Career Coach

The new year is a time for making plans for what you want to accomplish. I used to make resolutions, which were quickly given up on before the month of January was even over. Now, I prefer setting goals. Goals are dreams with deadlines.

Goals must be specific and measurable. Your goal might be to become a better artist, but without specifics you won't be able to achieve this goal. Some examples of specific goals might be: Take life drawing classes once a week. Go to the zoo once a month and draw the animals for 3 hours. Go to the mall once a month and draw the people for 3 hours. Update portfolio twice a year--once in May, once in November. Get the idea? Be specific and you will have a course of action. Take action and make your dreams a reality.

The most important thing about goal setting is to set goals you want to achieve. What do you want from your life? This is a time to write down what is important to you. Some goals may be long term--a friend of mine wants to exhibit at the Guggenheim in New York. He hasn't had a show there yet, but he works every day towards achieving that dream.

Pick a goal and get started and keep going. Your goal might be draw for an hour every day. Pick a time of day, before work or school, after work or school, during the lunch hour, whenever is right for you and do it. Just like a daily exercise. You know what? If you draw every day, you will become a better artist.

If your goal is to meet more people in the animation industry and to do more networking in 2000, then you'll have a chance to work on that goal in March. As you know, there are many sources of help for people who want to break into the animation industry, including this web site. But the best way is to go to the source. This is not always possible, but you will have this rare opportunity at ASIFA-Hollywood's 7th Annual Animation Expo on March 3 and 4 in Glendale, California. This is a chance for you to meet with employers and hear what they have to say. On March 4 at 8:30 am I will be moderating the panel of industry experts from companies like Nickelodeon, Film Roman and Pacific Data Images discussing resumes, portfolios and demo reels. Here's your chance to hear people from the top employers in the field tell you what it takes to get a job at their company. Find out what they want to see on a resume and in a portfolio or demo reel.

If one of your goals is to learn what it takes to get a job in the animation industry, then make it a goal in 2000 to attend the Animation Expo. See you there!

If you are a teacher, you'll want to attend to meet industry professionals and pick their brains about animation curriculum. Find out from the industry insiders what they would like your students to know.

If you have a question about a work or career issue that you would like answered in this column, please write us and tell us what you'd like to know. I wish you all success and joy in the New Year. May you accomplish your goals and make your dreams come true.

Resource:

ASIFA-Hollywood
725 S Victory Blvd.
Burbank CA 91502
www.asifa-hollywood.org [1]
Phone 818-842-8330
FAX 818-842-5645.

Pamela Thompson is a recruiter and career coach who lives in Sun Valley, California. She is currently recruiting for Big Idea Productions, Stan Lee Media and Talkie.com.