Creative Spotlight | Tim Bywater
Published on 08 December 2021
Tell us a bit about who you are and what kind of creative work you make.
I am a freelance animator and motion designer currently working on advertisements and corporate videos. I have previously worked on animated children's tv shows and a short film.
During the first lockdown I started painting again after a five year gap, focusing on bush landscapes and Australian birds. I sold my artwork at local markets and had my prints available in the makers pop-up store, City+Sticks in Bowral NSW.
Other creative interests include t-shirt design, making music, board game design and drawing comics.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you to be more creative?
Mainly my sketch journal, where I note down any and every idea, keeping it all pretty messy. I try to get out all my ideas and then push them further.
Whereabouts do you look for creative ideas? Who or what inspires you?
When I am thinking about painting, it’s bush walks. I’ll take a camera along and if I have time, an easel and art materials. Otherwise, I am inspired often by films and comic artists such as Moebius, Sergio Toppi and Mike Mignola.
Do you have any top tips for emerging artists and creatives just starting out?
In the freelance business, networking is important. Getting out there, being friendly, meeting people will get you work. Cold emailing is also helpful, and then reminding people you exist every 3-4 months.
Having a strong portfolio online with a single focus, is a tip I learnt the hard way. For side projects, get another domain or avenue.
I’ve never had much success in online selling, there’s just so much to compete with. Getting products in bricks and mortar stores, I have found, makes it much easier to get sales.
Lastly, I would say that completing one project at a time is the way to go. Finish things.
What’s the most challenging part of working as an artist / creative?
When you are working in the corporate or entertainment spheres there is always the chance that you will be called upon to work on projects that oppose your beliefs and values.
Those times can be hard to navigate, but by talking it through with employers, and being honest, I have found that most people are understanding. Even if they don’t share the same beliefs or values.
What creative project are you working on at the moment?
In my down-time between freelance animation work I have been reworking my last student film, a western inspired, 3D rendered as 2D project, combining comic art, noir and a Jim Jarmusch film-making style.
It has been satisfying cleaning up or redoing my earlier animation. Using what I have learnt since I left uni.
I'm now onto reworking the rendering pipeline and hope to release it next year sometime.
Where can we find out more about your work and get in touch?