I had asked a few question with Mennah El-Atroush, and here is her reply:
Currently I work as a freelance animator. I’ve been working full time for 3 continuous years and I felt that I need a break from the routine and the hectic working hours of the commercial work. I still do freelance commercial animation, however freelancing gives me the freedom to organize my time better, and find space to work on personal projects.
I work as both 2D and stop motion animator, but I find it easier to get 2D commissions.
Generally speaking, companies like to see potential. Meaning that showing your work in progress and constantly uploading your animation trials, proves how much you’re growing and serious about your career.
Of course it differs from one company to the other. So, think about the type of companies you’d like to work at, and make sure that your portfolio have similar work to that company. There’s no right or wrong, as long as you keep publishing your work and trying to connect with fellow animators through workshops, events or festivals.
After graduation the experience can be different from one individual to the other. For me because I moved to Egypt after, it was hard for me to start making new connections. So if you’re not planning to stay in the UK, maybe start now sending your portfolio to companies in the other country, get their feedback and checkout their events.
Also I found out that in Egypt they don’t use Tvpaint, that was a bummer for me. So thats another thing to put in mind, what type of softwares do they use.
I’ve worked with several companies so each had their own style and preference. Some encourage frame by frame and didn’t mind any software, another was stop motion only so I used dragonframe, and others preferred Animate. I also worked a little with motion graphics so I was mainly limited to using After effects.
I think the rest of the answers for question 4, I replied to in the second point.
Which part of the stop motion field do you prefer? You can dabble into all parts if you’re unsure, until you find what you prefer. But don’t take too long and focus you
In her freelancing odyssey, our animator protagonist gracefully transitioned from three years of full-time commercial animation. Balancing the intricate worlds of 2D and stop-motion projects, she discovered the liberating flexibility to weave personal endeavors into her creative tapestry. Recognizing the industry’s penchant for potential, she meticulously tailors her portfolio for targeted companies, showcasing her evolving skills. Navigating a post-graduation shift to Egypt, she adeptly adapts to new environments and diverse software preferences. With a repertoire spanning frame-by-frame, stop motion, and motion graphics, her versatility shines. A proactive networker, she emphasizes early portfolio outreach, offering valuable insights into the global animation community. Encouraging exploration within the stop-motion field, her journey serves as a guiding beacon for fellow animators navigating the dynamic industry.