Branding - Study Task 5

Online Presence

Website

• Using my website as my public profile, I took the advice from Katie Gascoyne to only include clear, large images against a white background. 
• All my socials are linked to the website 
• I intend on adding a personal work or Developmental work page. This would show my experiments with new software & my sketches/initial work to show my interests outside of 3D practice.
• Would love to have a shop set up & will develop 3D illustrations for this in the summer

https://catrionadesign.wixsite.com/mysite

Instagram 

• From the start of level 6 I have rebooted my instagram page to best suit my practice. Previously, I had set building and stop motion work on my page, but I have now deleted these posts and have a clear focus of 3D modelling in my posts
• A downfall: only posting finished renders means I haven't been posting as frequently as I had hoped. To make up for this I post my working in progress on my stories to keep people up to date on my projects. This has struck up a few conversations, so I plan on posting WIP work on my instagram feed to attract more followers.

https://www.instagram.com/catriona_design/

LinkedIn

• I've added myself to a job seekers list on LinkedIn. This pushes my profile towards recruiters looking for 3D designers, modellers and Animators. I have had a few recruiters view my profile since doing this, although it's a long shot to get a job at my stage with no proof of working in the industry! My best shot is internships at the moment.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/catriona-o-donnell-b367a0175/

 Printed Materials

Business card

C.V.

Study task 3 : Network

Professional contacts:

1. Magnus Skogsford I spoke to an industrial designer on instagram, inquiring into the software he used. From this conversation I discovered that I would need to learn some CAD software if I'm to progress in product design, rather than CGI work. He uses NX for CAD and Keyshot to render with. I did some research and discovered that NX costs £7500 a year for a license, but that Audodesk have software called AutoCAD that I can download with my student licence. It was also interesting to discover that he uses Blender for the cinematic work he does. I've noticed that since the lockdown a lot of 3D artists have been learning Blender, as it is a free software, this is how studios have been able to afford to work remotely. 2. Katie Gascoyne I struck up a conversation with Katie on instagram, inquiring about software changes in the animation industry, as I had noticed a lot of Blue-zoo artists were experimenting with Blender. She confirmed they were becoming more inclusive of blender and that it would be a good idea to try it out, but that Maya was their main 3D software used at the moment. She gave some advice on applying to internships. 3. Phil Gray   Head of cinematic department TT Games 4. Dane Winn Director & Animator at Blue-Zoo Messaged about his blender tests  5. Taunt studio (Belfast) connected 6. Tavo Studio Asked about texturing method - no reply 7. Joel Simon  Flickerpix, Belfast emailed showreel 8. Florian Malchow Character Artist as UNIT image 9. Fermin Valeros 3D Character animator  10. Jamie Badminton Producer Karrot Animation Networking Opportunities 1. Manchester Animation Festival 2. Annecy International Animation Festival - tickets, accommodation & flights organised. *Update* Festival cancelled, refunded but there will be an online 4. Cardiff animation Festival 5. Anima 6. Foyle Film Festival (Derry, Northern Ireland) - Attended, spoke to short film producers from Ireland, exchanged emails and I offered my assistance if a position as a runner becomes available. 7. interact with art station accounts 8. live webinars from screenskills & recorded webinars/talks on vimeo further action : Following and liking/ interacting with professionals on instagram and linked in sparking conversations about their work in progress on their stories/posts watch live webinars https://www.linkedin.com/in/catriona-o-donnell-b367a0175/

Study Task 4 - Exit Strategy

Before Graduation

• Learn 3dsmax, Mudbox and ZBrush.
• Develop single object modelling & texturing projects (including product design challenges).
• Develop a showreel with description of my role in each project and what software was used.
• Write a few creative CV's directed towards specific job roles. This is especially important for jobs outside of the animation industry, in product design and interior design job roles. 
• Upload each mini modelling project on instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Connect with and contact professionals in the studios offering jobs and internships at the moment to see if they have advice on what they're looking for, or generally on getting into the industry.
• Design website on WIX (domain 'catrionaodonnell.com' bought already).

The year after graduation

• Move to Manchester 
• If previous job applications were unsuccessful get bar/restaurant job to pay rent & also work freelance creating prints, attracting clients on social media, using my website and professional email to take orders.
• Find out where the animation community socialise and network here
• Attend Manchester animation festival & festivals across the UK, as I could still commute to studios elsewhere.