We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mitchell Wierenga. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mitchell below.

Mitchell, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

A few years ago, I was in a stable job with the City, complete with health benefits and the security that comes from such employment. During that time I had continued to develop my hobby in 3D modeling and animation and started to ventured into the world of freelance, gradually building an online portfolio that attracted a steady stream of clients. My freelance work took a significant turn when a client recognized my niche skills using a particular character development software. This partnership evolved, leading me to part-time work in developing a unique Avatar Girl group for a startup, complete with personas and narratives for each virtual singer, music videos, and more.

After months of collaboration, an offer to join full-time as a pipeline manager was on the table. The decision was full of uncertainty; leaving the City’s security for a startup was a gamble. My wife, who has always been supportive of my endeavors, encouraged me to bet on myself.

I dove into the role, dedicating a year to nurturing this startup, but despite our efforts, it didn’t succeed. Yet, this experience was far from a failure. It propelled me into the freelance market with enhanced credibility, leading to larger projects and the eventual establishment of my own studio shortly after. Today, my business thrives, offering a wide array of creative services, a testament to the value of taking risks.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

It’s been about a decade since I ventured into the world of 3D modeling and animation, a journey that unexpectedly began through a casual conversation with an online gaming buddy. He introduced me to Blender 3D, a tool I was unfamiliar with at the time. Curiosity led me to download Blender, marking the start of a self-taught journey fueled by the abundant tutorials within its supportive community. I dove headfirst into learning, tackling everything from the quintessential donut tutorial to complex simulations of colliding planets and dynamic elements like water and fire.

Navigating the path from a hobbyist to a professional in this field wasn’t straightforward. With no mentor to guide me, I turned to Google, only to find it lacking clear directions for breaking into the industry, especially for someone versed in Blender rather than the industry-standard software like Maya, Zbrush, or Substance Painter. Despite these challenges, I discovered freelancing platforms where I could showcase my skills, slowly building a client base and portfolio over the years.

This persistence paid off when I landed a pivotal role with a startup focused on character modeling and animation, a turning point that enriched my portfolio and skill set significantly. This experience was the catalyst for launching my own company, where we prioritize creative 3D solutions alongside exceptional customer experiences. We ensure clients are well-informed throughout the project, establishing transparency and trust that fosters repeat business. As our portfolio expands into various creative domains, our goal is to grow, offer more comprehensive solutions, and collaborate with new artists.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My journey to acquiring new clients has predominantly unfolded on Upwork, a platform where I’ve honed my approach to client engagement. Establishing a presence on Upwork was no small feat; it took over a year to consistently land projects beyond sporadic gigs. The platform is rife with competition, presenting a myriad of options for clients who filter through various metrics like top talent, project earnings, and hourly rates, making it particularly challenging for a new freelancer to stand out.

However, perseverance led to a breakthrough; after successfully completing several projects and demonstrating a steady income, I attained a status that boosted my visibility to potential clients. This recognition on Upwork facilitated a shift from relentless bidding to receiving direct job invites, significantly increasing my chances of project acquisition. This platform has been instrumental in connecting me with clients, ultimately enabling me to establish and grow my own studio.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team effectively and maintaining high morale involves recognizing and communicating the unique value each team member brings. As an owner, it’s crucial to acknowledge that I can’t do everything they do, which underscores the importance of each individual’s contributions. This recognition not only validates their skills and efforts but also fosters a sense of importance and belonging within the team.

Celebrating small achievements is another key strategy. These celebrations don’t need to be grandiose but should be sincere and consistent, highlighting progress and success in daily tasks and milestones. Acknowledging these achievements reinforces a positive team dynamic, encourages continued effort, and builds a culture of appreciation and motivation. By implementing these practices, a sense of shared purpose and camaraderie is cultivated, which is fundamental to sustaining high morale and a productive team environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.masterworkstudio.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/masterwork-studio/?viewAsMember=true

Image Credits
Mitchell Wierenga, Yasmany Roman, Miguel Roman,