Building Your Online Presence [The Animation Industry: Preparing for a Career - Unit10]

Building Your Online Presence

11/02/25 - 16/02/25

Introduction

This blog post explores preparing for work generally through building your online presence and the materials you need to apply for jobs. It also looks at the process for applying for jobs and how to best prepare yourself and going about the application process. There is a large section that analyses an Animation Apprentice YouTube playlist (Williams, 2021) to soak up as much knowledge before I develop and update relevant materials. The core task in this unit looks to begin updating my online presence looking primarily at LinkedIn and ArtStation.

Lecture and Resource Study

This section analyses the lecture resources and highlights the key findings. Firstly looking at the blog post ‘How To Get Your Name Listed at IMDB’ (Williams, 2014)

IMDB is a great tool for finding and recognising people that work within film and broadcasting. Therefore, if you work in film and broadcasting you should get yourself listed!
How to get listed?

Attach yourself to a project that is listed. However, in order to get your short film listed you would need to enter it for a competition - they won't just list any project!
You could list your project on : withoutabox.com - this would allow you to enter it for prestigious film competitions, however, there may be entry fees attached.
Now you can list the project on IMDB
IMDB will review the project.
If accepted you can then edit your profile on IMDB.
Add this to your C.V., demo reel etc. anything to make it seem as real as possible for the stage in your career you are at.

The video below shows how to edit credits on IMDB:

Next I'm going to explore a range of the YouTube videos and useful links that have been attached to the blog post ‘Jobs & Careers Playlist at YouTube’ (Williams, 2021).

Starting with the video Finding Work in an Animation Boom (2021) :

Animation boom in 2021 - lots of production including animation and hiring U.K. talent due to Brexit hurdles.
Top 10 steps to securing a job :

Get good at what you do - practise makes perfect

Coursework
Vimeo Tutorials

Linked on the blog - loads of animation challenges. These look like a lot of the core information I've covered.

Collaborate on short films

Group projects and collaborate.
Click - showcase on the blog.
This could help get your IMDB get set up.

Enter the 11 seconds club

Great way to develop character pieces.

Practise, Practise Practise

Polish your demo reel

Best work
Only your work - be clear what you've added.
No mistakes
Less than 1 min.
Name and contact details - front and back.
No password protect
Always a work in progress - constantly evolving as you progress and improve.

Be easy to find

Linkedin
Website

I love the split up Idea - Maybe I could do the same but with a pie idea?

Vimeo and YouTube
Instagram?

Polish your CV/Resume

Short 1 pager
Keep it relevant
Make it stylish

animationjobs.com
Twitter? BlueSky
Linkedin

Apply (Again and again and again)

Apply! Same advice as the lecturers.
"Disney will only hire you on the second application"
They want to see how you grow and respond to rejection

Be the Rhino - Rejection is information.

We studied this recently!

Work your connections

Ask your friends - who is hiring?
Ask for recommendations.
Link in with your network.

Get ready for Interview

All of the prep I was looking at previously - study the questions and prep a response to common questions.
Be interested and sound keen.
Don't complain.
Research the studio and the people interviewing you.
Don't talk about money - this will be a HR query later.

Don't give up.

Repeat the previous steps and keep trying!

Q and A key notes:

Don't include too many different types of media in your portfolio instead make tailored reels to show the range of your skills.
Difficult to work in other countries due to the Visas. Therefore, you'd be looking at gaining work in the countries you have a Visa / passport. So the U.K. for me!
Don't be too ambitious with personal projects! Keep it short. 1-2 mins for group projects and 11 seconds for personal shots!

Next looking at the video The Economics of Short Animated Films (2021) :

Can you make a living making short films?
No! Unless you do it through YouTube and ads.
However, this could help with your reel and how to develop your film making experience - which will make you a better animator.

Next looking at the video Stay in Touch to Find Your First Job (2021) :

Stay in touch with Alex Williams (The module tutor) to support. There may be roles Alex knows about.

Who have you applied to?
Lets look at your materials (Reel, CV, etc.)
Work out why you're not getting hired.
Get recommendations.

Next looking at the video How Do You Find a Mentor in the Animation Industry? (2021) :

Finding a mentor tends to be organic as you build relationships.
They might be parents, teachers, peers, colleagues and presently the current tutor.
Keeping these relationships alive is key.
Open to their advice and integrating their feedback.
Willingness to ask for help.

