Daily News Business Section Nov 14, 2008

Tina Price runs the Creative Talent Network, a small business helping top talent artists in the animation business to network and work.

The Creative Talent Network (CTN)

BUSINESS ADDRESS: P.O. Box 3598, Granada Hills, CA 91394

PHONE: 818-667-3224

WEB SITE: www.creativetalentnetwork.com

OWNER: Tina Price

ESTABLISHED: 2004

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Two

DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS: CTN is a virtual talent catalog and an online community of top talent 2-D and 3-D animation artists. It currently has more than 300 members, including contributors to some of the highest-grossing animated films in history.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST BUSINESS? Yes.

WHY DID YOU START THIS BUSINESS? When large animation studios started downsizing in 2001, in-house artists had to launch new careers and adapt to new production models. After 30 years in the animation business, it became obvious to me that an online community would allow these and other professionals to network.

WHERE DID YOU GET THE IDEA? The idea came when I saw the production model change to a predominantly outsourced environment. With the Internet we could “in-source” animation work to these independent artists and small studio owners.

HOW LONG WAS IT FROM CONCEPT TO OPENING? Four years.

WHAT DID YOU DO DURING THAT TIME? I obtained a business license and trademark, built a Web site, designed a logo and learned marketing techniques.

WHAT WERE YOUR STARTUP COSTS AND HOW DID YOU FINANCE THE BUSINESS? $8,000 from savings.

WHO DID YOU RELY ON FOR ADVICE? I relied on my instincts and support from the artists.

WHAT HADN’T YOU CONSIDERED BEFORE OPENING? Working for yourself can often be a 24/7 work week.

WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE COMPANY? I have just launched AnimationAlumni.com, which is the same concept, but for college students and recent graduates. Next year, CTN will combine all of these efforts under one roof in 2009, 2010 and 2011 at the CTN Animation Expo.

Tags: CTN