Animation as a career?

Getting a Career in Animation

• Answer:

  If you have an innate artistic talent and enjoy working with computers, a career in animation could be your calling. According to the Southern Adventist University School of Visual Art and Design, competition in the animation industry is fierce. Proper training, a strong work portfolio and industry connections are your best bets for becoming a professional animator. Difficulty: Moderate Instructions Enroll in animation classes. Most animation jobs require the knowledge and use of specialized computer programs, depending on the type of animation you plan to do. If possible, earn a college degree in multimedia or animation. Choose courses with an instructor who currently works, or recently worked in the professional animation industry. Request a letter of recommendation from your instructors for future job applications. Create a portfolio of your best work to showcase your talent. Include projects from animation classes and work you created on your own time. Include a range of skill sets in your portfolio. For example, include a selection of animated animals, as well as animated people or vehicles. When you apply to a specific position, you may adjust your portfolio samples to fit the job description. Get involved with social networking. Read and create posts on Internet animator forums. Create a blog or web portfolio and link it to your Facebook and Twitter account. Promote your animation work and make industry contacts. Being involved in social networking with other animation artists may lead to future job opportunities. Apply for industry-related internships.Search for internships through your network of industry contacts. Internships are a stepping stone toward a permanent or regular contract position. The professional industry experience is a great addition to your resume. Some companies offer interns a small stipend or hourly pay. Others may offer college work credit or no monetary compensation at all. Still, the experience you gain as an intern can be invaluable. Apply for freelance positions. Many studios and companies hire animators on a contractual, or freelance, basis. The project may be short-term, but a contract position provides paid industry experience. The work can be added to your resume and portfolio, depending on the contract terms. If your ultimate goal is to obtain a full-time position, a contract job is one way to build relationships with hiring managers. If a full-time position opens up within the company, a successful freelance position could potentially turn into a full-time career. Tips & Warnings Tip: Search for contract positions on websites such as Guru.com and Elance.com. Warning: When working on a freelance or contract basis, always ask for a deposit when working with a new company. Also, have a signed contract in place. Some unscrupulous companies will hire new animators and take delivery of a project without paying the artist.