We recently connected with Ludrick Fortune and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ludrick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in a creative career or as an entrepreneur is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
Transitioning from a structured 9-to-5 to the unpredictable world of freelancing presented me with a unique challenge: creating a routine amidst the chaos. While I’ve always thrived on a balanced routine, the nature of freelance work has forced me to adapt and take on more responsibilities, such as marketing myself, finding clients, planning my schedule, and handling finances.
This journey has been both exciting and daunting. I’m constantly growing and learning and trying to balance the familiar comfort of a structured workday with the unpredictability of freelance life. I definitely don’t have all the answers yet, but I will as long as I continue to work hard, develop my skills, and embrace the chaos that freelance life brings.
Here’s an example of how chaotic freelancing can be. I was having a seemingly quiet week, working from home and taking care of my cat, Chicken, post-surgery when suddenly, I had to juggle multiple clients. One client requested a two-week hold, another requested a month-long hold, and another needed an estimate for a potential project that same month. On top of that, a fourth client was ready to book me immediately.
I had to go through these opportunities, emailing each client in the order they reached out to me, all while caring for my cat. This led to a series of back-and-forth emails, waiting for responses, and eventually making decisions based on the information. Ultimately, I chose to work with the client who was ready to book me, and it all worked out.
You never know when a calm week might suddenly become a whirlwind of opportunities and challenges. Of course, as a freelancer, I could have said no to all of these clients and stayed home with Chicken, but cat medical bills in this economy are no joke. I had to make that money back.
Ludrick, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi! Im Ludrick, a Haitian American 3D designer and animator specializing in Cinema 4D and Redshift. I’ve always loved creating stories and characters, even as a kid. In 5th grade, I dreamed of making my own manga and even attempted frame-by-frame animation in PowerPoint! I’ve always found ways to make things work with the tools available. From there, I got into Photoshop CS6 and Cinema 4D R13. At the time, I was making graphics for fun and had no intention of doing this full-time. I didn’t even know what a motion designer was, so I went to Maryville for graphic design.
Now, I’m lucky to collaborate with amazing creatives from all over the world and create stunning designs and animations. One thing I love about my field is that there are so many ways to tackle a challenge, and if you can’t find the answer, there are so many people around me who can help. I’m truly grateful for my current position and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
In my opinion, the best part of being a 3D designer is that I get to meet and get inspired by other artists and people in the field. As a child, I was deeply inspired by the characters and stories I saw on TV. They greatly influenced my dreams and ambitions, and I often imagined myself as a superhero or a ninja turtle. Today, I find similar inspiration in my relationships with other creatives in my community. In a way, they’re all superheroes in my eyes. Witnessing their passion and drive ignites a fire within me and fuels my creative journey.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to remain a lifelong student, constantly learning and growing both in my field and life. One of the most valuable sources of learning for me has been my friendships. Not only do they provide me with technical knowledge, but they also impart important life lessons. One lesson has been the importance of rest and pursuing passions outside of work, which significantly improves my mental well-being. Ultimately, my goal is to keep expanding my knowledge and skills while nurturing meaningful relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://jaepsd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaepsd/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lu-fortune/
Image Credits
Headshot by Virginia Harold