Working in animation can be an amazing adventure, with interesting projects and a fulfilling job description. However, getting there requires a lot of hard work, and even then you might not be completely thrilled about all the aspects of working as an animator, or in the animation industry in general. If you want to be fully prepared, to know what to expect and what to prepare for, check out our top tips on entering the business.
Prepare for the intern life
You are doubt eager to start a paid job and fulfill your dream of working in the animation industry. However, as is the case with many art-oriented jobs, it doesn’t quite work like that. Most people have to go through a couple of internships before a company will look at them as a potential paid employee. It sucks, but it’s the rite of passage which most people in the business have had to go through.
The important thing is to not look at it as wasted time. More importantly, you should actively seek out to use this time in a productive way. Learn as much as you can and befriend as many people as you can. You never know when having people inside the industry like you will come in handy.
Your creativity should show from the very beginning, like the resume
Working in the animation industry means that you have to be creative and original. These are fundamental traits, and if you are to be hired, your employer needs to spot these traits in you early on. Use the opportunity of your resume to show off your originality and creative genius. It’s very important to market yourself properly and attract your audience, as you would do on the job. Unlike jobs in other industries, an animation position will require you to be more creative that just listing your qualifications. You need to prove them, as we’ve already how stingy companies can be about hiring new blood (hence the internship requirements).
Join specialty networks
The lone wolf approach won’t really work in this sort of industry. You need to join the top specialty networks dedicated to animation in order to connect with other people that have the same goals and aspirations as you. That’s not to say that you need to engage only other people looking for a job. These networks are a great place to come in contact with industry veterans, influential companies like Spiel Studios, key players and all kinds of job opportunities. Getting spotted and liked by someone looking for an employee can give you a significant advantage over all other potential candidates for the vacant post. Employers are more likely to hire people they trust. These networks are a good platform for developing such a trust with people that work and influence the industry.
Getting into the industry you love is not going to be easy, but that just adds to the charm of actually succeeding. It’s all the more rewarding when you can finally sigh of relief and smile as you prepare to start your day, working in animation. Staying perseverant and keeping the important things in mind will help you make your way to the top, sooner rather than later.
