Your dream career is in animation, but you have no idea where to begin. Many young people who are passionate about the arts wish they could draw cartoons or animate video games, but they cast it aside as a pipe dream. Who really makes money off of animation?
Actually quite a few people make a career out of animation. All that doodling in your school notebook instead of studying can actually pay off if you put in the effort. Here is a simple guide that will detail how you can turn your passion for design into a full-fledged career.
1. Laying down the foundations
This is your first step towards honing your skill and getting some experience. There are hundreds of art schools out there that will cater to specific genres. From cartoons to video games, choosing an area of expertise can be a tough decision.
If you don’t know what type of animation you are interested in, I would suggest going to a traditional university. These schools will give you a wide range of educational options. Plus, if you decide not to go into animation, you can easily switch majors into something more traditional without changing schools.
College also gives you many opportunities that you can’t get elsewhere. Some programs offer internships at animation studios to help you gain work experience. If you’re good enough, some of these animators might ask you to return when you graduate.
2. Build your portfolio.
Portfolios are probably the most important part of getting a job in animation. In fact, this is what you will do throughout your college career. Although learning new skills is important, saving all your college work is a must for newbie animators. A packet of 2D drawings and some clips of animations says quite a bit more than a degree alone. Some people even forgo college altogether if they have a fantastic portfolio. Even if you already have great examples I would still suggest getting a degree. No matter what your level of animation you can always learn more and expand your portfolio.
3. Social media platforms and Animation Communities you should:
Social Media platforms are a great way to spread your artwork and building a fanbase. Sign up and upload your work so people can start pinning and repinning. You’ll be amazed at the kind of feedback you will get from fans and even potential clients.
Social Media Platforms:
Great Communities to join:
4. Find a job
Ok, this is basically what you’re reading this article for, but it’s easier said than done.
Interning is a great way to get valuable experience and showcase your skills at an actual animation studio. Even if you are only offered a job in a menial position it can still lead to bigger things. Don’t turn down everything that isn’t exactly to your liking.
A good idea is to put all your work online under a domain name so potential employers can look at everything you have to offer without setting up a business meeting. This is common for people in the arts, such as photographers. Once you have your website set up, you can easily pass on your domain name when an employment opportunity arises. This is more convenient than always having to carry your resume with you, everywhere you go.
Community Author Bio:
Gary Ladner is a contributor to DegreeJungle.com, and an amateur animator in the Seattle area and designs simple animations for local companies.
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Ruan Smit started Pixelsmithstudios with the vision of creating a new design orientated environment of sharing, learning and expertise development amongst local Animators,Illustrators,Game Developers and VFX artists in South Africa.
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