Study Task 3 - Network

Part 1 - Updating LinkedIn

Past Status:

- Abandoned

Last year, one of the requirements for PP2 was to set up a LinkedIn account. I did use the account at first, as it was recommended for working in this industry however, after a short while I began to neglect the account, as I preferred using Instagram as my portfolio.

- Unappealing

My account didn't have a proper theme. It was incredibly underdeveloped and therefore, uninviting.

Current Status:

- Uniform

I've updated my icon so that it's fitting with my Instagram and Etsy accounts, and my business cards. I believe consistency is important, as it looks more professional and organised to anyone who comes across my online presence.

- Schedule

I'm planning to post to my LinkedIn as often as I post to my Instagram account so that way, the account no longer appears vacant.

Link to my LinkedIn Account

I also needed to form at least twelve professional connections. I added:

- Isobel Stenhouse, a visiting professional and concept artist, currently working at Supermassive Games Ltd. and who has training in metal health first aid. I added her, as before I attended her VP seminar, a lecturer implied that she would be a good connection to make due to her focus in mental health.

- Lisa Ann Smith, a producer at The Line Animation Studio. As one of my areas of focus is producing, I felt this was a good connection to make. Especially considering the work produced at The Line is what I aspire to create one day.

- Eleonora Quario, an assistant animator, specialising in 2D, at The Line Animation Studio. She worked on some Gorillaz music videos, including Aries and PacMan. Gorillaz were one of my main influences growing up, and ultimately inspired me to study animation.

- Madeleine Sayers, a freelance animator. As someone who wasn't intending on freelancing, and who now, with only months to go, is thinking of going into it, I feel this is an important connection to make, as I have many questions.

- Jon Turner, a director working at Kilogramme Studios. Whilst I haven't got much experience directing, there are certainly aspects I find myself naturally doing in my projects, so maybe it would be worth messaging him and finding out more about this area, as there is a lack of women directors in animation.

- Fernanda Valverde, a 2D lead animator who is currently working at Blue-Zoo, and who previously worked for Brown Bag Films.

- Tim Dillnutt, another freelance animator who specialises in 2D character animation. 

- David Bell, an animator working at Dot to Dot Productions Limited.

- Sam Jones, an animator at Litmos Heroes.

- Marialaura Arduin, a lead animator working at Blink Industries Limited.

- Bishoy Gendi, a lead animator working at The Line Animation Studio. I added several employees from The Line, as their style and quality of animation is what I would like to aim for.

- Tan Jones, the head of production at Golden Wolf. Once again, connecting with a producer was beneficial as this is a path I may explore in the future.

Part 2 - Networking Opportunities

1) Animated Women UK

Animated Women UK host a series of events every month for women in the UK. These could offer the chance for myself to meet and learn from other experienced animators and producers across the country. The membership is £30 a year however considering the amount of events they offer, it would be worth signing up.

2) Manchester Animation Festival

I physically attended MAF in my first and second years of University. I was completely intending on returning in my third year as a volunteer however, considering the multiple lockdowns the country has been put in, I ended up attending MAF online for my final year. In the future, I would love to return, as it's an incredible opportunity to network with animators across the country.

3) Cardiff Animation Festival

Likewise, CAF took place online during 2020. They have a few events online including: Cardiff Animation Nights, Cardiff Animation Kids and Quick Draw, which is a 48 hour animation challenge. All these events however take place from February to March, so while I may be too busy to attend this year, this is certainly an event I will plan to attend once I graduate.

4) Motion North

This is a Manchester based group that hosts monthly events for animators to network. Despite the circumstances, they have been hosting their events online which means even after I graduate and leave Leeds, I could still attend these sessions despite now living across the country.

5) Animation Nights New York (ANNY)

ANNY is a monthly screening event held in New York, and admission is free. Once a year, there is a festival that takes place over two days, which features screenings, installations and showcases. There is also an event called ANNY Exchange, which connects animators to projects. This would be a great chance to network.

6) aNEmates

aNEmates hosts monthly networking events for animators and illustrators across the country. Before lockdown, the events would usually take place at pubs, in which animators could have a drink and a chat. Due to the current climate however, I can't find any networking opportunities listed on their Facebook or Twitter pages. However, members are still active, using the online space to communicate to one another and promote each other's work and events they come across. It may be worth joining the Facebook group, as this will encourage me to get talking.

7) Watersprite Film Festival

Watersprite is one of the largest student film festivals in the UK, which takes place this year from 5th - 7th March 2021. When the event is running normally, the selected creatives are offered bursaries for travel and accommodation to the venue, which is held in Cambridge. The festival itself offers networking events, workshops and screenings.

8) Center Stage Gallery

In Burbank, California, there is The Creative Talent Network which runs networking events for filmmakers and animators. They host the CTN Animation eXpo which offers the opportunity for artists, animators and creatives to share their work and collaborate. Considering the limitations of travel and location however, this is an event I probably won't be able to attend.

9) Canterbury Anifest

This animation festival is the largest in the South East. It's an award-winning festival and a great opportunity for animators to connect and experience each other's work. It offers masterclasses, workshops, screenings and networking events. Due to the current circumstances, this year's Anifest will take place entirely online. It runs from 25th - 27th February 2021, so while I may miss this years, this is certainly one I will attend in the future!

10) The Brussels Animation Film Festival (Anima)

Similarly to the previous festivals I've mentioned, Anima took place online this year, from 12th February - 21st February 2021. While I have missed this years festival, I'm planning to keep an eye out for the dates of next years festival, as this is a prized opportunity to network, as there are plenty of events on offer.

11) Birmingham Comic Con

Before starting University, I attended every comic convention the NEC in Birmingham hosted each year. University, and then lockdown, has meant I haven't been able to attend in years however while I was studying at college, I would often use this convention to further research, network, and explore my focus. There is always a 'Comic Village' filled with artists who are willing to discuss their work and exchange details. Currently the dates for the next convention are 13th and 14th November 2021. 

12) Annecy International Film Festival

Every year I've been told to attend this festival during the summer of my final year, as this festival is incredibly expensive if you're not a student. Last year, that was certainly the plan for myself and a few other classmates however, considering the current circumstances and the uncertainty surrounding what state the country will be in by summer, I have a feeling this trip won't go ahead, which is really unfortunate. The current dates are 14th June - 19th June 2021.

Part 3 - Documenting My Findings

Above are the responses to this study task.