Study Task 2: Scan The Horizon

 In this study task I want to define and focus on which direction I want to take my career. In all honesty, I am at a loss of what I wish to pursue in the future, as I have so many ideas and paths I can take, that I cannot focus on one specifically. 

I don't think I want to pursue animation specifically as a career, as it is something I have grown to find tedious and dislike quite a lot. I feel I prefer working on concepts, story and technical parts of a project mostly found in the pre-production phase. I enjoy worldbuilding very much, and enjoy creating world maps, logos and making my own stories and designs. I also enjoy creating character designs and splash-art, as well as world concepts which I have focused on in my Context of Practice 3. 

• Where would I like to work: As for now, I have no idea where I wish to work in the future. My idea is to pursue some sort of freelance business of creating logo's, character design commissions and concept artworks for people and possibly companies. I already have some experience in designing logos for professional companies such as Laksa, as well as for my own personal projects. I could also edit videos, as I have access to editing software and have edited almost every single one of my projects so far.

Logos

Character concepts / turnarounds

In summary, I feel that I want to work as a freelance artist as of now, and perhaps think of joining a bigger studio when I have more of a portfolio and feel more confident in my artistic abilities. Animating itself is something I feel that I will not pursue.

• What is my dream role?: To create my very own fictional universe and create visual stories behind them. Whether I'd be working by myself as a comic writer or part of a bigger group, I want to construct my own fictional worlds. This is the reason why I chose to direct my own project for my 603 module, as I wanted to expand a fictional world of my own. I also pursued this in Context of Practice 3. Ideally, I'd like to work on animated series under companies such as Frederator Studios or other visually based companies that create their own story worlds and characters. As for now, I wish to pursue a freelance business where I can take commissions for character turnarounds, logos and perhaps maps for table-top related games such as DND. 

Fictional Worlds

• Who do I know that might help me get that foot in the door to the industry? - Short answer, nobody. I need to research who I may be able to reach out to in order to become noticed by the industry. As of now, I'm simply trying to build my social-media following and try to make friends with as many aspiring artists as I can. As for professional opportunities, I'm currently acquaintances with somebody who plans to make their own private studio, which I may want to look into more. 

• Networking opportunities: Due to covid, I feel that there is not many opportunities I can take in order to network with others, apart from personal acquaintances and friends. I feel it would be a good idea to get into table-top rpg's more in order to make contacts who will commission me to create fictional worlds and world maps, as seen above. I will perhaps be looking for logo-creating companies to learn more from.

• Anything relevant that involves me moving on from LAU: Nothing in particular. Right now, I wish to complete my current Extended Practice project and move on as soon as possible so I can begin to work on my professional platform on social media and elsewhere. I have recently learned of a new idea about creating my own business while using my artistic abilities to both advertise and give it a new identity. I like the idea of creating a café that uses everything I've learned, such as design and animation, to make my own café.