Searching for a job doesn’t have to be a mysterious process. Learn what the pitfalls are and avoid them.

Whether you are new to the industry or an experienced veteran, this article will give you tips on portfolios, demo reels, and interviewing, as well as how to research a company using the Internet.

Both new grads and seasoned pros seeking employment must submit work for review. Prospective employers view portfolios, reels, and résumés to determine whom they want to interview. For artists, a demo reel and portfolio are more important than a résumé. Prepare these materials carefully and get feedback before you send them out.

Contact employers before submitting your work to find out what format they accept. Some companies view demo reels only on VHS tape while others are open to portfolios on DVDs or websites. On line portfolios should load quickly, be easy to navigate and show effective visual layout.

The portfolio and demo reel shows how your mind works. Express your personality. Don’t copy other people’s work. Show you are creative and original.

Demo Reels
Your demo reel and portfolio should be relevant to the job you want. If you want a job as a character animator, emphasize character performance on your reel. A standout demo reel generally shows an understanding of animation basics, such as timing and weight, with strong storytelling skills.

If you are a generalist (a person who has many skills), you could design your reel to highlight different skills in different segments (i.e. modeling, lighting, effects animation). Slates work well to identify the sections. If shots you select show multiple skills, include a breakdown, which indicates what you did on each shot. This could be written on a separate sheet or displayed as slates preceding each scene. For example: Wizard of Oz, melted witch, effects animation and compositing, used Software A and B.

Portfolios
Portfolios should include life drawing that shows expression and line style, as well as examples of the kind of work you are interested in such as conceptual design or storyboards. If you are interested in lighting, a portfolio of photography is a plus. Modeling applicants should include a portfolio of sculpture. Divide your portfolio into different sections emphasizing your various skills (i.e., character design, background design, storyboards).

Your portfolio should contain drawings that express a sense of weight, character, and attitude. Gesture drawings should communicate three-dimensional solidity, and more importantly, expressions of emotions through posture and pose. Let your animal drawings convey some personality and imagination. Why not have a rhino mow the lawn? Or a dog walk a frog? Include pieces that might make a reviewer laugh.

Do you have an expressive line? Put something to make the reviewer think, “That’s a beautiful line.” Expressive communicative design is key to a good portfolio.

The artwork you present in a portfolio and demo reel should express your personality. Put your best work first and show you are creative and original.

Portfolio and Demo Reel Tips
Never send your only copy to anyone. Your reel won’t be returned.

• Put your best material first.

• Always include a résumé and breakdown.

• Label your portfolio and demo reel with your name, current phone number with area code, and email address.

• Include slates with your name and contact info on your reel in case your label falls off.

• Put several copies of your résumé inside the first page of your portfolio and label every page in your portfolio with your name and contact info.

• Your portfolio and reel should represent your recent and best work.

• A portfolio should include a variety of styles.

• Industry newcomers can include studio tests and should show versatility in their portfolio.

• Don’t wait until a convention to submit your work. At a show like SIGGRAPH employers are inundated with reels from all over the world. Submit your reel, portfolio and résumé several months before a show, so they can be viewed under the best possible conditions.