The path to enter animation industry may be difficult, but more often than not, it begins with taking that first step which demonstrates ones own initiative. Connectivity and hands-on experience can be just as pivotal as talent or expertise. It may sometimes feel that the path is rough, but persistence, the ability to learn and passion will open doors for you.
For instance, my partner’s introduction to the world of animation came from an email. A studio that they contacted seeking freelance opportunities was Blink Ink. Regardless of the fact that they would want payment, they told themselves it’s the spirit to learn and contribute that counts. Their work also fell into the hands of one of Blink Ink’s employers, who happened to like it so much he invited them to be his production assistant at the end of a project just finishing up. Not yet an animator but with one foot in the door of industry.
This readiness to learn no matter what, has been very beneficial. After that Blink Ink looked upon them favorably for such freelance projects as came along, allowing my partner to build up a portfolio and, more importantly contacts in industry. This kept them steadily employed and formed the backbone of their career.
Company head Blink Ink mentioned that I went there once and found others asking how to get started in animation. His practical advice is well in the hearts of all budding animators: Sometimes you will do no more than send an email. Maybe it only takes one introduction tailored specifically for studios, some enthusiasm in the right measure and your work will find endless doors open before themselves.
Here are a few tips from me that you will eventually be usefu to enter the industry:
- Learn and practice: No one becomes an animator without learning the basics of the craft and then developing an original gift for it through years of practice. Start with self-study or go for a degree in animation, design or related issues; software tools like Adobe After Effects, Blender or Toon Boom are still the industry standards.
- Create a portfolio: With a strong showing of your best stuff, you can enter the market. You might include in it personal projects, school assignments or short animations; a variety of styles not only shows breadth but innovation too.
- Networking and building connections: If you want to succeed in the creative business industry today, then networking is key. Take part in events, join online forums or LinkedIn discussions for animators so as to keep abreast of the latest news. A chance introduction on this distant network can easily lead to meeting people who will share their expertise with you or collaborate on increasingly ambitious projects. Even deposited talent which again finds its place to become refined through loyalty to these types
- Initiation: Go direct to those studios themselves. As my partners did, that’s no longer a clever pipe dream; it must be reality. Your passions spoken aloud and what you can contribute made plain, are the kind of introductory language that leads companies to think hard about offering a writer’s role or artist in residence programs. Perhaps seizure of internships providing experience for newcomers and getting one’s start within an environment where one does not need an entry fee gives way to future opportunities.
- Persistence and patience: Although it is inevitable that there will be some rejections, and each failure will help to guide the way in future approaches come steadily closer to the goal.
In the end, it begins with one brave step. A mix of talent, effort and boldness are the prerequisites to become an animator.