1. Get the Right Education and Training
A college degree in animation is not always required, but it can significantly improve your chances of getting a job. Several schools offer animation programs, including traditional 2D animation, 3D animation, and computer-generated imagery (CGI).
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for animators and multimedia artists was $77,200 in May 2021.
- The job outlook for animators and multimedia artists is projected to grow 16% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
2. Build a Strong Portfolio
Your portfolio is your best chance to showcase your animation skills and demonstrate your creativity. Include a variety of work, including personal projects, student work, and commissioned pieces. Make sure your portfolio is well-organized and easy to navigate.
3. Network and Attend Industry Events
Networking is essential in the animation industry. Attend industry events, such as conferences, workshops, and meetups. Get to know other animators, and learn about job opportunities.
- According to a survey by the Animation Guild, 68% of animators found their jobs through networking.
4. Apply for Jobs
Once you have a strong portfolio and networking contacts, you can start applying for jobs. Use job boards, such as Indeed and LinkedIn, to search for animation jobs. You can also contact animation studios directly to inquire about openings.
5. Prepare for the Interview
When you get an interview for an animation job, be prepared to talk about your skills, experience, and portfolio. You may also be asked to do a test animation or present your work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not having a strong portfolio. Your portfolio is your best chance to showcase your animation skills, so make sure it is well-organized and easy to navigate.
- Not networking. Networking is essential in the animation industry. Attend industry events and get to know other animators.
- Not applying for enough jobs. The more jobs you apply for, the more likely you are to get one. Use job boards and contact animation studios directly to inquire about openings.
- Not preparing for the interview. When you get an interview for an animation job, be prepared to talk about your skills, experience, and portfolio. You may also be asked to do a test animation or present your work.
Get a Job in Animation: Why It Matters
- High earning potential. Animators can earn a good salary, with the median salary being $77,200.
- Job security. The job outlook for animators is projected to grow 16% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Creative and fulfilling work. Animation is a creative and fulfilling profession that allows you to use your artistic skills to bring your vision to life.
Benefits of Getting a Job in Animation
- High earning potential. Animators can earn a good salary, with the median salary being $77,200.
- Job security. The job outlook for animators is projected to grow 16% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Creative and fulfilling work. Animation is a creative and fulfilling profession that allows you to use your artistic skills to bring your vision to life.
- Variety of work. Animators can work on a variety of projects, including films, television shows, video games, and commercials.
- Opportunities for advancement. Animators can advance to positions such as lead animator, animation director, and VFX supervisor.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Job in Animation
Pros:
- High earning potential
- Job security
- Creative and fulfilling work
- Variety of work
- Opportunities for advancement
Cons:
- Long hours
- Competitive job market
- Stressful environment
- Can be difficult to get started
- Get a good education and training.
- Build a strong portfolio.
- Network and attend industry events.
- Apply for jobs.
- Prepare for the interview.
- Be persistent.
- Don’t give up.
- Get feedback from other animators.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest animation trends.
- Be passionate about animation.
Table 1: Types of Animation
| Type of Animation | Description |
|---|---|
| 2D Animation | A type of animation that uses two-dimensional drawings or images. |
| 3D Animation | A type of animation that uses three-dimensional models or images. |
| CGI | A type of animation that uses computer-generated imagery. |
| Motion Capture | A type of animation that uses motion capture technology to record the movements of actors or objects. |
Table 2: Animation Software
| Software | Description |
|---|---|
| Adobe Animate | A vector-based animation software. |
| Autodesk Maya | A 3D animation software. |
| Blender | A free and open-source 3D animation software. |
| Cinema 4D | A professional 3D animation software. |
Table 3: Animation Schools
| School | Location |
|---|---|
| CalArts | Valencia, CA |
| Ringling College of Art and Design | Sarasota, FL |
| Sheridan College | Oakville, ON |
| Vancouver Film School | Vancouver, BC |
Table 4: Job Boards for Animators
| Job Board | Description |
|---|---|
| Indeed | A general job board with a large number of animation jobs. |
| A professional networking site with a large number of animation jobs. | |
| AnimationJobs.com | A specialized job board for animators. |
| CreativeHeads | A specialized job board for creative professionals, including animators. |
