1. Get Educated: Formal Training in Animation

The first question when thinking about how to start a career in animation is: Should you pursue formal education? While it’s not absolutely necessary to have a degree to work in animation, having formal training can significantly boost your chances of entering the field, especially for more technical or senior-level roles.

A. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Animation or Related Fields

Pursuing a degree in animation or a related field such as computer graphics, fine arts, or digital media provides you with a solid foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of animation. A Bachelor’s degree typically takes 3 to 4 years to complete, while a Master’s degree might take an additional 1 to 2 years.

Key Degrees You Might Consider:

• BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Animation
• BSc in Animation and Visual Effects
• BSc in Digital Media and Animation
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Animation

These programs typically offer courses in animation theory, storytelling, character design, 2D and 3D animation techniques, and software proficiency (such as Maya, Blender, or Adobe Animate).

B. Certification and Short Courses

If you’re already in a different field or looking for a more cost-effective or time-efficient way to gain knowledge in animation, short certification courses or online programs can be a good option. These programs often focus on specific aspects of animation, such as:

• Character Design
• 3D Modeling and Animation
• Motion Graphics
• Visual Effects (VFX)
• Storyboarding

These certifications are typically shorter in duration and less expensive than full degrees. They’re also flexible, allowing you to continue working or studying while learning animation skills.

C. Self-Taught Learning

Many successful animators are self-taught. With the availability of online tutorials, forums, and resources, it’s possible to build foundational animation skills on your own. If you’re committed and have the discipline to learn independently, this is a viable option, though formal education often gives you a more structured and comprehensive learning experience.

2. Develop Your Animation Skills

To succeed in animation, you need to develop a variety of technical and artistic skills. Whether you’re pursuing a formal education or learning on your own, here are the core skills you’ll need to master:

A. Artistic and Design Skills

• Drawing: While 3D animation has largely taken over the industry, traditional drawing skills are still very important, especially in 2D animation and for designing characters and scenes.
• Composition and Color Theory: Knowing how to create compelling, visually appealing shots is essential for animators.
• Character Design: As an animator, you’ll often be required to design characters, making it crucial to understand anatomy, expression, and personality.

B. Technical Skills

• Animation Software: Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Toon Boom, Adobe After Effects, and ZBrush is essential for creating animations. You’ll need to become familiar with modeling, rigging, rendering, and animating within these programs.
• 3D Modeling and Rendering: 3D animation is a huge part of the industry, requiring animators to model, texture, and render three-dimensional objects and characters.
• VFX and Compositing: Many animators specialize in creating visual effects (VFX) that enhance the look and feel of live-action films or animated content. Knowing how to integrate special effects into your animations is crucial.

C. Animation Principles

• Timing and Spacing: The concept of timing refers to the number of frames used for a specific action, while spacing refers to the movement between frames. These principles help create natural, realistic animation.
• Squash and Stretch: This principle adds flexibility and exaggeration to objects and characters to give them a more lifelike, dynamic feel.
• Anticipation: This refers to the slight movements or actions that occur just before a major movement, building up anticipation in the viewer.
• Follow Through and Overlapping Action: These principles deal with how different parts of a character or object continue to move after the main action is completed, adding realism and fluidity to animations.

3. Gain Experience Through Internships or Freelance Work

Experience is one of the most valuable assets you can have in the animation industry. Once you’ve gained a basic understanding of animation principles and software, it’s time to put that knowledge to the test through hands-on experience.

A. Internships

Internships provide an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience, improve your animation skills, and build a professional network. Many animation studios, game companies, and visual effects studios offer internship programs for aspiring animators. Even if you’re not immediately hired after your internship, the experience and connections you make can be invaluable for your career.

B. Freelance Work

Freelance animation work is another great way to gain experience and build a portfolio. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer platforms where you can find short-term animation projects. Freelancing also allows you to experiment with different animation styles and techniques, which can make you more versatile as a professional.

C. Personal Projects

Creating your own personal animation projects, whether it’s a short film, web series, or motion graphics piece, can help you hone your skills and show potential employers your dedication and creative ability. Personal projects also help you build a unique portfolio that stands out to recruiters.

4. Build a Strong Portfolio and Demo Reel

As you gain experience, you’ll need to showcase your work to potential employers. The best way to do this is by creating a portfolio and demo reel that highlight your animation skills.

A. Portfolio

Your portfolio is a collection of your best work, typically presented on an online platform. It should include:

• Examples of 2D and/or 3D animation.
• Character designs, storyboards, and concept art.
• Short animations or clips that demonstrate your animation techniques.
• Personal projects or freelance work that reflects your style and abilities.

B. Demo Reel

A demo reel is a short video that showcases your best work in animation. It should be around 1-2 minutes long and include a variety of work that highlights your strengths. Make sure your demo reel includes only your best pieces, as quality matters more than quantity.

5. Network and Look for Job Opportunities

Once you have a polished portfolio and demo reel, it’s time to start looking for job opportunities. Networking plays a major role in how to start a career in animation. The animation industry thrives on collaboration, and meeting the right people can open doors to job offers, partnerships, and freelance opportunities.

A. Attend Industry Events

Participating in animation festivals, conferences, and industry events like SIGGRAPH, Annecy Animation Festival, or the Ottawa International Animation Festival can help you meet other professionals and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.

B. Join Online Communities

Online communities like ArtStation, DeviantArt, and LinkedIn can be great platforms to showcase your work, connect with industry professionals, and discover job postings.

C. Job Boards and Recruitment Agencies

Many websites and recruitment agencies specialize in animation job listings, such as Animation Jobs, CreativeHeads, or Glassdoor. Keep an eye on job postings and apply to positions that match your skillset and interests.