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As an independent, I am all for making your own show your way if you really want to see it happen. I know a guy who has real credits under his belt (Afro Samurai) and yet has been pitching his most recent project for years to no avail. An independent could have completed a feature in the time he has been rubbing shoulders, networking and trying to get something going. I recently did a test for the most famous creator here in China. If anyone should be able to get a show off the ground, based on name and track record, it should be this guy. Still, nothing has come of it. That's the way the business goes.

My latest show, though, I am just doing it, as I see fit.

When it comes to drawing, I was introduced to the figure drawing books of Andrew Loomis by some former Amblin Entertainment guys when I worked in games. Really changed my artistic life. I agree with those who say that nothing beats the real thing. Draw what you see, what is right in front of you, and there is no limit to what you can practice on.

Today, an independent can pretty much do everything on their computer. When I first started I had a room full of machines, gadgets and cables running everywhere to do my first show. Now I can do the same thing on a laptop. There has never been a better time for the independent creator.

Agreed on all points. The only thing I would add is that while it's easier to create and produce animation, it's harder to get paid for it. As an independent, you're not only competing with professional, big budget projects, but every amateur on the internet as well. Combine that with the pirate mentality that all entertainment should be free to them and you really need to get creative to earn a living.

Something directed specifically to Cloakndagger, artfx knows his stuff. He's a real doer in independent animation and first caught my eye when he released Concept to Reality in 2003. In the eight years since, I've steadily moved from my pure studio roots to the one man show method of animation. Based on our conversation last week, he may be doing exactly what you want to do. It's a lot of work, but if you make the jump, you'll find that you're in good company.

To artfx, I'm really curious what took you to China and how the industry operates there. Would you care to share any insights?

v.veidt wrote:To artfx, I'm really curious what took you to China and how the industry operates there. Would you care to share any insights?

My friend, who I worked with some years ago invited me to China that we might collaborate on some projects. At the time, he had quite a staff of 2D artists, focused primarily on outsourcing, and they wanted to do some more original work. Unfortunately, for now the industry is heavily centered around outsourcing work for Japanese or US companies. There is some original work being attempted though. There is currently no money to be made in TV, as broadcasters literally pay pennies for animation content, so creators have to find interesting ways to finance and profit from their projects.

I think my thoughts on this industry are best summed up in this video here: (requires Quicktime)
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