How Do You Get Hired As A Professional Colorist?

October 12, 2013

There are common points that are useful for you to understand when trying to become a professional colorist. We share our top tips in this article.


One of the biggest unanswered questions most people have is how do you get hired as a colorist?

Your unique location and situation will probably have its own challenges but I feel like there are some common points that are useful for you to know about when trying to become a professional colorist. 

What do clients look for in a colorist?

If I had to put it all down to one quality clients look for in a client, I would say: Reliability. That is the most important thing every production is looking for, especially when new directors are involved. Imagine they are getting their first $50k budget job and want to ensure a smooth delivery. You can have a great showreel, be the most creative and talented colorist on the planet but if the clients don’t feel like you can deliver their project 100% on time and within technical spec they won’t even consider you for the job. 

The next most important quality: Attitude. Clients love a colorist that will make their grading sessions fun, efficient and feel like a collaborative process. Nobody wants to sit through a grade in silence and feel like their ideas are not being listened too. I like to run a fun and relaxed grading suite to make people feel at home. When people feel welcome in the grade you can almost guarantee they will come back.

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