How to build a personal brand as a 3d artist (Allan McKay Branding)

[@marcosantos6801]

I started in the 1990's. The industry was criminally abusive to artists back then, so I completely shunned industry work in favor of something completely unrelated (and non-abusive). I continued to keep my 3D skills sharp throughout the years, however, because I love 3D. After I turned 50, I invested a significant amount of time and money for another attempt at industry work. When I compare the number of applications I submit (for posted jobs) to my demo reel's analytics, it's obvious that it isn't even being viewed. I'm not even getting the chance to show what I can do before being disregarded. When I took Mr. McKay's advice about how to circumvent the "# Years Experience" requirement by reaching out to industry professionals et al (politely, I might add), all I got was ghosted (thanks for that great advice Allan). The impression that I'm left with is that 3D is only for the young and the fresh. And that being a 50+ year old "Fresher" is too much of a contradiction in terms for the gatekeepers to wrap their heads around. The whole process just feels rigged.

[@DonTerrell]

A message I so enjoy hearing Alan, I'm 55 years old and would always battle with that self talk, I'm too old, it's too late for me. Pick your goal and celebrate the wins along the way and not compare my journey to someone elses. Thank you!!

[@AllanMcKay]

Thanks Don! Never too late you got this brother 👊

[@DonTerrell]

@@AllanMcKay Thanks!!

[@EarleSara]

Oh man. I am so feeling this right now. I went to university for 3D four years ago and I went totally balls out for it. I was naive and totally expecting to have a junior role after I graduated. Almost three years later, I still haven't got that junior role and I am broke as hell. I wish I would have just studied online in my free time. I haven't given up though. I'm working on a new reel that I'm going to publish next year. I just wish I hadn't gone to uni for it.

[@artistsukh1127]

Good luck 😊

[@MattJLA]

Its funny, I'm in the EXACT same situation as you. Moved to California for school, went for 3 years after a previous school for 4 years, did get a job after graduation, but the pandemic killed things after March and its been almost a year since I've found anything stable. It's made me do a lot of self-reflection and improving, which I'm still going through now. I know there are things that I'm not doing the best at, like the networking and business side of things, which I'm really bad with. I'm in the process of remaking my reel as well. Its just frustrating sometimes when you see other friends or colleagues get those kinds of jobs and we don't. We might think, "Well what's wrong with me then? Am I not good enough?" But I think the key part is to keep trying. I don't want to fall into that pit of self-doubt. I kind of wish I hadn't gone to university for it either and just stayed online, but its too late to look back, all you can do is look forward. There are many online resources like Polycount that are great places to showcase your work to get valuable feedback from other artists to make improvements so much easier and quicker. (I have to start doing this too, haha.) Anyway, that's my rant, haha. Sorry for the long winded answer, I just saw your comment and it just hit me right in the heart. Don't give up if its worth something to you.

[@AllanMcKay]

Sorry man I just saw this - send me your reel! I’d love to check it out

[@seok1205]

I'm 30 and I've been in fine art so far, but I'm learning again 3d software from now on. i believe Age is powerless if have a goal.,

[@AllanMcKay]

Absolutely! And thanks for sharing Yeji! Best of luck!

[@reed4109]

Thanks Alan, always helping other artists reach their full potential

[@AllanMcKay]

You are welcome my friend

[@jahirhussain2484]

I am 23 years old and I was also worried like the person you were talking about in the video ,that I haven't been able to break into the industry yet and after listening to this video it made a lot of sense and now I am more confident that I have time to achieve my goals and that I don't need to have any pressure that I have to be one of the best in the industry by comparing with many successful people without knowing about the hard work they have put in order to get that success in their career.Thanks so much sir! Your videos always makes me feel better and be confident in life!!!

[@nikolaostsimpetonidis4243]

As always, a very inspirational video!! And I say this from heart, as I am in my 40s trying to get into the industry. Many thank for the very useful advice and information!

[@AllanMcKay]

Thanks Niko! And glad it helps! 👊

[@VRDivision]

Great video Allan, there's no shortage of success! You're one of the people who inspired me to pursue my career in 3d (when I really needed it) every time I learn something new from your videos! We're a startup who specialize in unreal engine, and my core team members (close friends of mine) are from different ages (19, 28, 35), they all learned 3d and UE4 from scratch and they're all very good at something different and adding real value in their own ways, and they love it and they are glad they started! ... as you said 'The perfect time to start is right now.' Keep up the great work Allan! Cheers! -Yahiya

[@lucvw1975]

I'm 45 and also have the feeling I'm too old. I've been busy with 3d/vfx for a couple of years, but I'm making almost no progress because I suffer from procrastination, extreme fear of failure and a very bad memory (caused by a lot of heavy medication I need to take) which holds me back from reaching my goals... There are times I get desparate because of this. My plan is to work from home on projects I like, but there's not even a chance I have against the competition right now, and maybe I'll never be...

[@thomaswharton6053]

I am 76 years old and just recently took several college courses in videography, editing, photography, storytelling, and etc. and have skills in all Adobe products (mostly PR, PS, LR, AE, Br) I have done over twenty projects including three documentaries that have received positive feedback. Also, I spend two to three hours a day polishing my skills using KZbin. I have tremendous experience in building small businesses and have a desire to pull together a business that will supplement my SS. Question: Is there a market in video editing for a person with my skills and situation. (BTW, I found you from your two-year-old video "Five Mistakes in Demo Reels".

