Things You'll Need:
- Decent Computer
- Maya Software
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Step 1
Most animation now-a-days is 3D computer animation. So the first thing you need is a reasonably fast computer. Any newer computer should be ok. The next thing you need is the appropriate software. Download a program called “Maya.” You can get a free student version off their website. It comes with a tutorial. Use the tutorial. You need to get very comfortable with the software. It will be frustrating at first, but just keep doing it. Also, buy lots of books on the principles of animation. And above all, get to know Maya!
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Step 2
Choose a school . When choosing a school, first ask what percentage of grads get hired in their field. Be wary of statistics that say “9/10 grads are hired within 6 months.” Hired where? An oil rig off the coast of Scandinavia? Second, look at the experience, not education of the teachers at this school. In animation, having a BA means nothing. Lots of animators barely finished high school but are excellent at their profession. Look at each teacher. What have they worked on? Feature films? Television? Nothing? Remember: There is no substitute for experience! And don’t be suckered in by a college or university just because they offer a diploma or degree in animation! There are more lousy schools out there then good ones!
Consider looking at alternates to traditional schooling. Animation Mentor, for example, provides the teaching from only top-notch industry experts. And the beauty of it is that you can do it all from your own computer. Animation Mentor is cranking out some of the best people right now. -
Step 3
Before you finish school, put your reel together with all your best work, and ONLY your best work. Do not make it long. The people who screen these reels watch a ton of them every day and if they are bored with your reel, you’re screwed. So short, to the point, and only your best stuff.
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Step 4
It may be a very long time before you get an interview. Be careful in turning down a job you think is beneath you. Some experience is better then none. And remember, contacts matter in this business. The majority, if not all, of the jobs you get will be because of someone you know recommending you. Make applying for a job your full time job. Apply everywhere. Constantly. And do not be discouraged.
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Step 5
When you do get an interview, don’t be defensive. If the person interviewing you is critical of your work, take it! Thank them! The way an artist takes criticism is extremely important. If the person interviewing you feels you’ll be hard to work with and tough to give direction to, they will not hire you. Not even if your reel is awesome. They will move on to someone who can take criticism and work with others.
Hopefully, you will then get your first job. And you will officially be an animator.
Congratulations.
