Landing an Animation Job

I have heard many people describe the animation industry as 'cool', 'interesting', 'glamorous' and many such similar terms. Well, no wonder 3D animation jobs are so highly sought after these days.

Depending on which part of the world you are in, there is either a shortage of job vacancies for animators or an even bigger shortage of job vacancies for animators. In short, there are more people applying to become animators than studios offering positions.

In such a competitive environment, this is where a CG artist has to excel in packaging and promoting himself. You will have to learn the art of networking first of all. In many instances where the bigger studios are concerned, submitting showreels might not be sufficient to warrant the HR's attention, because big studios means lots of work and that means BUSY. If you participate in trade events like software launches or trade exhibitions, chances are you can get to know a lot of studio executives. By getting to know somebody directly and having a name to contact, you might get your demo reel viewed much faster as 'you know somebody'. And if your reel is any good, chances are you will get hired, especially if the studio is in a hiring mode.

Now sometimes even after you've done the above and your demo reel is really good, you still may not get a job, and that's because the studio just isn't hiring at that point in time. However, your portfolio will be kept for future references when they do have a vacancy.

Also, there are times when studios just don't want to hire fresh CG artists. They may prefer to hire 'experienced staff'. But who's going to give you experience if you don't get hired by them, you ask.

OK, to answer your question, first you must realize that there are a number of industries where 3D animation is used, and you may be able to get started in an industry other than the one you initially had your heart set on. If you can't find a job with an animation studio, then consider working with a web design company, a game design company, an architectural firm, a media company, an advertising company or even a product design company. Many of such companies require a 3D artist, and you can build up a portfolio and the much coveted 'experience' there.

Getting an internship during your education is also a good method of paving your way to getting your first animation job. If during the internship you exhibit yourself to be a conscientious worker with good habits and skills, you might just get a job offer upon graduation. Many 3D artists got their jobs this way, so this is a very valid method of getting your first job. Another spin off from this method is by offering to work for free. Look upon it as an opportunity to learn from working professionals and to gain experience with the latest softwares and real-world projects. If you show yourself to be sincere and dedicated enough you will eventually be offered a position.

Whatever the case, remember to get a demo reel produced. The reel should exhibit your best work and your skills to the fullest. Take out the crappy work and if there's nothing good to put in, then work on getting some good stuff to put in instead of putting in crap. Crap is not going to get you any job offers! A demo reel is going to make or break you, so make sure you put in 1000% effort into making the best reel you can produce. Know that the person reviewing your demo reel (if he ever picks it up) is going to spend less than 30 seconds looking for something he likes.

Animation Jobs - 3D Animation to Improve Your Factory, Warehouse, and Supply Chain Flows

We sure hear a lot of complaints about how hard it is to break into the 3-D animation business and Hollywood. Many in the US are complaining that most of the jobs are now going to India, and whereas, it is true that the Indian animation entertainment sector and electronic arts industry is growing by leaps and bounds, we must also realize that there are many more animation films every year than there ever have been in the past.

We should also realize that Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks are each putting out a couple of animation films a month, usually they might be able to do one, two, or maybe on a blue moon three in the same year. It should also be noted that television is using much more animation than they have in the past, and not just for kids programs and cartoons anymore. Worldwide, we are watching more animation films, and cartoons, so the reality is the entire industry is moving upward and more jobs are needed.

Of course, the computer technology and software is also getting much better and a good computer operator is able to do what 100 animators used to be able to do in a week's time. So whereas, there are more animation films, it can be said there is a need for less people. And more folks with creative ability + excellent computer skills in manipulating and designing on 3D software.

Still, we need people, lots of them to do animation, and this is why so much work is going to where jobs are the cheapest in India. Nevertheless, there are jobs in the United States in animation related industry subsectors, such as 3-D animation for presentations of new inventions, innovations, concepts, or products. There is also a huge need for things like 3-D animation to help companies and corporations improve their distribution supply chain flows in their factories and warehouses.

Before, anyone gives up on their dream to have a job in animation, they should look at these ancillary industries as well. From there they just might be able to get the experience they need to break into the more glamorous, and "sometimes" higher-paying animation entertainment industry. I sure hope you will please consider all this.