If you want to stop being ignored and actually get a shot, watch this. I review reels and hire teams — these are the practical, no‑fluff things that make recruiters press play instead of swipe.
A lot of current advice threads focus on style trends, software lists, or “be unique” platitudes. That’s not wrong — but it’s incomplete. Right now, systems thinking wins: understand the studio’s needs, present your work so it’s easy to evaluate, and demonstrate repeatable craft. I’ll take a reliable, teachable animator who understands fundamentals over a flashy one‑off any day. Schools can teach pipelines; they often don’t teach decision‑making under constraints. That’s where you stand out as an artist.
1. Lead with your strongest work
Why: Hiring moves fast. Your opener sets the tone.
How: Put your single best shot first. Trim anything that distracts. Use a 1–2 second title card only if it clarifies role or software.
Tip: Ask three peers to rank your top shots blind — the most consistent pick is your opener.
2. Show the right skillset
Why: Studios hire for pipelines, not trends. Relevance beats variety.
How: Match the format the job needs (3D for 3D, rigged 2D for rigged 2D). If your reel is in Maya and the studio uses Blender, that’s fine — 3D skills transfer; software is teachable.
Tip: Label shots with role, software, and your contribution.
3. Shorter is better
Why: One polished beat tells me more than ten half‑finished clips.
How: Curate ruthlessly. Keep highlights under ~90 seconds; trim shots to essential beats. Provide a short highlights reel and link to a longer reel for deep dives.
Tip: Create two versions: a short submission reel and a longer portfolio reel.
4. Acting and performance sensibility
Why: Animation is storytelling — acting choices make characters believable.
How: Hit audio beats, prioritize timing/spacing/clarity, and show range with two contrasting pieces. Control is the baseline.
Tip: Record a short breakdown pointing out key beats and choices.
Lead with strength. Show the right skills. Keep it tight. Nail the acting. Want a reel review or a breakdown of acting choices? Drop a comment or DM me — I’ll follow up
You can contact David directly below
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-just-b4a625b1
Website: http://davidjust.carbonmade.com/
