
Great video! Really made me at ease from these feelings that come with being unemployed in the animation industry,
I wish you good luck on your shop and your independent art 💕
P.S. I also worked on marvel's hit monkey, but I was at mighty animation 👀✌️
wow small world!! thank you, and thanks for watching!
Just found your youtube, wonderful work and cant wait to see more!
Thank you so much! more to come!!! 🥰
This was a really insightful perspective.. I've always loved animation and art (making and looking at it all the same) and it's so sad to watch creatives like you get lumped in... Odd and unfulfilling projects.. I really pray for the best for creatives like you 🫡 this is my first time seeing this channel but I'm already looking forward to seeing where you go next from here on out.. Good luck!!!
thank you so much (and thanks for watching) !!! those shows were definitely a "interesting" detour 😵💫
Definitely got a new follower