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Animation industry
I stepped away from an art college because it was extremely overwhelming, it was super competitive and the workload left me in tons of panic attacks. I also couldn't afford the tuition. Its been awhile (cause of covid) and now im thinking of going back to community for two years to start my minor first and do my major at a 4 year at animation but im worried that i wont like the field as much as i admire it, i work a bit slower when it comes to art it brings out my best work and i want to learn more but a part of me if afraid. Does the animation industry have more cons than pros, will i enjoy working in a competitive field?
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Lauren’s Answer
I think your plan of attending Community College is a great first step to slowly transitioning to the workload/competitive nature of a 4-year university. Have you considered other degrees in the creative field, like Graphic Design? From my understanding, Graphic Design is a little broader, which may lead it to be less competitive with more opportunities down the road, while also letting you experience other aspects of a creative career. I believe you can also take animation courses as part of the degree program (varies based on the College/University and its offerings), and if you still feel drawn to it can further specialize from there.
I've recruited for creative teams, and the most important thing hiring managers will look for is the quality of work versus what degree the individual does or doesn't have.
My advice, everyone learns and progresses differently. Find a program that best allows you to succeed at the pace that is right for you.
I've recruited for creative teams, and the most important thing hiring managers will look for is the quality of work versus what degree the individual does or doesn't have.
My advice, everyone learns and progresses differently. Find a program that best allows you to succeed at the pace that is right for you.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Aaliyah
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Yubing’s Answer
I would say all the different fields will be competitive especially when you grows to the top ones. My son starts getting into animation courses and I can tell it really requires hard working given a single animation piece will requires lots of time and effort to make it good, better, or close to perfect. So confront with those workload and challenges and you will feel so achieved once you overcome them. Good luck.
Thank you for the advice, Yubing.
Aaliyah
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Stephanie Stephen’s Answer
I have never worked in animations, but some of what you have said is something I can relate too. As when I first went to college to learn Auto-mechanics often made me feel overwhelmed, even though my instructors thought they could not teach me anymore then I already knew. I have since later found that can often be because of the school you attend, as well as the instructors. So if you are feeling overwhelmed, changing schools or a Major can cause the feelings of anxiety to go away. As a learning environment should not stress you out to the point you cannot learn. But it can also be a case of this, and that it shows you that while you may love doing animation, you might find you are best to not turn it into your profession.
That’s what happened to me is that I found I love working on car’s, but not enough to want to do it for the general public because of the stress it caused turning something I loved into something I hated.
That’s what happened to me is that I found I love working on car’s, but not enough to want to do it for the general public because of the stress it caused turning something I loved into something I hated.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Aaliyah
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Edith’s Answer
The animation industry can definitely be extremely competitive and time consuming. Some animators are trying to unionize to get better hours and pay. It also seems like the industry is trending towards more short term work contract work, which means there may be more changes to get hired on a show, but you will also experience more unemployment. If you're just interested in learning how to animate, there are simple programs out there where you can try to see if you like it. If you have an iPad, rough animator is an extremely affordable (maybe just 5 dollar) software that has animation features like cycling, camera work, and onion skinning that could give you an idea of what they process is like. That way you can have some knowledge before committing to a 4 year program.
Thank you! this was something i was also very worried about, i've heard about animators being overworked and extremely underpaid. I might consider making it a minor if im still interested.
Aaliyah