Bridge to Industry Talks – Kate Jessop

Continuing on the last post, here are some notes another guest lecturer that came by to share their experience with the animation industry (admittedly I’ve taken less notes than previous due to focusing a little more on my graduation film).

Kate Jessop is a queer animator and director based in Brighton who runs Brighton Animation Festival that had run the week prior to her visit. Her style was primarily mixed media, collage and rotoscoping. Her path into the industry began as an illustrator for an editorial magazine, as well as being a DJ at night clubs. She spoke of her experiences being undermined as a woman in these sectors, often reaction was along the lines of “why is a woman DJing here?” and the like, and how she rose above this.

Throughout her career, Kate has learnt the importance of meeting deadlines, pitching and writing, making clear communication, having a visual style, networking (build up a network and community because that’s the best way of getting jobs – through word of mouth), but also setting boundaries. For example, if you’re working with someone and they’re messaging you with emojis or at a time where it isn’t appropriate, then let them know that it isn’t appropriate. It’s important that people don’t overstep their mark. It’s also important to understand that you can’t do everything, and in a team, play to everyone’s strengths and weaknesses.

Kate discussed the business side of the industry. When negotiating, work out the day rate vs content rate. Your annual rate should be %12 a month to %30 of a day. Also don’t take on jobs for free or low budget (you might be able to do so at the start of your career once), unless there’s a major benefit. Is the client high profile? Is there a cause of interest? These have to be worth it to take on a low/no budget project. Much like Selom, be smart about your money – save where possible, contracts last 3-6 months typically. Anticipate gaps and tax bills, and when you get paid, save at least %20 of it for the future. When working with a client, also prepare how many sendbacks you anticipate so if they ask for changes, these were established at the very beginning.

Kate’s work is a very different path to the one I wish to walk, as I’m more into the cartoon digital side of the industry rather than the realistic collage style. But all the same, it was worth hearing from her about the other side of the industry that I knew nothing about.