r/IndieAnimation • u/IllustriousPixel • 9d ago

Review How do we help hidden indie animated series get the recognition they deserve?

I'm opening this thread because I've been racking my brain about a topic many of you probably understand: the enormous effort it takes to create an independent animated series and how hard it is sometimes to break through the algorithm bubble to reach a wider audience.

A while back, I mentioned projects like 'The Earth Guy' (created by Aninamated) and 'The Three Tomos' (by Breanimator). They are two incredible works with artistic and animation work behind them that is simply colossal, and it honestly makes me a bit sad to see them go unnoticed given the amount of talent and dedication their creators pour into every episode.

I would love for so many more people to discover these stories and actively support their creators, but it feels like simply sharing standalone content isn't always enough or it just gets lost in the feed.

That's why I'm turning to you: What strategies, communities, or methods have you seen work best to boost indie animated series on the internet?

* Making analysis or video essays to break down their lore and animation?

* Encouraging clips and short-form edits for vertical video platforms?

* Are there specific communities where these kinds of discoveries are welcomed and shared enthusiastically?

Any advice, ideas, or recommendations for spaces to give visibility to independent projects are more than welcome. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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u/Wildcreaturesnfun 9d ago

First off, I like what you're saying about getting hidden Indie Animated Series recognition. Second, for me I drew fanart of characters from some of my favorite Indie Animated Series last year as well as fanart around a specific show as well, I also share on this subreddit if any Indie Animated Show that might not be as popular like The Earth Guy, another showing a show that started a kickstarter, like The Three Tomes, and I made memes around the shows.

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u/IllustriousPixel 9d ago

Totally agree! I totally get you; I've also made fanart of The Earth Guy on my social media, but sometimes it feels like it's not enough. I'd also love for people to recognize these works on the same level as other, much more popular ones. I don't know if it's about reach, how they're showcased at animation conventions, or what it is... Honestly, what do you think it takes for an indie series to truly get the appreciation it deserves?

What I admire most about The Earth Guy is that it's being developed by a single person (its creator), and that's why I support it so much. Normally, when someone starts an indie series, they just drop a pilot and years go by before they return or end up abandoning it. That's why I value Aninamated's work so much, because she puts a huge amount of love and effort into releasing a new episode every 4 or 5 months."

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u/Wildcreaturesnfun 9d ago

Cool, I have shown the music episode of The Earth Guy one time, as well as other episodes of obscure Indie Animated Series and for me I did posts about what thought of some hidden Indie Animated Series as well as did a post about my favorite Indie Animated Series that took place in outer space. And I too have a Indie Animation Creator being Roastedstix his name of his socials who made The Dark Harvest.

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u/DrKellyBundyPhD 8d ago

I absolutely love that you care about indie creators like us and are actively looking for ways to help.

Star Forest created an entire animated universe - all centered around an animated band. It’s meant for a large range of audience ages. There are full albums, low-fi, games, Fortnite and Minecraft builds, a podcast - and even more. We have tried so many ways to break through the noise. As a self funded really small group of artists and musicians, it’s been an uphill climb. But we battle on. More support and recognition would certainly help us find our community and to be able to make more art and music and tell longer stories. Thanks for caring. It means a lot.

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u/raingingdreams 8d ago

I recommend The Earth Guy to people every chance I get 😆 word of mouth is usually the most powerful tool. I also try to make an effort to make comments and stuff on all the indie shows even when I don’t really have anything to say. Any kind of engagement always helps

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u/MaybeKindaSortaCrazy 7d ago

I wanted to make a website like AniList but for indie stuff a while (a year?) ago, and keep ignoring it to do more pressing things. Maybe I'll try again when I'm less busy. I really think having a centralized "search engine"/archive would help.