Sacha SWOT

During our second PPP2 session we looked into how we could use SCAMPER and SWOT analysis methods when critiquing our own work, and how mind-mapping can be beneficial to idea generation. Below are some possible things to think about relating to digital media work when using both analysis methods.

Substitute- equipment, materials, character, location, plot
Combine- characters, time management, skills of other people
Adapt- change discipline
Modify- contexts, emphasis
Put to another use- audience, research
Eliminate- streamline ideas, reduce content, economical
Reverse- swap roles, look at the story back to front, sequence

Strengths- (internally controlled) selling points, resources, skills, ideas, location

Weaknesses- (internally controlled) things that need improving, timescale, commitments, reputation, planning, ability, knowledge

Opportunities- (externally controlled) networking, audience, skills, research, markets, development, influencer

Threats- (externally controlled) time management, competition, technology, distractions, audience, expectation, legistration, environment effects, limitations from funders

We were then encouraged to use the SWOT analysis theory to apply on our own practice as freelancers. I really found this task useful and insightful, especially in setting achievable goals for myself to turn negative issues into strengths.

Strengths
-Multidisciplinary
-I have the Adobe Creative package and Microsoft Office packages on my own Macbook Pro, as well as a Wacom tablet, meaning I am able to work in a number of places.
-I have experience in different areas of creative work and have a good foundation of work behind me
-I am imaginative and enjoy exploring different ideas
-Being based in Leeds I am able to work across Yorkshire, as well as having family links in the West Midlands and London allowing me to spread my work opportunities across these areas
-I have a good reputation in Leeds for my Art Department work, and have made many contacts through different projects
-Versatile working

Weaknesses
-Not a specialised practitioner (sometimes)
-Reluctant to use 3D animating software and needs experience in this area of work
-Busy timetable due to University commitments and working on Saturday mornings
-I need to strengthen my abilities and learn new transferable skills
-I have a specific target audience and style and struggle occasionally to adapt to fit other people's needs if very different.
-I have no editing software on my laptop, and need to look into getting Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Dragon Stop Motion so more reliant on University resources

Opportunities
-Already got a good network around me
-Growing need/want for well animated and beautiful animations/storybook apps for children
-Chance to widen my network on every new project I work on - more work may come from this
-Adapting briefs to my own wants and needs within my personal work development

Threats
-I may run out of time and energy to take on many more projects, risk of getting burnt out
-The amount of animation and film courses are rising within the UK as well as world wide, which means more competition when graduating and applying for graduate schemes and apprenticeships.
-Technology is always developing which means I need to constantly be learning and updating my skill set or risk falling behind in the industry
-Having to compete with graduate animations from Gobelins and CALArts there is a high expectation to produce work to a 'Disney' hand drawn quality and skill, and whilst learning other skills this may not be possible in the timeframe