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Column: Career Coach

Reel ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: Jobs In A Visual Effects House -- Defined

The final part of a three part series that describes the steps involved in different specialties of visual effects production, the specific skills required for each specialty, as well as what the studios are looking for in a portfolio and demo reel.

Animation ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: Jobs In A Visual Effects House -- Defined

Part Two of a three-part series that describes the steps involved in different specialties of visual effects production, the specific skills required for each specialty as well as what the studios are looking for in a portfolio and demo reel.

Animation ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: Jobs In A Visual Effects House -- Defined

Part One of a three-part series that describes the steps involved in different specialties of visual effects production, the specific skills required for each specialty as well as what the studios are looking for in a portfolio and demo reel.

Work ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: Coping With Layoffs

Don't be ashamed of losing your job. Chuck Jones, Glen Keane and Steve Jobs were all out on the street once. Just regroup and take it as an opportunity to move up. Sometimes getting laid off gives you a chance to move up. If summer brings an involuntary vacation from work due to a layoff or downsizing, there are a few ways to get in shape and cope.

Work ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: Tips for Springing into Job Hunting Action

March signals the advent of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, which means spring cleaning and renewal. Whether you are working, unemployed or about to enter or re-enter the job market, here are some tips to make sure you are in shape for springing into action.

ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: The Importance of Setting Goals for the New Year

The beginning of the year often means making resolutions, but instead of making promises you might break, why not make goals? Make a master plan of what you would like to accomplish in the coming year(s). A goal is a dream with a deadline.

Work ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: Age, Religion, Sex - What Reel-y Matters

What if I told you that yes, sexism, ageism, racism all existed in the industry? Would you give up your dream? If you answered yes, that is the right decision because if you can be discouraged by an obstacle, you don't have the persistence it will take to make it. If you answered no, that is also the right decision because you will pursue your career no matter what the obstacles. Discrimination exists but it shouldn't stop you. The people who have skills that are in demand will find work.

ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: Portfolio Essentials

Whether you are a traditional character animator or a character animator who uses the computer (remember, it's just a tool) you will need a portfolio. All companies whether they are feature film producers or video game producers want the same basic stuff. Here are guidelines to putting together a portfolio that will help you get interviews. Remember a portfolio is a sales tool, like a resume and demo reel. The purpose is to get you an interview which could lead to a job.

Animation ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: Finding the Right School

If you are thinking about continuing your education in animation, or planning to get some additional training, there are many important issues to consider. Like anything else, you'll need to devote some attention and time to make good decisions. Here is a comprehensive checklist for you to use as you research and evaluate different schools and educational programs.

Reel ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: Demo Reel DOs and DON'Ts

A demo reel is a vital marketing tool for animators. The purpose of the demo reel is to get you an interview with someone who can hire you. Prepare your demo reel with care and have someone else look at it and get feedback on it before you send it out. As a recruiter, I have seen many demo reels. Here's how to make sure yours does the job--to get you that job.

Company ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: Targeting the Right Employers

Every employer wants to find the right person. Targeting the companies you are interested in, learning about their operations and future plans, is an important step in landing the job you really want. Your diligent research will pay off in the interview because you will impress them by your knowledge and enthusiasm for their company - you know how you can contribute.

Work ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: Put Time Between Jobs to Good Use

Whether you just need some time between jobs, or the search for your next job is taking longer than you'd like, put your time to good use. Take classes, polish up your portfolio, go to industry events, network - go to the zoo and sketch! Enrich yourself and become better prepared to meet your next professional challenge.

Company ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: Cover Letter and Resume Tips

Don't let your cover letter and resume become another piece of "junk mail." The cover letter is a sales tool - use itto sell your knowledge, skill and experience. Make it clear that you understandthe needs and goals of the company and that you can hit the ground runningwhen you are hired...

Animation ANIMATIONWorld

The Career Coach: Hanging Tough When Looking for Work

"You'll never make it in this business, so you might as well get aregular job at a bank or something." If you are still reading, that'sgood because you are going to hear that a lot, whether you're new in thebusiness or a veteran. From anyone, anywhere, anytime. If you havepersistence and drive you will make it in this business...

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