In this blog, I would like to discuss my views on working as a freelancer vs. working foran agency. Mainly I will be focussing on my experience and thoughts as a storyboard artist.

When I arrived in Los Angeles out of college, I didn't have much of any work experience as a storyboard artist (or illustrator or sculptor). I tried out my work at a couple of storyboard agencies. The reasons being that they employed great artists, had great work available, and the pay was nice. But I didn't have the experience or portfolio that they were looking for. So, what to do? I couldn't get into an agency, and I was determined to become a professional in the entertainment industry. But I needed experience. Luckily, I wasn't so stubborn to see that I was still green and had a lot to learn. School only went so far in the real world.

My experience began by taking some more classes (concept art/maquette design by Jordu Schell) and working as an unpaid intern at Almost Human FX. I absolutely loved both of these. I did as much as I could to learn all I could from people at both venues. And I started to learn how much I didn't know.

Freelancing can be wonderful and it can be very difficult. Right now I work mainly as a freelance artist through my company Troll Hagen Studios. I am able to work fairly regularly as a storyboard artist, concept illustrator and sculptor on a variety of projects. But it didn't start off that way.

Talk about working your way up a greased ladder!... My first few jobs as a freelancer in LA were pretty cool. Mind you, I had a few no's before I had a few yes's. I had to compete with plenty of other freelance artists outthere. Many of whom had a lot more work under their belts. I was lucky with a couple of my few first jobs. One early job that I landed came from a contact I had made through Almost Human FX. I worked as a storyboard artist on a horror movie on this job which was a lot of fun! On another early job I worked with a director and producer on designing a horror movie they were trying to get made. I was able to design the villain(illustrations and a maquette sculpture), design his signiture weapon, as well as come up with several storyboards. All of this was to assist them in gaining financing and get this movie rolling. Unfortunately, the movie got moved to the back burner, but the experience was invaluable.

These first few jobs were great and I was building a great portfolio and resume, but how about getting paid. Ah, that is the problem with working your way up as a freelancer. I could not get into an agency and decided to work my way up as a freelancer. This gave me the freedom to pick what jobs I wanted (or wanted to apply for) and I was able to diversify as a storyboard artist/concept artist/sculptor. Some things I might not have been able to do at an agency. But an agency would give me a better paycheck. As well as a more regular paycheck. My wife and I worked part time while we both built up our experience in the biz. It would have been easier with an agency, but I just was not ready. Another thing to keep in mind as a freelancer, you not only have to do the art, but you also have to deal with the business side of things - advertising yourself, schmoozing, website updating, dealing with rates, contracts, etc. etc. etc. And, you have to sift your way through a variety of people. Some are great, some...not so great. I have had both. The people who want to work with you also want to get the best bang for their buck so they will negotiate most of the time and try to get the best deal for them. Meanwhile you do the same since it is your livelihood. Hopefully, a compromise can be made and you can move onto doing the job. Then there are the people who want to take advantage of you. You will find them if they do not find you first. I have had the pleasure of meeting all types. From people who out and out try to cheat you “We do not need a contract. Just send me over the work and I will cut you a check.” Yeah right. There is also people who take advantage of you not reading a contract, or not understanding it. READ YOUR CONTRACTS! And take it to a lawyer if you need to. And of course there is the crazies. Oh yes, they are out there! I have actually wondered if someone I went to meet was either high or a lunatic. An agency on the other hand deal will with people they know or those that have a good reputation - professionals. But you have to be a professional too. In both portfolio and experience.

Years later, I still work as a freelancer. Why? Well, acouple of reasons. I still love the freedom for one. I can pick and choose the work I want to do. For instance, I get to be an advisor at Pavaline. That is pretty cool. The pay has gotten better as my experience has grown. I have learned a heck of a lot over the years too. Not only in art, but also in business. I can run my own business with confidence and I can spot the good jobs and potential clients and avoid the bad ones. The other reason that I still work is a freelancer is that I run my company out of North Dakota. Agencies request that their artists live in their area so they are available to meet with productions as needed.

But...guess what? If I were back in LA and had the chance, I would go with an agency. Why? A few reasons: While my business is doing pretty well, an agency would help me do better. I would not have to focus on spending so much time to find work - an agency would do that for me. It is true that they do take a percentage, but through them, I would work on better projects and I would be able to charge a higher rate. It would be easier to enter the storyboard union with more work which they could provide. From earlier investigating, I have found out that I can still work with my present clients independently while working with an agency as long as there is no conflict. That was a big question for me when researching agencies as I want to keep my business growing.

There are a lot of things to keep in mind when deciding what you as an individual want to do. Do not just take my advice, ask others. Also, if you get a chance to pick up this book: Storyboards: Motion in Art by Mark A. Simon, pick it up. It has a lot of great info. I would also recommend picking up: Graphic Artists Guild Handbook - pricing & ethical guidelines. A lot of great business info in there.

My advice to anyone either in college getting ready to try your hand in storyboarding, etc. or someone just starting would be to learn as much as you can. From different methods to saving money.

I will be back in future blogs with advice I would give myself if I could talk to me years ago.

Until next time, all the best.