The power of in person motion design meetups and events

An interview with Allison Butler

As 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. 

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. 

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 another 
    • 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

Quotes 

“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

Find Allison Butler online

Follow Allison on Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin

Connecticut Mograph Meetup

The Ultimate Freelance Guide

Work_Space, Manchester, CT

The Mograph Mastermind Program

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