Who are you, what do you do, why did you decide to go freelance, and how long have you been freelancing for?

I’m Una Woods. I specialise in animation and illustration. I am very fortunate that I have worked in the animation/illustration industry for over 16 years so I have built up an extensive portfolio from clients in the UK and Ireland. This includes a wide variety of projects for clients such as Disney, Warner Bros, BBC, CBeebies, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. I’ve freelanced in Ireland since 2005, however I have since had two children (both under 2 1/2) which means that I am only getting more fulltime in to freelancing again.  I like the flexibility of freelancing and being able to maintain a good work-life balance – it’s an especially good option when you have children. It also allows you to constantly get enthusiastic about new and exciting projects.

What are the top two projects you’ve worked on this year?

I’m just getting back into freelancing so am looking forward to working on new and exciting creative projects in 2011!

What are the qualities/characteristics of your dream client? Does such a person/organisation even exist?

For me the most important characteristics are that they have a clear idea of what they want and they are realistic about budget and deadlines. It’s great when the client is willing to be a bit more adventurous to get a really creative result, something that is different. You learn that everyone is different and that it’s important to be able to adapt and work with all types of clients. The main thing that makes any new project go well is when the client is good with feedback so you feel you are on the same wavelength as them and know all is going to plan. I have been very fortunate to have worked with some great clients over the past five years.

How long did it take you to get on your feet as a freelancer? What were some of the challenges?

I was lucky to have made a number of contacts through previous employers, especially in the UK. The main challenge is to get a few projects under your belt which then makes it easier to get new leads. Once I established a portfolio of work it was easier to showcase my creativity to new companies. I personally hate all the paperwork and accountancy side of things so it is good to have an accountant to explain and sort that side of things out! I found it relatively easy to get set up freelancing. Some people may feel a bit isolated working as a freelancer especially if you are used to interacting with people during the day. I have worked on some projects where I never met the client and all the correspondence was through email and the odd phone conversation. This takes a bit of getting used to!

How has your chosen field changed since you entered it, aside from there being more technologies? What do you think the climate for freelancers is like?

I started out in traditional animation and worked with large companies such as Warner Bros and Disney. However, about ten years ago there were a lot more opportunities in new media such as flash animation and computer illustration and I updated my skills in programs such as Flash, Illustrator and Photoshop. Although much of my work now is in digital format, it usually starts off with a pencil and paper.If you develop a good reputation as an illustrator/animator there are many opportunities for designers now. Many of the companies I work for have graphic designers in-house, but I have found that they need my expertise for character design and animation. The explosion of the internet and social networking has really opened up opportunities to showcase work and connect with clients across the world.

Did you struggle with time management when you began freelancing? How did you resolve those issues?

It is important at the start of any new project to scope with the client the amount of work involved, especially for a set price contract. Throughout the project it is important to keep track of time spent on each element as it can be easy to get carried away working on a fun animation or illustration. Time management is something I have gotten better with over time. I think every freelancer has probably under-budgeted a project especially when they start out.

Give us an overview of the activities you do regularly to keep up with marketing yourself

I am lucky in that most of my work comes through referrals or contacts. I always make sure that I keep a web portfolio of my work and once a year I will target a number of key companies with my CV and a short portfolio.

What other methods do you recommend for other freelancers to boost their image and get more positive press?

It’s so important to keep showcasing your work. For me it is most important that you always deliver designs and illustrations that surprise and excite the client. The word spreads quickly when this is the case. A lot of my work would come from recommendations. Marketing is an area that most freelancers could do with support and advice – I think I could be doing more in this regard.

What’s your typical day like?

One thing about being a freelancer is that you can decide what you typical day is going to be (you don’t necessarily have to have a typical day!).  Personally I find that starting early and having a goal for the day works well for me. I usually leave correspondence and catching up with client for the end of the day.  My working day can vary from illustrating fine details on the computer to sitting sketching new concepts at the fire.

What’s next on the horizon for you?

Up to now most of my work has been for other people and companies – I would love to develop my own characters for a children’s book – in fact I am currently working on a new project so hopefully something happens with this.

And finally, which is better – being freelance or working full-time for just one organisation?

I personally prefer freelancing because I get to work on a bigger variety of projects. I enjoy the flexibility of being my own boss. Over the course of a year working with different clients, their designers, writers and producers, I learn a lot, develop my creative skills and expand my portfolio.

And just for fun – entirely up to you if you answer this or not – how true to life is this cartoon by The Oatmeal?

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/working_home

It’s actually very true to life – working from home isn’t for everyone – sometimes it can be difficult to manage all the distractions!

Email: unawoods {at} gmail(.)com

Website: www.unawoods.com

 

About the Author

Freelance writer/journalist/web writer/copy writer. I have written for Time Out Magazine, Time Out Guides, timeout.com, Associated Newspapers, Comic Relief, Red Nose Day, Sport Relief, steveredgravefund.com, LIVE8/Make Promises Happen/DATA/One, Marks & Spencer (Books), Freelance Ireland and The Times (London). My specialisms are entertainment, charity and human interest.www.katyodowd.com