Hey, this sound very similar like my plan - only in a different rank
4.) I first made this and got in contact with future clients, competitors and for possible cooperations
3.) Still networking - money comes in from normal project work (no gfx or animations)
2.) My business rooms & Studio were very important - they´re only 2 stairs away downwards from home (in the same house) and I can even use my WLan & telephone there.
1.) Then I bought all kind of necessary software & licenses, collecting tools free or also commercial and started to learn the tools and the technical background
Step 4-2 was in the first 2 years and the last year step 1. I will continue working with a local animation studio in cooperation, soon (but sadly no animations - it´s some kind of CG picture software development). But I´m sure I´ll learn some things from their 25 CG artists in my spare time (this was an important agreement for the cooperation). The next year I concentrate most on learning all about creating interesting stories, modeling and animation.
Within the next 1-2 years some kind of demoreel shall be produced and within the next 3 years at least 1 short. Because I work on my own I can take all time I need for my destinations - otherwise this way wouldn´t be possible.
My old work will perhaps also be continued besides, but the animation and modeling will be the next big thing in my live that´s sure - I ever wanted to do this. Besides my work doing animations and special effects was ever a dream during the last 25 years. Now the time is right to do it with the right power of computers and the quality of the software I need for all I ever wanted. The main reason for work is money and I know I can do more money with the other things, but nothing else makes so much fun until now. It can be that I´m not getting as far as I´d like to - but in the worst case I have a hobby for spare time and can use the rooms and hardware for other projects.
If you don´t feel good on your work as employee you shouldn´t stay too long or you´ll regret your life. It´s important to chose then a finacial secure way to start a business in small steps without big personal risks then its a good feeling to work for yourself. You should always do what satisfies and makes fun. I wish you big luck with Tar and your studio.
