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What's the hardest part about animating?
Curious about the hardest part of animating, or being an animator in general. Is it the longer hours? Deadlines?
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Richard Lawrence’s Answer
When it comes to animation, one of the most difficult parts is turning your story/ script into an animation. More than just figuring out the scene breakdowns/ story beats. You also need to think of ways to present each one in a creative way that will hook the audiences. This is why a lot of studios take their time creating their storyboards as well as their animatics.
While deadlines and long hours are hard too. They're both easier to conquer once you already have a feel of what's need of you on a particular project.
While deadlines and long hours are hard too. They're both easier to conquer once you already have a feel of what's need of you on a particular project.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Cadence
Updated
Devin’s Answer
Hi Miles,
Great question. It's true that animators typically spend long hours and often have deadlines looming overhead. However, when you're engrossed in a project you love with a team you enjoy working with, you mostly don't notice either of those factors.
One challenging aspect for me as an animator is dealing with indecisive clients who lack understanding of the animation process. In this field, patience and tolerance are extremely valuable skills. Even though I work independently, I believe these traits would be beneficial when interacting with colleagues or supervisors in an animation department.
Another challenge is keeping up with software, especially for independent animators like me. Each project is unique, and every animation software has its strengths and weaknesses. If you're aiming for a large animation studio, mastering one or two programs might suffice. But for us independents, we have to keep on top of many. And then there's the financial expense of keeping up!
Animation can be a hugely rewarding career and I highly recommend it if that's where your passion leads you.
Wishing you all the best,
Devin
Great question. It's true that animators typically spend long hours and often have deadlines looming overhead. However, when you're engrossed in a project you love with a team you enjoy working with, you mostly don't notice either of those factors.
One challenging aspect for me as an animator is dealing with indecisive clients who lack understanding of the animation process. In this field, patience and tolerance are extremely valuable skills. Even though I work independently, I believe these traits would be beneficial when interacting with colleagues or supervisors in an animation department.
Another challenge is keeping up with software, especially for independent animators like me. Each project is unique, and every animation software has its strengths and weaknesses. If you're aiming for a large animation studio, mastering one or two programs might suffice. But for us independents, we have to keep on top of many. And then there's the financial expense of keeping up!
Animation can be a hugely rewarding career and I highly recommend it if that's where your passion leads you.
Wishing you all the best,
Devin
Updated
Guy David’s Answer
For me personally, being that I am mostly a classical animation (and "claymationist") I would say - the "back breaking" and physical part of either sitting at the computer (or light-table) hours on end, hunched over the tablet (or the paper/cell I'm drawing onto), or the actual "physical activity" of animating the clay puppets.
With modern technology - the amazing part of your being able to see the results of an animated sequence without the need to wait for days (sometimes weeks or months) to see the "developed film", the ability to work with the "onion-skin" and correct mistakes on the spot (the "undo" button, for example) - is definitely an upgrade from the way we had to do it in the old days.
Other than that - if you are a freelance animator (such as myself) - then, finding clientele (and especially one that appreciates your craft and time, and pays you adequately) - that is the other hard part... and that, in fact, is relevant to any freelance, animator, editor, writer, cameraman, and so forth.
Good luck - and I hope you make it - be great at it - and love it as you do it!
With modern technology - the amazing part of your being able to see the results of an animated sequence without the need to wait for days (sometimes weeks or months) to see the "developed film", the ability to work with the "onion-skin" and correct mistakes on the spot (the "undo" button, for example) - is definitely an upgrade from the way we had to do it in the old days.
Other than that - if you are a freelance animator (such as myself) - then, finding clientele (and especially one that appreciates your craft and time, and pays you adequately) - that is the other hard part... and that, in fact, is relevant to any freelance, animator, editor, writer, cameraman, and so forth.
Good luck - and I hope you make it - be great at it - and love it as you do it!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Miles,
The journey of animation is filled with diverse challenges, the intensity of which can fluctuate based on the animator's expertise, personal style, and work setting. The pressure of long hours and tight deadlines are indeed tough, but there are other significant hurdles that animators frequently encounter.
One of the most daunting tasks in animation is the conversion of a story or script into a lively animation. This task isn't just about dissecting scenes and story beats; it demands inventive thinking to portray each component in a compelling manner that draws in the audience. A considerable amount of time is invested by studios in crafting detailed storyboards and animatics, ensuring the storytelling is not only effective but also visually striking.
The physical toll of animation can also be demanding, particularly for traditional animators who spend lengthy periods seated at a computer or light-table, bent over tablets or paper/cells sketching or molding clay figures. The repetitive nature of these tasks could lead to physical discomfort.