[@AnaGeorgescuArt]

Thank you very much! I needed to hear that. And thank you for the clarity! 😃

[@AllanMcKay]

You're welcome Ana!

[@mhamid3d]

Thanks a lot Allan for the video. While I'm working in the VFX industry, it can still be easy to get too comfortable and not work on your personal brand. It's something I definitely want to work on now, as my real passion is to make films of my own! Top advice for people in all situations!

[@otbren11]

Thank you for this video. You are such an inspiration

[@AllanMcKay]

Thank you Otto - THAT comment is an inspiration. Thank you 🙏

[@MahmoudHamdyGad]

Great info 👍 .. love to see more on this topic .. branding is one of the most important topic for everyone in cg industry or creative work ..

[@nicovanbiljon2761]

Many thanks for this excellent advise Allan

[@runsintunson9586]

Good stuff, Allan! Thank you for the helpful information!

[@lxi5464]

Always amazing! Btw when will be the release of day 3 branding video?

[@amswil3232]

thanks for the advice 🙏

[@AllanMcKay]

You're welcome thanks buddy

[@amswil3232]

🤭🤭🤭😊😊😊

[@amswil3232]

Am in Africa and I love your works

[@AllanMcKay]

Great man! Where in Africa?

[@amswil3232]

Ghana 🇬🇭

[@amswil3232]

I have a huge interest in visual effects, it just overwhelming for me and am 22 , I have started though

[@方エデン]

Thank you so much for this.

[@keithfay9328]

I think as long as you have a next breath, it's not too late

[@AllanMcKay]

Had an Uber driver on the way to the airport that’s retired. Was saying he always regrets not taking up music. By the end of the ride I had him convinced to start learning the piano tomorrow morning. You’re absolutely right, there’s no reason why you can’t start today, especially if you have the next breath and the passion to do it

[@crazylegendsofc8083]

Which applications is best for beginners.

[@inspirationalgoosebumps6006]

Nice video 👏👏

[@AllanMcKay]

Thank you and great to hear from you again

[@sepehrrajabi1112]

Great,Thanks.

[@AllanMcKay]

Thanks Sepehr

[@rohithrook711]

When did you learn vfx

[@AllanMcKay]

1991? I think? Somewhere around then

[@rohithrook711]

@@AllanMcKay what is your age now

[@sepehrrajabi1112]

@@rohithrook711 I think he said this in the begining of the video.

[@photoman123456]

How to set goals?

[@roymalambo6434]

am in africa zambia,is max still effective in vfx.

[@ivanenev9968]

Hey Allan, I was wondering what was your exact definition of VFX? I guess the concepts you are explaining in your videos apply to all visual arts... RIght? Thanks in advance!

[@patricktran2858]

Not related to vfx and sorry if this bothers you, but do you conciously choose your accent? (aus vs american)

[@AllanMcKay]

Hah - honestly I tend to hide my accent. It's both because I do a lot of speaking on stage and Australian accent isn't as understandable universally. But also almost every day I end up having conversations in the US about 'oh you're from Australia - do you have electricity/cities/pet kangaroos in Australia?' so I just try to blend in rather than try to draw attention to where I'm from. The same way my last name is not pronounced how I say it - I just gave up having to correct people. So I just say 'mc-k-ay' like everyone keeps arguing my own name is pronounced when I meet strangers. So I guess there's a few insights I realize my accent is probably an absolute mess :)

[@jod4411]

Thanks for the video. I was swaying hard

[@peterpineda5432]

I went to school for computer animation and completed the program back 2013.. never did anything with it and now I regret it so much.. I'm 35 now and I feel like its too late. but after watching this video it gave me a different perception. thank you

[@AllanMcKay]

Thank you for sharing Peter, you got this 👊

[@peterpineda5432]

Allan McKay Thank you!! For your content and the motivation.

[@marcor.cacereslopez3050]

The being the only one in the industry red flag is so true, I come from Guatemala and no one, literally no one is doing vfx, and guess what, no one knows what it is either which means no work lol

[@apmanti12]

some people exit vfx by the age of 30 and they worked for at least for 10 years, some enter at age of 35

[@AllanMcKay]

Yep just like some people exit law or any other career. Statistically most people have 3 careers over a lifetime. What I like about VFX is you do have the option to pivot. So you can potentially change what you do without starting over entirely in a new industry. But yes there are always going to be people changing careers into vfx or out just like other industries. That's pretty common and to be expected. Thanks for your comment apmanti12

[@marcospalazzesi8013]

You need a really good sound guy like me to work on your audios.

[@AllanMcKay]

Hi Marcos thanks for your input

[@VincentG991]

Do you know any conservative right leaning people in the industry? If not is there too strong of a political bias against people with different political opinions to be part of Hollywood openly conservative or supportive of Donald Trump?

[@AllanMcKay]

I've never heard of people not being in an industry because of their politics. There's plenty of right wing people I've met. But I guess it just depends what you mean by openly supporting one side or the other. In general just like religion most people treat politics as a personal subject - but like I said - I've never heard of any industry that people are not a part of because of their politics and I definitely know people on either side and independent. It's a free world nobody discriminates

[@VincentG991]

Allan McKay Well that's great to hear from you, I've always been under the assumption that if you leaned to the right of left you would not get hired.