Animation & 3D Design

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in animation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Randy Mills, a Technical Director based in Bend, OR, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a CG Generalist / Technical Director, creating motion graphics and VFX for film and television. I work with agencies and studios of all sizes to help connect the stories they wish to tell to their core audiences by using fascinating, mind-blowing visuals.

Tell us about yourself

Right out of high school, I knew I wanted to work in the film industry. I went at it full force through college, constantly volunteering on any film I could be a part of. I was consumed by my passion for making films and worked my way up from PA to grip and lighting and, eventually, camera and cinematography. Working at a TV station, I was building out and teaching workflows daily and eventually found myself working as a DIT in unscripted television, where I was designing and developing workflows for production and post-production pipelines, all while traveling the world and living in Maui. I eventually settled down, started a family, and found a home (and passion) in animation, which is where I am now.

I still have a lot to learn, though, which is exactly what I love about this industry! I find myself consistently dancing between artist and problem solver, which is why I've been moving further into Technical Directing. I love being able to quickly find solutions to everyday problems and write scripts that make processes and workflows faster. It has allowed me as an artist to spend more time creating instead of doing a lot of the repetitive and monotonous work involved in between. I am consumed by the possibilities of working as an FXTD and love playing around and experimenting with new techniques, software and ideas.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to take a spark of an idea and forge that into something solid, tangible, and visible that excites and emboldens people's spirits and minds is ultimately my biggest accomplishment as a business owner. I love it when someone approaches me with a great idea, and we can work together to build it into something great! I've done that with several projects I have produced in the past, and I am always looking for new stories to tell.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Finding time to stay fresh and motivated without burning out. It can be a balancing act, at times, to push yourself beyond what you see yourself being capable of while still carving out a living. Sometimes there are those jobs that are just that...jobs. It's important to delineate between being an artist and being a business owner and know when to wear each hat. Not every job is an opportunity to make great art, but it sure will make you appreciate those jobs that do!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Never stop learning. Every interaction, every "spare" moment, every relationship, every single pitch, EVERYTHING you do is a learning experience. You're going to fail, but that's how you learn to succeed.
Be benevolent. Passion and good nature don't always win over experience, but they do always win over arrogance. Be humble, be kind, and be yourself.
Never stop dreaming. Imagine yourself doing it. Know that you will...and it will be.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.fxtd.pro/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randybunny/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randymills/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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