Next looking at the video What is Imposter Syndrome? (2021) :

Everybody feels imposter syndrome.
Understand you won't know everything in the beginning but understand you need to ask for help so that you can learn. No one expects you to know everything!
You need to learn from improve and if other people can help you then you will massively improve and accelerate your career.
The software and industry will always change so you will always be building on your knowledge.

Next exploring the advice in the video How Much Should You Charge For Your First Freelance Job? (2020) :

How much should you charge?

How long is the job going to take you?
Understand the client's needs.
Don't charge really high but make sure its worth your while.
Striking a balance.

Next looking at the video What Questions Should You Ask a Client? (2020) :

How to work with a client in a freelance capacity.

What is their budget.
How long will it take you to do?
Do these align.
How much do they need? 30 seconds? 2 hours?
Style of animation?
Script? What is the story they want to tell?
Deadline? When do they need it by?
Target audience - who is the project aimed at?
What is the message of the animation?
Who will approve the work?
What is the final output? Resolution? File type? Aspect Ratio? Etc.
Payment schedule and contract. Upfront? End?
Be excited but find out the details.

The next video in the series is What Was it Like Working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (2020) :

Did you know it was going to be a hit? YES!

You don't always know but sometimes you do.
It felt special and different - particularly the interaction between animation and live action for this film!

They needed a lot of bodies so had a lot of inexperienced animators. However, if something is successful it makes you more employable!

The next video explores the job role of a runner in the video Should You Work as a Runner? (2020) :

Entry level position - helping out with anything around the studio.
Some people will say to hold out for a development job but there can be benefits.
Runners will learn the studio and the people that work there, which can help you build your experience and networking.
You can move into a development role and use it as a 'foot in the door'.

Next looking at the video How to Win Prizes at Animation Film Festivals (2020) :

Using the platform 'film freeway' to enter student films into animation festivals.
Make sure the film is good!
Make a teaser trailer! This might be a larger project that you're creating a teaser for. There are categories for teaser trailers.
Keep it short!
Decide how much money you want to spend in advance - Film Freeway has a slider to help you find the festivals that suit your budget. Filter by monthly film festivals. Find festivals that like your house style - what is the style of films you're making? What is the political background of the festival or what types of films do they feature? Sustainability?
If you win awards you can set up your IMDB.

Next looking at the video What is the Secret of Great Animation (2020) :

Developing a proper workflow - its all in the planning!
If you can develop a good system you will develop a good animation!
These are the key planning steps :

Thinking about it
Act it out
Thumbnails - analysing your action. Pick out the key poses and extremes. Work out the frame numbering.

Next exploring the video How Long Should a Demo Reel Be? (2020) :

MORE THAN 30 SECONDS BUT LESS THAN A MINUTE! :D
Only your best work in a prioritised order.
Contact details and easy to find. Link with your socials, websites etc.

Next looking at the video Why Animators Need to Fail Upwards! (2020) :

Show your work and understand your weaknesses but recognise them as a point to grow.
Lots of animators feel shy about showing their work but this feeling never goes away.
Directors want to make the best work possible and may just need changes - you need to be resilient and understand that its always in the interest of making the best outcome. They are not telling you that you're crap!
You will always be pushed to just beyond what you're capable of. They're pushing you to out of your comfort zone.
Repeated failure leads to success and growth. Maintain the enthusiasm and this will help you grow through your experience.

Next looking at the video When (If Ever) Should Animators Work For Free? (2020) :

Should you work for free?

Maybe!
Will it be worth your while? What will you get out of it? Could it lead to a job or valuable experience.
Many companies like Jellyfish and BlueZoo will offer paid internships.
Can you afford to?
Free jobs as a freelancer? Charity work? Collaborative projects?
Can you trust them? Are they just looking for free labour when they should be paying?

Next looking into the video 30 Week Course or Masters in Animation - Which is Best? (2020) :

Masters of Arts or 30 week course?

What do you want to get out of it?
If you want to just be an animator - any industry focussed course that will help you develop your demo reel will help you get to industry. They don't mind if you have a MA or not.
Master of Arts is an academic approach that explored more animation theory and academic skills. This will enable you to teach MA

Personal reflection

I have experience in both industry and teaching so this MA is supporting my education career to develop and teach higher education courses. In addition to also helping me develop my core skills in animation.

