How to create a job call: our submission guidelines

Quickdraw is a non-profit artist-run community organization. We provide resources, support and training to a vibrant community of independent animators and artists. In this way, we like to consider ourselves Calgary’s home for independent animation! We act as a community hub for animators – but as a community organization, you won’t be hiring directly through us if you are looking for an animator on your project. We aren’t an in-house production studio, nor do we act as a recruitment agency for animators. I recommend that you scroll to the bottom of the FAQ section on our website to get a general grasp of our organization. Too expensive to hire an animator? Take one of our classes and do it yourself - animating rocks!

In short, we suggest that you clearly state your requirements for cultural background, timeline, budget (we suggest a minimum of $50 -$100 per finished second), style you're looking for, recommended portfolio pieces, and being as clear and up-front about pay and timeline is the best way to secure someone to hire in my experience. Optionally but good to do, include photos of the style you would like the video to be in. Lastly, make sure to include contact information, where to apply and the deadline to apply.

Typical timelines and budgets can range pretty far depending on the scope of each project. This really depends on the all the pre-production work being completed. Script, style, length, access to equipment, actors, voice over - all can be deciding factors for the animation. We recommend a minimum of $50 per finished second of animation just for the animation and not the pre-production work. Here's a link to a website that estimates the cost of animation projects for different mediums, styles, quality and duration.

We are happy to connect you to our community of artists through our Jobs and Opportunities board! Projects shared through this channel will be included on our website, social media and weekly newsletter sent out to our membership. Through this, a number of talented artists get their eyes on your project, and from there anyone who is interested is able to reach out to you directly. We have found that the benefits to this approach are that:

1. We set a standard for what a community call should look like and make sure a certain level is met
2. Allows a level of equal opportunity
3. Allows the artist to communicate on their terms and keeps within FOIP regulations.
4. Allows the community to see what kind of opportunities are available in animation in Calgary

About you/about the project: Give a description of the project that you are hiring for. Be detailed, clear, and short to the point.

What type of work are you looking for: 3D animation? Rubber hose? Include examples of what you would like your project to look like.

Payment/compensation: How much will the artist get paid? Our recommendation is approx. $50/second of finished animation. This is a ballpark rate and could change significantly based on the project.
Cultural Background Requirements: Is this call specifically for Indigenous, Black, etc animators?
Length of contract: How much time is there for the artist to complete the project? What are the important deadlines? ie. Concept, Storyboards, Animatic, Workprint.
Starting date of contract: When will the animator be expected to start the work?
Description of duties for contract: What tasks will the artist be responsible for? Be clear and specific, and include if there are duties beyond animating such as: design, layout, storyboarding, lighting, modelling, compositing etc
Skill/technology requirements: What programs should the animator know how to use/what programs will they need access to for the project?
Preferred method to contact you: How do you want animators to reach you if they are interested in the position(s). Provide a specific email address/phone number/etc
Requirements for application: Should applicants send over their website, portfolio, and/or demo reel? Are there support materials specific to the position that you would like to see (ie character animation, motion graphics, etc).
Closing date of application: After what date will you stop accepting applications.