Producing Animation: Getting In The Door
What kind of skills are required to get into the field of animation?
People often ask how to receive training in three main job categories: 1) an
artist, 2) a member of the production staff, or 3) a voice over actor.
Artists
The most important tool artists can have is a portfolio
(or a sampling of their best work). It is an artist's calling card.
If you do not have a portfolio, you must prepare some initial artwork to start
building one. A good way to begin accumulating samples of your work is by taking
classes like those offered at animation colleges or the animation union. Some
studios have training programs that generally last three months, but they are
rare and difficult to get in to.
For those artists who already have a portfolio,
it is important for them to update it continuously. Keep copies of artwork from
previous projects you have worked on. Recent sketchbooks should also be included.
If you have many years of accumulated artwork, it is always wise to get help
from fellow artists to select your strongest work. You should also research
the show you are applying for and make sure that your portfolio includes artwork
that is suitable for the project.
In hiring, every studio has its own specific requirements based on the status
of their projects in production and pre-production. Initially, the best thing
to do is to contact the studio's recruiting or Human Resources office and
request information on their portfolio requirements. Follow the guidelines closely.
Depending on your skill set (for example, whether you are an animator or a painter),
the requirements for your portfolio pieces will vary. The following is an example
of the portfolio requirements for an entry-level cleanup artist or a cleanup
inbetweener you may expect to see from a studio.
When you have all your artwork prepared, set up a time to drop off your portfolio.
Most studios have weekly or monthly reviews and will then return your portfolio
to you. Some artists prefer to make copies of their work and leave the copies
at the studio so that their work is available for multiple recruiting departments.
You may be asked to take a test. This procedure is very common in most studios.
A standardized test is often a fair gauge of judging an artist's aptitude
for the project.
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