43. Animation, Ambition, and the 2026 Plan with Duncan Caterall-Mason

In this episode of Psychologically Speaking: The Goal Experiments, animator and filmmaker Duncan Catterall-Mason talks to Leila Ainge on what it really takes to build a sustainable freelance career in the creative industries. They talk about ambition and burnout when you’re raising a family and trying to carve out time to network.

Duncan shares his 16-year journey in animation and visual effects, why he’s shifting toward a premium service model, and what launching a new showreel by December will unlock for his growth in 2026. We dig into the psychology of social proof, the realities of client outreach.

If you’re a freelancer, creative, or independent figuring out success on your terms — with fewer clients, better boundaries, and a clearer plan — this episode will leave you feeling seen.