The future of art and animation has never been so uncertain but full of opportunity. In these past couple years, independent studios and artists have gained a lot of popularity but what was the origin to this shift? What made artists turn away from the industry? How can other artists take advantage of the same opportunities? Let us look deeper into the industry issues, indie animation origins and some survival tips for growing artists!
INDIE ANIMATIONS ORIGINS
Indie animation has had a big boom starting in the 2010’s, it is not the first site of indie animation and not the first to be recognized by the “art world.” Way back in 1959, creators Faith and John Hubley released their project “Moonbird” and it was the first Indie animation to win an Oscar! Moonbird had a unique visual style, something that was more organic with an ethereal look. John Hubley leaned on old tricks from their first indie project along with using double exposure. This win made it possible for other filmmakers to release a new wave of indie films.
In recent years, independent artists have had more access to different art technologies, programs, and platforms in comparison to their prior generations. Applications like YouTube and Instagram have led to an explosion of independent artists to not only create but become successful. Storytime animators like JaidenAnimations has 14.3 million subscribers and with her success she has been able to hire other independent artists to work on her channel and give other artist a place to thrive.
Even small independent studios like Spindlehorse and Glitch are able to create long spanning series like Helluva Boss and The Amazing Digital Circus. These studios were able to make contracts to platform their shows on Amazon Prime and Netflix. We even see popular web comics like True Beauty and Yumi’s Cells have been adapted for the big screen.
PROBLEMS IN THE INDUSTRY
With the sudden growth in independent creators, it makes people curious about some of the problems in the animation industry. Long-standing companies like Walt Disney and DreamWorks have had many successes with the many shows they have produced. So, what is the issue?
Layoffs: Downsizing is a common method that industries use to lessen costs. Animation is costly so companies will cut out expenses from the workers first and will even replace those animators with short term contractors they can pay less money to. These executives may even be rewarded with big bonuses while the animator is left to dry or have to struggle while being underpaid.
Outsourcing: Studios have been increasing their outsourcing drastically in these past five years. The most recent example is Walt Disney’s Moana 2. The company outsourced animators from Canada, but this is not something the Disney company just does. There are a lot of companies that will outsource animators from South Korea,which saves the company money but it makes it more difficult to land a job with them.
Connections: Networking is a grueling task that every artist must do if they want to advance their career. The art industry is an incredibly competitive and tough business to get into. People without established connections often must work a lot harder and must do a lot of solo marketing to get into an event to start network in! This can be discouraging to artists wanting to work in galleries or even pitch a show they have worked on for years because of the harsh criticism a starting artist can receive.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR GROWING ARTISTS
So with all the resources and tools an artist has, what are their first steps? What are some ways that an artist can grow? A lot of it depends on how you market and discipline yourself!
Utilize Free Platforms: There are so many free platforms an artist can use to create their works! Autodesk Sketchbook and Krita are drawing programs I use myself and have cheap, upgrade options if you want to get extra brushes and tools. Webtoon and Tapas are webcomic sites aspiring comic artists can post their own series on. You can also use Animaker, Krita, or Blender for animation projects.
Create and Live by A Schedule: Organization is not always “clean,” but it is required if you want to discipline yourself. Plan out your workday and set hard deadlines for your projects. Utilize your social media and post 1-2 times a week. This does not have to be beautiful, completed work but it helps to keep your social media presence active for new potential followers. The main thing is you must try to be consistent. One way to build your market is to engage with your audience. You can do different art challenges like “Draw It in Your Style” where you either find an artwork participating and draw it in your style or create an artwork that followers can draw in their style. Another fun challenge is drawing a well-known character in different well-known art styles.
Build your Market and Price Responsibly: But as it is important to engage with your audience, you should also set your prices and process for commissions. Never undersell yourself. If you are unsure what to charge, you can research other artists who do similar work to your style. Never charge yourself under 10/hr. You are a growing artist, and your artwork is worth it. Do your own outsourcing as well! Reach out to your local art events, art fairs, or street shows to get your name out there!
LOCAL EVENT: Seeds of Change: Art Exhibit ft. Melvin D. Nix
The Seeds of Change Art Exhibit offers a free exhibit that explores themes of self-discovery by blending spiritual symbolism with human potential. Melvin’s art encourages the viewer to reflect on the power of change within themselves and their communities.
When/Where: Jan 19th-March 31st, 2025. Tues-Sat. 200 North Davie St, Greensboro NC 27401
Link: Seeds of Change Art Exhibit Featuring Melvin D Nix
In Closing
Getting into the art world can feel almost impossible. People without help will often struggle to get their work seen. But thankfully in today’s era of technologies have allowed small artists to have hope and to grow at their own pace. Creating and profiting from your own art can now be done through a multitude of avenues. Take advantage of setting yourself up via Instagram or Facebook. Create your online shops through Esty! The art world can finally be in your hands instead of a window you can only peer into.
Sources
Amidi , A. (2024, October 24). An industry worker explains why the U.S. animation industry is collapsing. Career Hub | Duke University. https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/blog/2024/10/24/an-industry-worker-explains-why-the-u-s-animation-industry-is-collapsing/#:~:text=The%20industry%20is%20downsizing%20as,of%20what’s%20happening%20industry%2Dwide.
Borbet, J. T. (2015, March 25). Ten business tips for the independent artist. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonborbet/2015/03/25/ten-business-tips-for-the-independent-artist/
Downtown Greensboro Incorporated. (n.d.). Seeds of change art exhibit featuring Melvin D Nix. Downtown Greensboro, Inc. https://www.downtowngreensboro.org/event/seeds-of-change-art-exhibit-featuring-melvin-d-nix/7135/
Rocha, M. (n.d.). The rapid rise of independent animation. Aviator News. https://aviatornews.org/11895/student-life/the-rapid-rise-of-independent-animation/
Staff, A. O. (2021, July 12). When Indie Animation won its first Oscar. When Indie Animation Won Its First Oscar. https://animationobsessive.substack.com/p/when-indie-animation-won-its-first
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