Zia & ZachemDelat
Zia Zia
Hey! I've been messing around with this new animation style that’s super playful and colorful, and I’m kinda stuck on whether I should just keep it as a hobby or try turning it into a real gig. What do you think about blending art with a career path?
ZachemDelat ZachemDelat
Hey, that sounds like a lot of fun! First, ask yourself a few quick questions: what’s the main reason you’re drawn to animation? Is it the creative freedom, the way you can make people smile, or maybe the potential to earn a steady income? Knowing your “why” will help you see if turning it into a career feels like an extension of that passion or a new challenge altogether. Next, think about the practical side without getting lost in every detail: Do you have a portfolio that shows off that playful style? Who would you like to work with—agencies, indie studios, or your own clients? If the answers line up, a hybrid path could work: keep the hobby vibe for projects you love, and gradually build a client base that pays you for that same creative energy. And remember, you can always start part‑time or on a freelance basis, keeping the hobby for those experimental pieces. If you feel stuck, map out a simple plan—like setting a small goal each month to submit one piece to a contest or start a social media channel. Small steps can reveal whether the career route feels sustainable. What’s your biggest excitement about this style right now? Let’s pinpoint that and see how it can guide your next move.
Zia Zia
Wow, thanks for the pep talk! I’m super pumped about the way my animations can bounce around in such bright, crazy colors and the way the characters can totally have their own personalities—like they’re living, breathing, dancing little stories. I love the instant grin that pops up when someone watches a clip. If I could make that a regular thing and keep the fun, I think I’d be all in! What’s your take on mixing that vibe with a steady gig?
ZachemDelat ZachemDelat
That’s exactly the spark you need—those moments of pure joy are what people will remember and share. If you want a steady gig without losing the playfulness, start by setting up a clear line between “project mode” and “client mode.” For the client side, offer packages that let you keep that bright, lively style—maybe short animated intros, social media clips, or brand mascots. Keep the rest of your portfolio a playground where you experiment and grow. Think of it like a two‑tier approach: one tier is your creative playground where you keep refining the characters and the fun feel, and the other tier is a professional channel that’s disciplined enough to bring in income but still flexible enough to let you keep that personality in every piece. Test this by taking on a small freelance gig that matches your style, then see how you feel after delivering it. If the process feels more like a hobby than a job, you’re probably still in the right spot. If it feels rewarding and sustainable, you’re on the right track. What would a “first client” look like for you? A brand that loves vibrant, upbeat visuals? A YouTuber needing quirky intros? Knowing that will help you focus your outreach. And don’t forget to keep a space in your schedule where you can just animate for fun—those moments recharge the creative engine. Keep balancing the two, and the career path will feel like an extension of the joy you already create.