The tooned Frank Gladstone. Drawing by Frank Gladstone.

I frequently receive inquiries from students and young animation professionals regarding the types of skills they need in order to work in the animation industry. Like most industries, the animation world changes to keep pace with innovations in technology and shifts in the market place. I occasionally call friends in Los Angeles for an update on trends. I put in a call recently to Frank Gladstone, head of Artist Development at DreamWorks SKG Animation, to talk about a few of the "golden questions" these folks are asking. Frank has been working as a professional animator, producer, director, writer and teacher for more than twenty-five years. From 1973 to 1989, he managed his own award-winning studio, Persistence of Vision, Inc., producing commercials and educational films, and has since worked for the feature animation divisions at Disney, Warner Bros. and DreamWorks. Besides his studio credentials, Frank has spoken on animation at schools and institutions around the country, in the Caribbean and Europe and has taught various animation and cinematography courses for the University of Miami, VIFX, Cinesite, UNICEF, Gnomon School of Visual Effects and UCLA. Frank has designed courses and helped train literally hundreds of people who work in the animation industry. So, he definitely has a feel for what the industry is looking for, and as always, Frank was honest and to-the-point.

Larry Lauria: What should portfolios contain?

Frank Gladstone: Portfolios should contain life work, beautiful drawing and excellent design. Every studio has the ability to bring up people and nurture them. But unlike the heydays of the early ‘90s, when studios ran internships, a candidate now has to have a specific genius in a given area to get serious consideration.

The portfolio should give some indication of strength in the particular area in which the applicant desires to work -- animation, character design, layout, background, 3-D work, etc. It is also very important to include a resume and cover letter with any portfolio submission. A videotape reel is a plus if the work looks professional.

Portfolio no-nos: Copies of cartoon characters, especially established characters, drawings from photographs.

LL: Which basic skills should a student possess?

FG: Very good life drawing -- displaying the structure of figures (forms) in space -- and a knowledge of line. Focus on basic skills, be able to draw well, to render a three-dimensional figure on a two dimensional surface. Demonstrate the ability to stage and compose subject matter within a framed area.

A sketchbook is a must -- filled with studies that display the thought process. Quick drawings which show the ability to describe forms using the most basic gestures.

Always strive to be an observational artist...be able to represent different design styles...to be a chameleon of sorts.

Keep in mind that, even in digital animation (excluding purely technical areas), it is always a bonus if the fundamental, traditional artistic skills are there. Artistic flexibility is an important element. Students need to stretch themselves.