How to Begin a Career in Animation?

Dreaming about having a career in animation or having passion for animation is something that is not hard to figure out these days, if you already are familiar with the basics of how to? For those who are a novice they need to be guided regarding beginning a career in animation. Now here’s a catch, you would first need to be well-equipped and then create an opportunity for yourself in the field of animation. Having a creative potential is one thing that you require, for other things, you need to read on to find out.

Let us begin with exploring what all you need to know to begin a career in animation.

Practising fundamentals

• Artistic drawing begins on paper with sketching it out. Your ideas, visualization and your practice should begin here.
• A highly likely to become an animator is the person who is already passionate about art and pursuing it full time.
• The fundamentals of composition, still drawing, perspective of angles and expressions and exploring each design with regard to different characters is where you must begin.
• Practising is the key to get it right; having a grip on your fundamentals makes you stronger to pursue your career as an animator.
• Drawing and then transferring your skills to digital version is your next step towards your dream career.

Choosing Animation

• There are two major animation styles to choose from one is 2D and another is 3D.
• You will begin first from 2D and then transition or progress to 3D.
• Regardless of your field, you require to practice your drawing with Photoshop and other digital platforms for digital version.
• Majority big artists bet on Wacom tablet for animation. You can choose as per your budget and need.

Explore a degree program

• Numerous online paid institutes like Udemy and other such institutes are offering courses on animation.
• Formal education, enrolment at an animation studio like Arena Animation is one such good example where you get all the required education, practical training, tools, technology, hardware and expertise of professionals to help you get it all.
• You can choose the duration of course that should be detailed oriented course that may last up to a couple of years to a diploma that is intermediate and advance level.
• Look for an institute that has a good repute like the one mentioned above.

Building a Portfolio

• Standing out of the crowd requires building yourself up as a brand.
• After acquiring necessary skills and getting a degree in Animation you need to start building your portfolio.

Now that you’ve equipped yourself with a skill set and have started doing some animation work, it’s time to start compiling it.

If you want to make it as an animator professionally, a standout portfolio is how you’ll get your foot in the door.

Look for inspiration online and get a friend, preferably someone already in the field, to review your portfolio. An online one is the best way to go.

Have sections where you can feature a demo reel and another area where you can display projects that are more detailed. Everything you include should briefly describe the project goals and the work you did to achieve them.

As you move forward and become more skilled, don’t forget to update your portfolio with stronger and more recent work samples. Include a contact section on your site and your resume as well.

Pro tip: create the sort of work you want to get hired for.

Get lots of varied work experience

The best way to explore your field is to work on interesting and challenging freelance projects. Try out new things and get lots of varied experience under your belt.

You’ll become a more versatile animator that way, and you’ll pick up new skills along as you venture out into new territories.

Look for internships as well. Those can also teach you a lot about working professionally as an animator. You will also meet people relevant to your field and build a professional network.

Look for a mentor that can guide you as well. If time and money aren’t too much of a concern, internships are a great option.

Follow online forums and communities for animators, such as r/Animators or r/FramebyFrame on Reddit.

You’ll be able to share your work, receive feedback; critique and learn tips and tricks along the way. Eventually, you’ll find your niche and discover a unique style of animation that resonates with you.