2 answers
Olivia
Student
Kansas City, Missouri
7
Questions
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What is it like in the animation industry?
For those who are in the animation industry, what is it like for a day in your life? For example, how do you go about your day usually? What are the tasks you have at hand when assigned a small/big project? Is it easy being in this industry?
#animation #art #graphic-design #artist
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2 answers
Jason Arnone
Career Advisor
4
Answers
Providence, Rhode Island
Updated
Jason’s Answer
What an excellent question! It's a big question too, and like most things, it depends. ;)
While I wasn't an animator, I did manage a team that included them. Day to day work as an animator can include the following depending on the type of project:
• Storyboarding. Sequential drawings in rough detail mapping out the story you intend to animate. These drawings are indicating basic composition of the frame as well as actions and highlighting key details of the moment.
• Motion capture. Some movies and films utilize real world actors wearing black suits covered with markers that a camera system can record and convert into animation data which can then be applied to digital models. You may have seen footage of the making of Golem in Lord of the Rings or the performances in Avatar..?
• Keyframe animation. Sometimes referred to hand animation, this is typically digital animation in 2D (sprite) or 3D character animation. This type of animation enables the artist to stylize or exaggerate movements.
• Stop Motion animation. This classic form of animation is either collage or miniature models moving slightly and taking a picture requiring a very labor intensive process. Examples of this can be seen by the studio Laika.
• Collaboration. Animators collaborate with technical people that are supporting a project, with art directors that convey the creative vision and with project managers that ensure everyone on the team is on track to deliver a successful project.
Is it easy? Even though I'm not an animator, I can assure you it is not easy. Animation is a competitive industry, but you can find a lot of support by passionate and talented artists. Like anything meaningful in life, greater challenges provide opportunities for achievement.
A note on Surbhi's answer regarding sexual harassment or bad experiences. I believe that the metoo movement exposed those problems in the film and entertainment industries. The majority of animators on my team at Harmonix Music Systems were women and I was fortunate to be a part of a company that respected all professionals regardless of nationality, gender or sexual orientation. If you pursue the industry and earn an interview, make a point to ask about the make up of the art team.
Look for documentaries on the production for your favorite animation projects.
While I wasn't an animator, I did manage a team that included them. Day to day work as an animator can include the following depending on the type of project:
• Storyboarding. Sequential drawings in rough detail mapping out the story you intend to animate. These drawings are indicating basic composition of the frame as well as actions and highlighting key details of the moment.
• Motion capture. Some movies and films utilize real world actors wearing black suits covered with markers that a camera system can record and convert into animation data which can then be applied to digital models. You may have seen footage of the making of Golem in Lord of the Rings or the performances in Avatar..?
• Keyframe animation. Sometimes referred to hand animation, this is typically digital animation in 2D (sprite) or 3D character animation. This type of animation enables the artist to stylize or exaggerate movements.
• Stop Motion animation. This classic form of animation is either collage or miniature models moving slightly and taking a picture requiring a very labor intensive process. Examples of this can be seen by the studio Laika.
• Collaboration. Animators collaborate with technical people that are supporting a project, with art directors that convey the creative vision and with project managers that ensure everyone on the team is on track to deliver a successful project.
Is it easy? Even though I'm not an animator, I can assure you it is not easy. Animation is a competitive industry, but you can find a lot of support by passionate and talented artists. Like anything meaningful in life, greater challenges provide opportunities for achievement.
A note on Surbhi's answer regarding sexual harassment or bad experiences. I believe that the metoo movement exposed those problems in the film and entertainment industries. The majority of animators on my team at Harmonix Music Systems were women and I was fortunate to be a part of a company that respected all professionals regardless of nationality, gender or sexual orientation. If you pursue the industry and earn an interview, make a point to ask about the make up of the art team.
Jason recommends the following next steps:
Madison Harwell
Content Creator
3
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Madison’s Answer
Hey Olivia!
I personally haven't worked in Animation but I've been a member of Women in Animation as a voice-over artist and in management. I'd recommend joining a group like WIA or of the similar sort so you can network with industry professional. I've been able to meet many animation industry professionals through that group from companies like Dreamworks & Disney Animation Studios. I know WIA in particular offers a super cheap student discount, and offers many mentorship opportunities and scholarships.
Best of luck!
Madison
I personally haven't worked in Animation but I've been a member of Women in Animation as a voice-over artist and in management. I'd recommend joining a group like WIA or of the similar sort so you can network with industry professional. I've been able to meet many animation industry professionals through that group from companies like Dreamworks & Disney Animation Studios. I know WIA in particular offers a super cheap student discount, and offers many mentorship opportunities and scholarships.
Best of luck!
Madison