Going Nodal
Freelancers have a lot of challenges. I was thinking the other day that probably one of the largest also represents one of their biggest opportunities.
Just Like Life, Except It’s Drawings
Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net
Care About Content
We work for a number of different companies, some large, some small. Many have the same problem with their online communication. They have no idea how to deal with it. Read More…
Software and Heroin
Interesting survey over at CGenie. Good info for those looking to start careers in visual effects, and very good information for those looking to market software.
Time on Digital Sweatshops
Time has a new article on digital sweatshops by Rebecca Keegan. Nothing new, but nice to see more media outlets picking up the story.
As I’ve said before, the main culprit here isn’t globalization or tension between the bourgeoisie and proletariat. It’s commoditization, and a big portion of the blame belongs to the effects companies themselves. Back in the day, when Discreet was making $1 million computer systems for visual effects any shop that bought one had themselves a business plan. They sold the technology, not the artist that was running it (still often referred to as an ‘operator’). Once the price of that technology started to drop, the hourly billing rate was expected to fall with it.
Maybe there will be a breaking point some day, but I expect a lot of visual effects companies will shutter their doors in the meantime.
Web Marketing is, Like, Super Easy
All companies and more than a few individuals now market themselves on the Web. Individual branding used to be something that movie stars and musicians did, but now everyone from Paris Hilton on down can get involved.
Billing For Freelancers
I hire freelancers, so if you are one you might see me as an adversary. Someone looking to exploit your talent for my gain, wringing out your soul for a buck. But I used to be a freelancer myself, and I negotiate with clients all the time, so I feel your pain. And I think the best way for us all to get past this contention is to understand where we’re all coming from, and construct some billing models that will leave us both happy with any future deal we may or may not make.
My Childhood Gets Michael Bay’ed
When I was a kid me and my brothers were obsessed with Shogun Warriors. We used to stage day long battles in the basement of our house.
Now someone who is apparently a clone of Michael Bay is putting together a film version of Gaiking (who was my battlebot of choice). Looks fun. Maybe.
The Right Fixed Variable
Lately there’s been a fair amount of discussion on the Interwebs regarding the development of an organization to represent visual effects artists. Creatives of all stripes seem to be perking up their ears, and just like my doubts regarding the true number of Motrin moms, I also wonder how many creatives are really getting organized.
Getting a Job in Animation, Part 2
Last post I wrote a bit about animation/film/design schools, but didn’t really get into why I see them as ineffective. I can’t really comment on individual programs, only the work I see from students, so rather than point out what they aren’t doing well, I’ll point to what they, and anyone who wants to work in animation, should be doing.