3d animation!? What the deuce?

That's right. When it comes to niches, 3d animation is not a bad route to go. If you've ever dabbled in animation for your clients, you'll notice you're one of a thousand fishes in the sea who can do 2d animation.

Ditto live-action video ever since 2008's Canon 5d Mk II and YouTube a few years before it.

But 3d animation? It's a skill few possess and even fewer are great at. I have zero skills in 3d animation beyond what After Effects can natively do. But I know how to pitch, I know how to lead a small video production, and I know how to over-communicate. Don't let the barriers to entry keep you away. Find a talented artist and be a heckuva producer.

Not interested in 3d? Niche down 'til it hurts fellow filmmakers, and I'll see you on the next post (or video).

After a long hard look at the 80/20 rule in my work as a video producer, I'm gonna niche down even more with 3d animation (and A/R) for businesses. I encourage you to examine where 80% of your work is coming from (live video? commercials? weddings?) and cut out the 20%.

If you're a buyer, don't panic - this guide will be written to accommodate your perspective and your needs too.

Soup to nuts, here's the ultimate guide to set the work process straight for both parties; you won't find a funnier, better-looking guide this side of the Mississippi. You'll get your money's worth on this one, and if not, I have a 7-day refund period because your success is my mission.

BONUS: if you join the Bold Nation newsletter below, I'll send you all 8 steps in one nifty .pdf. This post contains the first 5.

Now, there is lots of room for collaboration in 3d projects, and communication is key. In fact, it's step zero in this process.

0. Communicate. Over-communicate. Then check in again with something funny.

Communicate 'til all bases are covered. Check.

Then go back and over-communicate. When we were in basic training at Lackland AFB, we couldn't hear what instructions were being relayed to the group up front. I was always in the back because I was a road guard (bright vest and all), so I often asked for the student leaders or the row in front of me to repeat the instructions because I often couldn't hear them. I was only looking out for myself all those many moons ago, but I knew from my time teaching math that if one person had the question, sure enough, someone else was thinking it. The worst questions (and the only dumb questions) in life are those left unsaid. And make no mistake, even after the sale, your client will have piles of questions - this is good.

I mentioned math, so it's not a bunny trail to mention it here again. Math is a very visual language. Repetition is a plus for students, and it's an even greater plus for high-rep learners. Math, not unlike animation, has a lot of moving parts, and it can get nitty-gritty or downright esoteric. Both are visual languages for communicating ideas; both have lots of potential to go sideways in a hurry. Your job as the developer is to be a teacher. Teach your client about the different methods or ideas you'll be running. Ask clarifying questions and don't rest on your laurels 'til you know they can give the 411 to their 6-year-old with ease.

What about something funny? We do this in speech - we have to break up the monotony of our voice with a percussion or a joke or something every 90 seconds or so. Do the same with your communications. Don't just check in for updates, and don't just send only updates. Send a card when their anniversary is on the 'rizon. Send a picture of a loaf of bread and tell 'em you LOAF working on this project with them. Keep it light, and keep it coming.