For animators, especially those freelancing, another significant hurdle is finding clients who value their work and offer fair compensation. Establishing a network of clients who appreciate the animator's talent and time can be challenging, necessitating patience and determination in exploring opportunities.
Moreover, staying updated with the swiftly advancing animation software is an ongoing challenge for animators. Each project may demand different software tools, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. Independent animators often need to become proficient in multiple programs to cater to the varied needs of their projects, which can be both time-consuming and financially taxing.
Furthermore, dealing with indecisive clients who have little understanding of the animation process can be exasperating for animators. Patience and tolerance are critical in managing client interactions and ensuring that the final product aligns with both artistic standards and client expectations.
In conclusion, while the burden of long hours and deadlines are indeed tough aspects of being an animator, other challenges such as creatively transforming stories into animations, physical demands, client management, software proficiency, and networking also add to the intricacies of the profession.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used to Answer this Question:
Animation Mentor: A credible online animation school offering insights into various animation techniques, industry challenges, and professional growth.
Personal Experience: Insights drawn from firsthand experiences shared by animators who have faced challenges in their careers, providing valuable understanding of the realities of working in the animation industry.
Industry Insights: Utilizing industry reports and articles from reliable sources within the animation field to provide a wider perspective on common challenges faced by animators today.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
The journey of animation is filled with diverse challenges, the intensity of which can fluctuate based on the animator's expertise, personal style, and work setting. The pressure of long hours and tight deadlines are indeed tough, but there are other significant hurdles that animators frequently encounter.
One of the most daunting tasks in animation is the conversion of a story or script into a lively animation. This task isn't just about dissecting scenes and story beats; it demands inventive thinking to portray each component in a compelling manner that draws in the audience. A considerable amount of time is invested by studios in crafting detailed storyboards and animatics, ensuring the storytelling is not only effective but also visually striking.
The physical toll of animation can also be demanding, particularly for traditional animators who spend lengthy periods seated at a computer or light-table, bent over tablets or paper/cells sketching or molding clay figures. The repetitive nature of these tasks could lead to physical discomfort.
For animators, especially those freelancing, another significant hurdle is finding clients who value their work and offer fair compensation. Establishing a network of clients who appreciate the animator's talent and time can be challenging, necessitating patience and determination in exploring opportunities.
Moreover, staying updated with the swiftly advancing animation software is an ongoing challenge for animators. Each project may demand different software tools, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. Independent animators often need to become proficient in multiple programs to cater to the varied needs of their projects, which can be both time-consuming and financially taxing.
Furthermore, dealing with indecisive clients who have little understanding of the animation process can be exasperating for animators. Patience and tolerance are critical in managing client interactions and ensuring that the final product aligns with both artistic standards and client expectations.
In conclusion, while the burden of long hours and deadlines are indeed tough aspects of being an animator, other challenges such as creatively transforming stories into animations, physical demands, client management, software proficiency, and networking also add to the intricacies of the profession.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used to Answer this Question:
Animation Mentor: A credible online animation school offering insights into various animation techniques, industry challenges, and professional growth.
Personal Experience: Insights drawn from firsthand experiences shared by animators who have faced challenges in their careers, providing valuable understanding of the realities of working in the animation industry.
Industry Insights: Utilizing industry reports and articles from reliable sources within the animation field to provide a wider perspective on common challenges faced by animators today.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Updated
Jiadi’s Answer
Hi Miles,
For me, one of the most challenging aspects of animation is the struggle to get myself to the computer and start working on a project, even when I’m two months into it. In short, maintaining the motivation to complete a long-term project is a constant battle.
As an animator, things can quickly become monotonous when working on lengthy projects that span months or even years, depending on the length of the piece. The passion for the project can easily fade as you essentially repeat the same tasks every day.
One of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned that helped me maintain my motivation during long projects is to ensure that the project I’m dedicating a significant amount of time to truly resonates with me. Because what a project means to you will not diminish over time if it holds deep personal significance.
For me, one of the most challenging aspects of animation is the struggle to get myself to the computer and start working on a project, even when I’m two months into it. In short, maintaining the motivation to complete a long-term project is a constant battle.
As an animator, things can quickly become monotonous when working on lengthy projects that span months or even years, depending on the length of the piece. The passion for the project can easily fade as you essentially repeat the same tasks every day.
One of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned that helped me maintain my motivation during long projects is to ensure that the project I’m dedicating a significant amount of time to truly resonates with me. Because what a project means to you will not diminish over time if it holds deep personal significance.