Wondering how to get hired at a 3D animation studio? Here are 5 tips on how to get work in the 3D animation industry.
By: Kennedy Randall
Animation is at the forefront of the entertainment industry. Now, more than ever before, studios need professionals who are well equipped for a fast-paced career in the field. From the film industry to video games, to social media, animation fills up much of our digital landscape.
One of the big questions on many aspiring animators’ minds is how to get hired at a 3D animation studio. If you’ve been working hard in a 3D animation program and you’re trying to get into the animation game, we have 5 things to work on and to keep in mind when trying to get hired.
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1. Get the Basics
3D Animation is a skill-based job. Naturally, this means you will have a certain level of expertise and familiarity with animation software. To get acquainted with software for animations, you will either need to enrol in an online course or enrol in a 3D animation degree program. In a degree program, you will have someone guiding you through the various animation tools like Blender & Adobe After Effects. After you get the basics down, you can begin dedicating yourself to your craft and polishing up these essential skills. Because animation is always changing, it is important to stay up to date on the industry standard. When thinking about how to get hired at a 3D animation studio, making sure you are well versed in the software they will be using is the first step to success.
2. Diversify
As an animator, you need to be able to draw. Having strong visual illustration skills will help you as an animator and make you more appealing to studios. With so many animators out there, studios nowadays will be more inclined to hire someone who has multiple skills. Being able to illustrate will help you out in your animation and against the competition.
Other skills to add to your repertoire would be graphic design and after-effects. Graphic designers are always needed in this digital era. Having a good eye for layouts and graphic design will prove useful when marketing yourself to studios. As well, most studios nowadays use After Effects, so having a concrete understanding and experience with it is essential.
3. Start Animating
Gaining experience is one of the most valuable things you can do for your career in any industry. Start working at any job you can get. If it’s not your dream studio, you will learn how professional animation studios work. If it is a studio you could see yourself working at forever, be prepared to start from the bottom and work your way up. Freelancing is also an option. The more animation you produce, the better your work will get.
As well, by working with businesses, customers, and studios, you will gain a network of opportunities that can come in handy for the rest of your career. Networking is important throughout your career. Stay in touch with people you enjoyed working with in school. They might recommend you one day to their studio or put you in touch with someone who can help you.
4. Portfolio Pieces
Now that you have graduated from a 3D animation program and have gained some experience in the industry, you will have many pieces to choose from. By taking up plenty of projects you will have an opportunity to show different talents to clients. When creating your portfolio make sure you are only showcasing your best work. The portfolio is an opportunity to visually talk to clients or studios on your behalf.
Making a website for your portfolio is extremely important in today’s day and age. It is a seamless way to always have your name and work out there. As well, as an animator, being able to create engaging websites is a plus, as your work speaks for itself!
5. Perfect Your Demo Reel
Your demo reel is the most important aspect when asking how to get hired at a 3D animation studio. A demo reel is composed of short videos where you put all your best moving and static images together. It is a highlight reel, showing studios how you can help them make the best animation possible. Make sure that you include your name and contact details on your demo reel so you are easily accessible. As well, putting your demo reel on your email correspondences and website is a great way to get your work out there. Bringing your demo reel to studios or sending it to them virtually is the most productive thing you can do to get hired at a 3D animation studio. By putting yourself out there and showing hard work, talent and creativity, you will increase your chances of getting hired.
Another tip is getting feedback and comments on your demo reel. Asking your professors, friends and colleagues on areas you can improve is extremely productive. A second, third, or even fourth set of eyes never hurts. Take the feedback critically and perfect your demo reel!
Finding success in the 3D animation industry can be hard, but hard work, perseverance, and determination will bring creative work, attracting some of the best studios. Take these five tips on how to get hired at a 3D animation studio as a jumping off point for a successful career in the animation world.
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