There are plenty of animation jobs out there, but they aren’t always easy to land. In fact, it’s a highly competitive industry, given its popularity and the lucrative nature of jobs. For many people, it’s an area that intrigues them, although not everyone is necessarily aware of what’s required to get there.
In order to give yourself an edge over the competition, there are some things to keep in mind. Whether you’re interested in designing games like Candy Crush or Christmas Big Bass Bonanza or you’re passionate about visual storytelling that could lead to opportunities on television and in the movies, this constantly evolving industry is understandably appealing. From mastering high-quality graphics to creating storyboards and gaming advertisements, there are so many avenues you can go down here.
In order to become an animator and improve your skills, there are some things to keep in mind that will help you stand out from the crowd. Let’s take a look at some of them below.
Passion counts but can only take you so far
Although it certainly helps if you have an interest in the industry, your passion alone isn’t enough to help you stand out should someone take you on. With numerous career paths to go down, animators are filled with opportunities. A degree will certainly enable your passion to be taken even more seriously, though, with a bachelor’s degree in animation typically taking around three to four years to achieve. With a number of facets in the animation arena, you can explore anything from website animation to video gaming. It’s important to assess the area that interests you the most before embarking on your animation journey and potentially acquiring a master’s degree, an achievement that will certainly hold weight.
Work experience is always beneficial
Be it during your studies or after achieving your degree; work experience is a fantastic way of getting a taste for the role. Entry-level animation positions are sought after, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t back yourself to get one. If you’re in education, then you’ll stand out over other candidates who potentially aren’t. From there, the experience you can gain from working will not only benefit you back in the classroom but also help you get valuable insights into the industry as a whole. Create a portfolio of your work, make sure your CV is up to scratch, and don’t be afraid to contact as many companies as possible. The more you get your name out there, the more chance you have of being taken on.
Consider pursuing a graduate program
When most budding animators embark on a work experience journey or are studying as undergraduates, there are typically specific areas within the animation sphere that appeal more to them. Given the diverse nature of animation, not every facet of it will necessarily appeal to you and your skill set. As such, in order to excel at one specific element and specialize in an area of animation that you’re truly passionate about, pursuing a graduate program is highly recommended. Not only will it help you land the job of your dreams, but it could also mean that you’re paid handsomely given the specialist animation roles that you can apply for.
Focus on developing characteristics over time
Alongside the various qualifications that will go a long way, it’s important to make sure you have the characteristics needed to become an animator. After all, if you don’t have them, then it doesn’t matter where you’ve studied and what you’ve accomplished. Focus on aspects such as editing and animation software, highlight your passion for storytelling, and express how confident you are working in a team.
Embrace Technology Balanced with Creativity
The advent of AI is perhaps the biggest hot-button topic in the animation right now. Indeed, many animation jobs are said to be under threat. Yet, there is a counterpoint that says AI is overrated, and we do know that there is no substitute for human creativity. AI can mimic, but it cannot truly create. Nonetheless, modern animators must embrace technology, ranging from Moho to Adobe, Blender to Dragonframe. The idea is that tech tools should augment your skills, not replace them.
Understand the Hustle of Freelance Animation
At least one in five animators are freelancers (2023 figures), and beyond anything else, it requires a lot of self-promotion. It is a skill just as important as anything you can do with a paintbrush. Whether it’s using social media to highlight your profile or standing up from the crowd on hiring platforms like Upwork, learning the hustle is a great way to understand the perception of your work from outsiders. It’s not always easy, and you may need to develop a thick skin, but it’s crucial.