Next looking at the video How to Find an Internship in the Animation Industry (2020) :

How to find internships!

A lot like finding a job!
Expensive to run and little benefit to the industry.
Might find work experience with smaller companies.
Advice

Make lists of the Animation and VFX studios.
Make your demo reel reel good and easy to find.
Be online - LinkedIn, website etc. Be easy to find.
Polish your C.V.
Contact Studios - send out a tailored cover letter.
Get ready for interview. Research the company and prepare.
Exploit your connections! Use your network.
Don't give up!

This next section looks at the video Corona Virus and Jobs in Animation (2020) :

Animation has boomed when pandemic occurred.
There had been layoffs but not in the digital departments, more in the departments working with live action.
"Remote working is the future" - potentially more jobs that are remote.

This next section looks at the video he No 1 Reason Why Animation Graduates Don't Find Work (2020) :

Why don't people get jobs?

They don't apply!
Apply and cast your net wide.
Apply to hundreds!
Be resilient and keep trying!

Lastly looking at the video Pitching Animation Projects (2017) :

Make a pitch that is too good to turn down.
Essentially throwing a hook out.
Test out your idea with people you know.
What if some steals my idea? Manifest the idea by writing it down in some format. If you want people to invest then you have to tell people or it'll never happen!
No money? Get stuck in and make it yourself, with friends or colleagues.
Who to pitch to? Pitch to anyone that will listen? Studio executives.
Cartoon Movie - pitching event in France. Like the big indie pitch.
Cartoon Forum - annual event that focusses on piutching new T.V. series. Happens in Hungary.
Classic elements of an animated film:

Good Vs. Evil
Overcoming obstacles to realise a dream
Happy ending.

If you're going for the 'Hollywood' / mass audience film then you need the above ingredients.
Other films are likely to be more independent films.

However, there is a big shift towards diversification of characters.

What should be in t he pitch?

Brief Synopsis
Concept art for the characters
Environmental concept art.
Research to support things not created yet.
Leave behind document.

T.V. series will want some sample scripts.
Proof of concept - trailer/teaser.
Budget and planning.
One sheet - like a movie poster with a tag line.
How long? 2-5 minutes!
The high concept pitch - summarised briefly. Kind of like an elevator pitch but even shorter! "Snakes on a Plane", "Rat Chef".

What if... format. E.g. What if the toys came alive at night? What if there really were monsters in the closet?
What is this movie like? It's like this with this. The Fugitive but with a fox and a hound.

Try to avoid too many characters
Know your genre! Rom com, horror, action, etc.
Target audience? Who is it for?

Wow that was a lot! I really wanted to absorb all the knowledge I could and immerse myself in the resources available. I've learnt even more about the Animation Apprentice blog site and just how much is there - I'll definitely be using this more in the future. There is a decent bit of repetition in this section, however, with repetition comes hopefully long lasting memory. I feel I have a very good basis of knowledge to tweak and develop my demo reel, professional presence and more. I do need to develop my C.V. further and I don't have as much advice here so I'll need to take a closer look at this.

Online Presence Audit and Improvements

This section looks to review my online presence and my digital footprint. I'm reviewing the accounts I have and making tweaks/improvements to improve my overall online presence.

Email

My email has been MattRobertHall@Gmail.com ever since I left my undergrad course at university. This comes from my first, middle and surname, however, since then I have been married and my new surname is 'Lawson-Hall'. I feel that this is a little confusing from a brand point of view so I wanted to move everything towards being 'Lawson-Hall' publicly to streamline and remove confusion. The challenge is that pretty much everything I engage with uses my MattRobertHall@gmail address. However, I have created and am making the decision to use MattLawsonHall@gmail.com for all professional interactions. This means that I can keep accounts as MattRoberHall and use a multi-inbox system for MattLawsonHall. This should mean that anything in the MattLawsonHall inbox should be professional and then MattRobertHall can be used for everything else!

I will need to update the title cards on my animation exports for video hosting websites and ArtStation.

ArtStation - ArtStation - Matt Lawson-Hall

I've reviewed my ArtStation portfolio and made some improvements.

