How Do Animation Graduates Find Work In The Animation Industry?

Rule No. 1 – Get really good at what you do

William's states that a personal knowledge and focused skill set will help to successfully gain employment in the creative industry. He explains how animators should be confident and competent in animating.

Rule No. 2 – Build a great demo/show reel

To showcase individuality and skill it is essential that an animator create a show reel of work. After graduation a show reel can represent an animator in the job market. The show reel should have a variety of work and have no mistakes. Dedicating time to editing to make a show reel as refined as possible could put it above others that will inevitably be submitted to studios in bulk.

How To Create A Great Animation Show Reel

Rule No. 3 – Make your work easy to find

Create a public blog or website. Most employers will not want to wait for a show reel, they will want to view work online.

Rule No. 4 – Polish your CV

Keep your cv up-to-date, short and easy to read. Make it clear, and highlight your skills.

Rule No. 5 – Find out who is hiring

There are hundreds of animation, games and visual effects companies in the UK Create a spreadsheet so that you can track where you have applied, and when. There is always a company somewhere looking to hire fresh talent.

Rule No. 6 – Sign up for job alerts

Using social media sign up for job alerts and updates. The jobs page at AWN (the Animation World Network) is a great resource.

Rule No. 7 – Start applying for jobs

When applying for work consider writing and sending a good cover letter alongside with your CV and show reel. Personalize it to make it stand out.

Rule No. 8 – Consider working as a runner or intern

Typically finding an internships is easier than finding a job. A successful internship brings experience, contacts, and a direct understanding of what is needed to get a job within the company, or the industry as a whole.

Rule No. 9 – Get ready for interview

Companies want to know that you are enthusiastic and motivated for the industry and the job role you are applying for. Research the company and find out what your potential job is likely to involve, matching your skills to the company’s requirements.

Rule No. 10 – Build connections

Personal connections count. If you know people who work in the creative industries, ask them about internships. Employers want to be comfortable with the person they are hiring, and if someone within their company can vouch for the applicant, then it's a foot in the door. Make a list of people you know in the business; ex-students from your uni are a good place to start.

Rule No. 11 – Keep your ears open!

Keep in touch with your fellow graduates; you can keep each other informed about who is hiring and who needs extra bodies in a hurry.

Rule No. 12 – Don’t give up

Be persistent. Keep at it, and you will be rewarded.

Information from Alex Williams.

Alex Williams

Alex Williams is a cartoonist and animator whose film credits include Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, The Lion King, The Iron Giant, the three latest Harry Potter films, and The Chronicles of Narnia. He has worked for many Studios including Disney, DreamWorks, Fox, Warner Bros, and Sony.

Source

http://www.skwigly.co.uk/animation-graduates-find-work-animation-industry/