Building a Career around Blender — Blender Conference 2024

Summary

In this talk, Jason shares his insights on building a career using Blender, breaking it down into five key steps: 1) Open Blender and start with what excites you; 2) Get good enough at your craft to be valuable, even if you're not the best; 3) Know your audience and communicate effectively; 4) Understand your value and don’t undersell yourself; 5) Be a good person, as relationships and trust are key. By following these steps, you can make a living with Blender, whether through freelancing, creating content, or working in industries beyond entertainment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with what interests you: Open Blender and dive into the area you're passionate about (e.g., animation, modeling). Don't try to master everything at once.
• 😀 Get good, not perfect: You don't have to be the best, just better than the person who hired you. Focus on being 'good enough' and always strive to improve.
• 😀 Focus on your audience: Whether you're working for clients or creating original content, understand who you're serving and tailor your work to their needs.
• 😀 3D work is everywhere: Beyond entertainment, industries like architecture, engineering, marketing, and product design need 3D skills.
• 😀 Know your value: Don’t undervalue yourself. Understand what your skills are worth and be realistic about compensation, but also consider the work environment and relationships.
• 😀 Be a good person: Your work and portfolio matter, but your personal qualities (trustworthiness, communication skills) are just as important.
• 😀 Communication is key: Educate clients and colleagues about the process and the time required for different tasks. Share the value of your work.
• 😀 Freelancers, be ready to fire bad clients: If a client isn’t treating you well or respecting your work, don't be afraid to move on after addressing the issue.
• 😀 Stay grounded with your own projects: Have personal projects outside of client work to keep improving your skills and maintain balance in your career.
• 😀 The industry is collaborative: You can't do everything alone, so build good relationships and work with others who complement your skillset.
• 😀 Don't just be a tool, be a person: Your career is about more than just your work—being relatable, trustworthy, and competent will help you build lasting relationships in the industry.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of this talk about Blender?

The talk focuses on building a career using Blender and offers a step-by-step guide for beginners and those looking to transition into professional work using the software.

How does Blender offer career opportunities outside traditional entertainment industries?

Blender can be used in a variety of industries such as construction, industrial design, architecture, marketing, 3D printing, product design, engineering, and employee training, offering opportunities beyond just film and gaming.

What is the first step in building a career with Blender?

The first step is to open Blender and start experimenting with it. It's important to focus on what interests you rather than trying to master every aspect of the software all at once.

Why should you not start learning Blender from scratch by doing everything?

Starting from scratch by learning all areas of Blender, such as modeling, UV mapping, and animation, can lead to burnout. It's better to focus on one area that excites you, such as animation or modeling, to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

How do you know when you are 'good enough' in Blender?

You don't need to be the best. You only need to be better than the person who hires you. Being good enough means delivering value that others are willing to pay for, whether that’s through skills, problem-solving, or unique contributions.

What does 'knowing your audience' mean in the context of Blender work?

Knowing your audience means understanding who you're creating for and what their needs are. This can range from designing assets for a client to creating original content for a personal project. Tailoring your work to your audience's needs is key.

Why is it important to think outside of media and entertainment when building a career with Blender?

Blender has applications beyond entertainment. By exploring industries like product design, architecture, or even military training, you can find unique career opportunities that don't rely solely on media, TV, movies, or games.

How do you determine your value as a Blender professional?

Your value is partly determined by your skills and the demand for them, but also by factors like work environment, the relationships you build, and your own needs (e.g., income to support living costs). It's essential to understand your worth and ensure you are compensated accordingly.

What role does communication play in the Blender career-building process?

Communication is vital in all aspects of a Blender career. Whether you're explaining technical challenges to clients or collaborating with a team, clear communication helps establish trust and ensures your value is recognized.

Why is being a 'good person' important in a Blender career?

Being a good person—trustworthy, communicative, and approachable—can set you apart in the industry. Clients and teams value interpersonal skills as much as technical ability, and being easy to work with can lead to more opportunities and long-term success.

What is the significance of having your own personal projects alongside client work?

Having personal projects ensures that you continue growing and refining your skills outside of client work. It also helps you maintain your creative autonomy and balance, which is crucial for long-term career satisfaction and avoiding burnout.