My ArtStation is the main place where my portfolio exists, however, I'm keen to develop a simple website that manages my portfolio, C.V. further. The tweaks I've made to this account are :

Added my recent animation projects to the 3D animation group.
Updated my summary/description.
Tweaked my email to match MattLawsonHall@gmail.com
Updated and reordered my social media links.
Updated the resume section to correct some errors in the descriptions and reordered some elements.
Rebranded my 2014 showreel to my 'Eutechnyx Professional Animation Reel (2014)'
Updated photo to match all other accounts.

To do :

Directed the website link to my blog, however, this should be my website once I develop this.
Update the 3D animation project contact details cards to include my MattLawsonHall email address.
Add my demo reel once created (To the portfolio and resume sections.)

Twitter / X - Matt Lawson-Hall (@MattLawsonHall) / X

Twitter is an odd one - especially with the turmoil it has gone through recently. I've updated my Twitter to ensure it reflects the same style as other accounts but I am planning on starting a BlueSky too. I don't actively use Twitter professionally at the moment and I need to assess where the industry is currently most active, whether it is Twitter or BlueSky. Either way, Linkedin is going to be more important!

The tweaks I have made are :

Updated my short description.
Developed the long description.
Added work history.
Updated profile picture to reflect the same as other accounts.
Tweaked profile banner.

YouTube - Matt Lawson-Hall - YouTube

I'm currently using YouTube to host animation outcomes from work in progress to final. These are all integrated into my blog. I contemplated on creating another YouTube that only hosts final outcomes, however, I don't think this is needed. Work in progress work is set to be unlisted and only finished outcomes are public. You can search Matt Lawson-Hall in the search bar and it will find my account. I'm going to make a Vimeo account that hosts my animation outcomes professionally in a curated fashion and leave the YouTube as a bit of a repository and for integrating to my blog.

The tweaks I have made are :

Updated profile picture to reflect the same as other accounts.
Updated description to match other accounts.
Added links to other accounts such as blog, portfolio and Twitter.
Updated email to mattlawsonhall@gmail.com

To Do :

Create a banner (2048 x 1152 pixels and 6MB or less.) [Completed 16/02/25]

Instagram - MattLawsonHall (@mattlawsonhall) • Instagram photos and videos

Instagram is mainly an account I use for personal interaction with friends, however, I also mainly post any artwork I create there. Art is something I enjoy doing but I'm a little more hobbyist with this. I have sold art prints on Etsy as a side-hustle, however, my animation skills are where I have more professional experience. I've updated the profile to include links to my other platforms so if anyone was to stumble across my Instagram then they could see my artwork or hop over to my other platforms to see more!

Blog - Matt Lawson-Hall Animation

My blog, (where you're reading this!) is generally up to date and records my progress through my masters qualification. The only elements that aren't up to date are the page for this current module. It currently links to all the relevant pages which are complete but doesn't have a introduction or conclusion. However, this will be updated when I finish this module and can properly conclude it - for now it has a 'WORK IN PROGRESS' statement.

Other elements of the blog I could improve is how the home page looks - there is space for a banner and header image, which could be good to replace! I could use this banner across other websites too. This banner wants to be 1800x1600, which is larger in width compared to the YouTube banner.

I've created the following images to use as banners for different scenarios:

One can be used where the page inserts it's own title and the other when it doesn't. The text might be a little small but I'll see how it feels on a variety of devices. I imagine I'll be using the one without text more.

I've implemented these to my blog, tweaked the layouts a little and input a profile description. My blog now feels complete and I can use this banner on a variety of other profiles!

LinkedIn - Matt Lawson-Hall | LinkedIn

I thought I was going to have lots of work to do here but it's actually pretty up to date! I've updated some minor bits of information, changed my banner, fixed some links, updated profile picture and a few other small elements. Everything seems pretty good to be honest. I have a few minor things left to do.

To Do :

Update my C.V. with some minor tweaks in line with the branding I've been putting out on the rest of my platforms.

Website

So I don't have a website but I would like a simple a website to promote myself and store my work. Currently ArtStation is serving as my website / portfolio and it is easy to navigate, however, it does store a range of my projects. If I had a simple website it could store only the information I want to and it could be pretty fun to create!

To do :

Create website!

Other To Do

Review my Vimeo account / make a new one using MattLawsonHall branding.
Review BlueSky/Twitter. Is it worth using either any more?

