The power of in person motion design meetups and events
An interview with Allison ButlerAs freelance motion designers our work can feel very isolating. We’re often working on our own with little if any real human contact. However, it’s crucially important to make actual in-person connections with other people like you.
Allison Butler has always had a passion for motion design. Mostly self-taught, she has been creating professional digital content for five years as well as running a monthly meetup of Connecticut based animators, motion designers, and related creatives.Â
Allison tells her story of how she started her own freelance business as an alternative to full-time but temporary work. While it provides a large amount of freedom, it also requires courage and determination and many hard lessons. Allison shares what she learned by becoming a freelance motion designer.Â
While it wasn’t always the case, Allison is a master of networking. We chat about the power of networking and how Allison created a local motion design meetup which helps her and others immensely with their freelance careers.
How have you benefited by meeting with other people in your profession? Let me know in the comments!
In this episode
-
- Lessons learned from chasing one temporary gig after anotherÂ
- Learning the basics of transitioning to a freelance career
- Tools and tips for overcoming the fear that comes with a career change
- The power of in-person motion design meetups to support your career
- How to start your own motion design meetup or event
QuotesÂ
“Freelancing is never easy to jump into when you’ve only known full-time work.” [8:43]
“I needed a networking practice. It’s something people don’t tell you – that you need to practice networking and just talking to people and being human.” [17:47]
“Everyone has these online platforms to talk to and chat with people and they’re absolutely wonderful. But people still want that in-person connection. They want to know people in their area. They just want to know who’s around.” [23:52]
“If you can find one or two people in your area who are pumped to have a meetup, that’s all you need.” [32:48]
Links
Thanks for Listening!
To share your thoughts:
To help out the show:
Podcast music licensed by Big Waves
Some of the links above are affiliate links. Basically, this means that if you decide to make a purchase through one of these links, we will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. You can be sure that we would recommend these products whether or not we made any commission on them. Please don’t spend your money on them if you don’t think that they will truly help you improve your business, although, in our experience, they will.
Recent podcast episodes:
101: How to niche down as a motion designer w/ Giuseppe Forestieri
Should you niche down as a designer? We’ve all heard this advice! So, does niching down help you to win more clients or empower you...
100: Lessons learnt from making 100 podcast episodes w/ Hayley Akins
When Motion Hatch first started it was a side hustle, now it's a company! Have you considered starting your own motion design...
99: How to create motion design side projects that complement your day job w/ Charli Marie
Charli Marie is a YouTuber, podcast host and Creative Director. She provides guidance on how to create a motion design side project that complements your day job.
98: How Giant Ant became a leading motion design studio w/ Jay Grandin
Ever wondered how motion design studios become known worldwide for their work?  In today’s episode Jay Grandin explains how he...