Emily's Leeds Art University Animation Blog: Study Task 1 - Networking: Who, What, When, Where and How?

After the Christmas break, we had a series of lectures on the importance of networking and other skills such as building a CV and mindfulness. In those classes, we were advised to create an online presence, and attend events where you could form connections and put your name out into the world.

As I specialise in animation, and in my spare time I paint portraits, I decided to set up an Instagram account dedicated to each practice.

Once Employability Fortnight was over, we returned to our usual schedule. The first lesson I had was in a new module: Professional Practice 2. In class, we were briefed on what we were expected to produce in this module, as well as our first study task. In which, we needed to identify six networking events.

1) Manchester Animation Festival

At the start of my first and second year of University, I attended MAF. While there are no 2020 dates available yet, the event is usually on during November. The festival offers a series of networking events, as well as talks from professionals in the industry. Next year, I'm considering applying to volunteer as this should hopefully make the trip more affordable.

2) Motion North

Motion North is a group based in Manchester that hosts regular networking events for animators and VFX artists. The closest event is on 16th April 2020 at 6:30pm. There, I would be able to talk to other people working in my field, and build up confidence when talking about my own work. I would have to consider how to get there and back.

3) The Brussels Animation Film Festival (Anima)

This year's Anima festival is taking place from 21st February - 1st March 2020. Unfortunately, I won't be attending the festival this year however next year, I am hoping to go. Similarly to MAF, the festival offers masterclasses, talks from professionals, and hosts a series of social events so that attendees can network.

4) Annecy International Animated Film Festival

I have been advised to attend this festival during the summer of my final year, as the cost for students is much more affordable than normal ticket prices. While I don't know the 2021 dates yet, this year's Annecy festival runs from 15th - 20th June 2020. A few classmates and I have already discussed attending this together, as apparently, the festival is a coveted event which means I could have the opportunity to network with more people who I most likely wouldn't meet if not for the event.

5) aNEmates

This group offers free monthly meetups for animators to network. This month's meetup took place in Newcastle upon Tyne on 6th February 2020. An event like this would help me gain confidence when talking to other animators in the area. It would also be a chance to see other people's work.

6) Cardiff Animation Festival

This year's Cardiff Animation Festival runs from 2nd - 5th April 2020. This is another festival that is promoted through the University. CAF offers Q+A sessions, networking events, and also runs "Animation Nights", which is a free event where animations from around the world are shown. I am hoping to attend however, I need to make sure I can afford it.

The second part of this task was to make a LinkedIn account.