Conclusion

This has been a relatively lengthy process, however, I've improved the quality of all my platforms to showcase my skills, experience and my work. At the moment my work is mainly hosted on ArtStation, however, I plan to create a website that includes my demo reel in a simple and 'one stop shop' professional space. My experience and skills are mainly hosted on LinkedIn which is well curated with professional recommendations, however, I do need to tweaks my CV slightly to include my professional email and current education experience. My contact information is clear and easy to find on all platforms and I am now going to be using MattLawsonHall, rather than MattRobertHall.

Potential improvements could be looking at separating my education and professional animation experience, however, I feel this does make me stand out a little from other candidates. Skills like resilience, project management, communication, receiving and giving feedback feature prominently in education and are extremely applicable to animation. Therefore, I feel whilst this isn't animation production experience I feel it demonstrates my complete experience which is likely to stand out from other applicants.

I've detailed the progress I have made above, however, the things I still need to do are :

Make an additional banner image that is more narrow in height to better fit some platforms.
Create a website and add this link to all online presence platforms.
Create Demo reel and embed to LinkedIn, website and other accounts.

Review/Create Vimeo account within this for professional video hosting.

Update contact details cards on animations to include :

MattLawsonHall email
Website

Update my C.V. with some minor tweaks in line with the branding I've been putting out on the rest of my platforms.

Learning Outcomes

Understand the importance of maintaining a professional online presence.
Learn how to create or enhance profiles on platforms like LinkedIn and IMDb.
Reflect on how your online presence aligns with your career goals.

Reference List

30 Week Course or Masters in Animation - Which is Best? (2020) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/RxRc8Q_tAgQ?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 12th February 2025).
Corona Virus and Jobs in Animation (2020) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/oxWP3yVUBOY?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 12th February 2025).
Finding Work in an Animation Boom (2021) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/6QEo-HvXO2U?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 11th February 2025).
How Do You Find a Mentor in the Animation Industry? (2021) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/CjY_XZJr0j0?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 11th February 2025).
How Long Should a Demo Reel Be? (2020) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/TR4PDuseH48?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 11th February 2025).
How Much Should You Charge For Your First Freelance Job? (2020) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/rtECGemQWMA?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 11th February 2025).
How to Find an Internship in the Animation Industry (2020) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/YCa3oe64DO8?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 12th February 2025).
How to Win Prizes at Animation Film Festivals (2020) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/psYcs-TjvO0?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 11th February 2025).
Pitching Animation Projects (2017) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/bqyfMHKMCas?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 12th February 2025).
Should You Work as a Runner? (2020) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/wahkmb8z1SY?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 11th February 2025).
Stay in Touch to Find Your First Job (2021) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/aqVhu02cCm8?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 11th February 2025).
The Economics of Short Animated Films (2021) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/JVldWxKMQi0?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 11th February 2025).
The No 1 Reason Why Animation Graduates Don't Find Work (2020) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/B7rwkM6McsI?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 12th February 2025).
What is Imposter Syndrome? (2021) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/LQi2m2sAZ78?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 11th February 2025).
What is the Secret of Great Animation (2020) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/Ot-akHRJFjM?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 11th February 2025).
What Questions Should You Ask a Client? (2020) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/f6_Vlc-Serk?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 11th February 2025).
What Was it Like Working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (2020) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/WlbM-npabng?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 11th February 2025).
When (If Ever) Should Animators Work For Free? (2020) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/mg6LwLGzJUs?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 12th February 2025).
Why Animators Need to Fail Upwards! (2020) YouTube video, added by Alexander Williams [Online]. Available at https://youtu.be/rTKDBvKvFJ4?list=PLuECxuxunywn8LTWkoZ2xBgOSI7iIXSZL (Accessed: 11th February 2025).
Williams, A. (2014) ‘How To Get Your Name Listed at IMDB’, Animation Apprentice, 30th April [Blog]. Available at https://animationapprentice.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-you-get-your-name-listed-on-imdb.html (Accessed 10th February 2025).
Williams, A. (2021) ‘Jobs & Careers Playlist at YouTube’, Animation Apprentice, 29th September [Blog]. Available at https://animationapprentice.blogspot.com/2021/09/jobs-careers-playlist-at-youtube.html (Accessed 10th February 2025).

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