Tips for Animation Job Seekers
Being Humble in a Job Search
Don’t let the words “entry level” or even “internship” turn you away from job listings. Even if you’re already done with animation school and looking for a great career opportunity, you just might find it through a lower level position with a high learning curve.
Like other areas of the entertainment industry, networking is key. Making connections with other animators and executives will do well for your career, and often, entry-level positions and internships are great opportunities to do this.
Build Diversity into Your Portfolio
In animation school, learning to build a portfolio is one of the most important skills students can acquire. But a portfolio is more than just computer animation, one of the largest areas of focus in animation school. Including some cartoon or 2D animation, some short film ideas, and some storyboards, for example, will compliment your computer animation work.
Interviewing for Animation Jobs
Interviewing for animation jobs is not only about showing your creativity, but your professionalism. Animation is your career, not just your passion.
Presentation is important. Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, a recruiter for animation and film, told Animation World Magazine, “I hired an artist who had half a dozen rings in his eyebrow, but another employer might not have been able to see past the hardware.” She suggested that animation job candidates “travel light” at interviews, dressing professionally and a little more conservative than usual. Good presentation can be your ticket to getting the job.
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About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor’s in American Literature from UCLA.
