3 answers
P
Student
Johnson, Vermont
1
Question
Asked
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How is the animation industry currently?
How hard is it to get a job in the animation industry?
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3 answers
Ted Warnock
Senior Lead Games Animator
8
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Ted’s Answer
The world of animation is a thrilling roller coaster ride, with its ebbs and flows. There are times when it feels like the demand for animators outweighs the supply, and then there are moments when there are more opportunities than there are animators to seize them. I specialize in 3D video game character animation, which is just one facet of this diverse field.
The animation industry is a vast universe, teeming with a plethora of options. You could venture into 3D film animation, which is akin to acting, or explore 2D TV animation. Alternatively, you might find your calling in web-based animations or video FX animations for film. Each of these sectors is unique, requiring a distinct set of skills.
Here's a tip to help you navigate this exciting terrain: identify the type of animation that captivates you, the one you can't help but watch on repeat. Once you've pinpointed it, delve into it. Learn about its nuances, its intricacies. Research, research, and research some more. This is your first step towards carving out a niche for yourself in the vibrant world of animation.
The animation industry is a vast universe, teeming with a plethora of options. You could venture into 3D film animation, which is akin to acting, or explore 2D TV animation. Alternatively, you might find your calling in web-based animations or video FX animations for film. Each of these sectors is unique, requiring a distinct set of skills.
Here's a tip to help you navigate this exciting terrain: identify the type of animation that captivates you, the one you can't help but watch on repeat. Once you've pinpointed it, delve into it. Learn about its nuances, its intricacies. Research, research, and research some more. This is your first step towards carving out a niche for yourself in the vibrant world of animation.
Kefin Bryan
Graphic designer and illustrator
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kefin’s Answer
I got to say not just animation but Art in general is pretty hard to get in. Whether you're starting or if you're a pro or if you're trying to get a job, it's going to take a while after graduation to find something you truly love. You have to be blessed but not everyone has that blessing. Even so, you shouldn't give up. Use that pain of rejection to excel yourself to greater heights.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1921
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, P !
I say Go For It ! And do not worry about any negative factors about employment in animation art right now as far as if you are currently a student or about to start studying for it. I say not to worry for a good reason. This field of work is very easy to be self-employed in during times when you don't have projects from a company. Do not worry, and now it's time for my personal story that may inspire you and hopefully not bore you.
I was a Theatre major and the people who thought it was frivolous and useless always used to encounter me judgmentally with, "What kind of job are you going to get with a Theatre Degree?" These people were all of an older generation, far removed from the entertainment industry and had no understanding that, yes, it is a viable, real career. I remember that I used to say, "I don't know what job I will get with a Theatre degree but I will just apply for jobs that I am qualified for." Guess what happened ? I know I was fortunate, but my first job in theatre after college was at a professional level theatre, a well-noted conglomerate in Los Angels and it only took about three months after I got my degree to secure this position. People were amazed but they learned a lesson. It can be done.
Now, you are going into art animation at a great time period. You have opportunities right now to have a You Tube channel and be monetized for your original animation videos. There are a variety of types of animation, traditional, CGI, AI, instructional, and stories you can create. So I would suggest that you keep in mind that there are a couple of ways to fill work gaps if a company doesn't hire you. Your work can also be projects through contract, so you have the advantage of starting you own studio and production company once you are set up after your education and even during that time. This is actually a career that one should not prejudge the job market for, you can create your own opportunities. Going to school for it will bring you in contact with a network of like-minded people who you can possibly collaborate with or learn about projects from.
Normally, I would say since you are in Vermont that you should consider relocating to New York City or to Los Angeles where there are a lot of studios for possible work. But lately, I would say to just do that if you'd want to. More and more, people are doing this career remotely and starting their own production companies outside of Hollywood and New York City. You're not too far from NYC, though, so it will be your choice. Do what you feel driven to do.
So my advice is to follow through with your dream career and don't let anyone or anything discourage you. You've got this and no one can predict the market of tomorrow. I see a lot of employment notices on Indeed and Linked in for content creators so you may want to register there and peruse the employment notices for jobs that you would like. Read what is required and align your qualifications accordingly. School will greatly prepare you as will a positive mind set and being around supportive, creative people.
I hope that this has helped and I do wish you all the best in your future studies and career goals !
I say Go For It ! And do not worry about any negative factors about employment in animation art right now as far as if you are currently a student or about to start studying for it. I say not to worry for a good reason. This field of work is very easy to be self-employed in during times when you don't have projects from a company. Do not worry, and now it's time for my personal story that may inspire you and hopefully not bore you.
I was a Theatre major and the people who thought it was frivolous and useless always used to encounter me judgmentally with, "What kind of job are you going to get with a Theatre Degree?" These people were all of an older generation, far removed from the entertainment industry and had no understanding that, yes, it is a viable, real career. I remember that I used to say, "I don't know what job I will get with a Theatre degree but I will just apply for jobs that I am qualified for." Guess what happened ? I know I was fortunate, but my first job in theatre after college was at a professional level theatre, a well-noted conglomerate in Los Angels and it only took about three months after I got my degree to secure this position. People were amazed but they learned a lesson. It can be done.
Now, you are going into art animation at a great time period. You have opportunities right now to have a You Tube channel and be monetized for your original animation videos. There are a variety of types of animation, traditional, CGI, AI, instructional, and stories you can create. So I would suggest that you keep in mind that there are a couple of ways to fill work gaps if a company doesn't hire you. Your work can also be projects through contract, so you have the advantage of starting you own studio and production company once you are set up after your education and even during that time. This is actually a career that one should not prejudge the job market for, you can create your own opportunities. Going to school for it will bring you in contact with a network of like-minded people who you can possibly collaborate with or learn about projects from.
Normally, I would say since you are in Vermont that you should consider relocating to New York City or to Los Angeles where there are a lot of studios for possible work. But lately, I would say to just do that if you'd want to. More and more, people are doing this career remotely and starting their own production companies outside of Hollywood and New York City. You're not too far from NYC, though, so it will be your choice. Do what you feel driven to do.
So my advice is to follow through with your dream career and don't let anyone or anything discourage you. You've got this and no one can predict the market of tomorrow. I see a lot of employment notices on Indeed and Linked in for content creators so you may want to register there and peruse the employment notices for jobs that you would like. Read what is required and align your qualifications accordingly. School will greatly prepare you as will a positive mind set and being around supportive, creative people.
I hope that this has helped and I do wish you all the best in your future studies and career goals !