Working as a Freelancer Animator with Rick and Morty's Hubert Lapointe

Maxine speaks with Hubert Lapointe, Online Educator and Founder/Creative Director of Bon Jam Animation, about how to work as a freelance animator, including how to determine your rate, whether to charge hourly or daily, and marketing yourself on social media. Plus, Hubert shares some great advice on how to succeed in e-learning. This episode is chock-full of actionable tips and is not to be missed, especially for those who are considering starting to work as a freelancer!

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Intro
01:24 Hubert’s background, starting as an animator in Quebec
03:26 Failing the animation test, Hubert’s first job
05:10 Getting into the industry through side roles, finding your path
09:20 Becoming an animation director
13:50 Benefits of freelancing versus working in a studio
18:34 Getting started as a freelancer and online exposure
24:02 How to make content more interesting for social media
30:10 Producing consistently and creating engagement
36:09 Knowing the audience for your demo reel
42:30 Qualities Hubert looks for when hiring juniors
48:00 How to set your rate and other practical tips
53:16 Hourly versus daily rates
55:45 Starting at a discounted rate
59:15 Negotiating your rate
1:05:10 Tips for e-Learning
1:10:40 Where to find Hubert

About Hubert Lapointe

Hubert is a 2D Animator, Online Educator, and Founder/Creative Director of Bon Jam Animation with over a decade of experience. He's had the privilege of working on hit TV series like Rick & Morty and Solar Opposites, animated films, and completed contracts with dozens of freelance clients.

A child of the dreamy late 80s, Hubert's animation addiction developed after consuming countless hours of Saturday morning cartoons. After studying traditional animation in college, the 2010s saw him pursue his passion in 2D cut-out animation. Since then Hubert has gone from Toonboom software instructor—helping to carve out the teaching component of his career path—to animation supervisor to director to studio founder, where he now mentors the next wave of animators both as an employer and a teacher.

The creative 2022 demo reel for Hubert's studio Bon Jam Animation.

rick-and-morty-hubert-lapointe
Hubert worked on season 3 of Rick and Morty including the popular episode "The Ricklantis Mixup".

To see more work by Hubert, check out Bon Jam Animation, and his LinkedIn and IMDB. You can also follow Hubert and Bon Jam Animation on Instagram (@bonjam.ca and @hubert.lapointe).

Additional resources about 2D animation career paths: