Jim Friend
As well as editing the Mavericks Podcast since its inception, Jim Friend works in motion graphics and animation, mainly in advertising but also on film titles and visual effects.
He works alone, hiring illustrators or other animators to help out on bigger jobs. His next aim is to start teaching online.
As Jim puts it “I learn everything from online tutorials and courses and feel it’s one of the best ways to learn.” He lives in London.
Please tell us what your role in the business is?
I’m a freelance motion designer.
Where do you do most of your work?
Nearly all of my work is done from home, and that last tiny bit is saved for getting out of the house when I need some headspace, which usually involves drifting around the local park.
How many people do you work with closely on a day-to-day basis?
This can vary quite a bit, but anywhere up to six.
What is the biggest challenge that you face at work every day?
Keeping up with my goals. The more entrepreneurial side of me is very ambitious and constantly has new ideas for the future; unfortunately it’s just me doing the work so often the ideas fall to the back of the queue.
Talk us through lunch. A sandwich at your desk or a full hour in the park?
Yes, definitely a sandwich! I’ve just bought a panini machine and it’s taken over all other options. That panini is usually enjoyed at my desk catching up on latest and greatest animation work on Vimeo.
What is the biggest lesson that you’ve learned that you wish you’d known when you started your career?
Online education is amazing. This has been the single reason that I was able to move from my previous job (as a sound engineer) to doing animation/motion graphics.
Email. Friend or foe?
It can be both. There are a few subscriptions that I can’t live without, predominantly the ones that educate me and give me insight into my industry, though anything salesy is a big turn off for me. If you’re emailing me and adding value to my life you can stay; if you’re adding clutter you can go.
Do you use a digital or paper To Do List? And how effective are you at getting everything done?
I use a paid-for desktop and mobile app called Milanote. At first I got it for storyboarding and for pulling together references for films, but it very quickly became an organiser for my life. After reading the book ‘Eat That Frog’ I definitely stepped up my productivity. The thing that works best for me is breaking down big ideas into small tasks the night before.
Do you leave work at a set time each day?
I have a bit of a phobia of alarm clocks but usually wake up around 7 am and get started an hour later.
How do you relax? Do you look after yourself properly?
Running and cycling, but I would definitely put going to the pub on that list.
How confident are you about the future of your business?
Demand for animation and motion graphics stayed consistent through recent times and always seems to be in demand. I’m now looking at teaching motion graphics online and again that seems like a growing industry.
What is your secret time-wasting technique at your desk?
Instagram has to be the worst offender, I recently deleted it but then LinkedIn took its place. So, I deleted that and now I’m scrawling through Pinterest. I think the problem is the phone!
Do you listen to music as you work and if so, what has been playing today?
I recently realised when concentrating on a difficult task no music helps a lot. I love lining up the next tune and certain songs remind me of people or places but these are unfortunately all distractions. For the more robotic tasks drum and bass and hip-hop are my go-to genres and anything by Kendrick Lamar.
