#Graphics market
4 messages in this thread
I am in Toronto, trying to start up in freelance graphics work.
I've invested in the PC and software side of my equipment, but the
video tools are just totally out of reach for my Visa card <roll eyes>. So, I
have approached some people for backing, so I can get the bits and pieces I
need to actually come up with taped product.
(I know it's probably not a popular route to seek debt from the start, as
Michele Bousquet has pointed out in Technical Tips, but it's small enough I
think I can handle it).
Lenders like to see an operating business plan before they'll think about
backing someone (one of these 81-page jobs that say in 100,000 words that prove
beyond shadow of a doubt that I can sign my own paycheque and not get out of
bed until noon, and get rich doing it).
These business plans call for analysis of market and customer/client base.
They look at business from the widgets-for-dollars viewpoint, like ie. a
carbuerator company: if there are 1,000,000 cars in town, and a carb needs
replacing every five years, and there are three carb suppliers of about the
same size, then my potential market is probably close to 66,666 carbs a year.
They want the same thing, only for the animation/video market. Hah! I have
said to them (when they weren't listening) It's so nebulous, rate-setting is
so (dangerously!) unstructured, and freelancers are so careful of their
clientele (it seems) that it is almost impossible to peg sensible figures at
all.
I was thinking of asking if Autodesk can supply related data — ie, the growth
of the 3DS market, and Alias the same thing for its product (and Playmation vs.
SoftImage, or whatever) and extrapolate from their market the demand for
graphics work. But I'm not sure.
(big breath)
Does anyone have a suggestion for how I should go about this? Similar
experiences, information about the industry, etc? I'd appreciate anything.
-Tenterhooks in Toronto,
Dov Paquette
Dov,
The way it works where I live (Hollywood) is that you meet this guy in
a restaurant who is an agent for many graphic artists, including CGI artists.
He has a certain number of clients in his portfolio that he will show your work
to, but …first you have to sell him. Once that is done, and you can really
guarantee that you can deliver finished product, you pay him to present you to
some customers. He takes a pinch for making phone calls. You do all the work
and go to some meetings. If somebody decides to use you,…..then you go to the
back with a "deal memo" or a purchase order….and you say" here is income, I
need this machine. I can pay ;you back in X number of months."
There is a directory of agents in
Toronto. When the bank sees a valid purchase
order that will cover payments and an upfront payment in cash to them for
giving you the loan (points…they call it) then you find a dealer that will
sign a "buyback if defaulted" purchase agreement with you….Usually you forfit
all equity until payed off. Then the Bank is guaranteed to get it's money, and
you only owe the dealer if you default. I have bought a number of pieces of
equipment this way.
Try it. Sanford
Thanks for the reply.
<<directory of agents in Toronto>> What's this directory called, and what's a
likely channel for finding a copy of it?
Dov,
There is a huge production resource book that is put out in Toronto. I
had a copy last year….about 1000 pages, spiral bound. Most of the film
production and high-end graphics houses have them in their offices. If you will
just get pushy with a few secretaries and tell them what you need, you can find
it. It also contains all the different unions, equipment rentals, studios, and
lots of ads.
Sorry, I can't remember the name.
Sanford