Study Animation Online

It used to be that animators were a rare breed. But nowadays they are springing up like mushrooms, and animation companies receive thousands of applications from highly qualified individuals every year. They're able to pick and choose from the best talents.

As somebody in the position to hire such animators, before I pop the DVD reel in, I will usually scan through the resume to see where the graduate is from. If it's a reputable academy, I am usually more icentified to look at the reel. Because we receive so many applications, sometimes it is just impossible to go through every single reel, though we try our best.

However, not everybody can afford the time or money to attend a major animation school. A good alternative to consider might be an online animation course. There are currently some online courses that have garnered a good reputation and they do add some credibility when you submit your resume. it may be worthwhile to explore these options. However, you do have to excercise caution when choosing such online courses.

The first thing you have to look at is the course outline. You have to assess your own needs versus what the course is offering. You might be competent in certain areas already and do not want to spend time going through those subject matters. In which case, you might want a curriculum which is flexible and can be molded to fit your needs. You also want a curriculum that is up to date because the animation business is fast moving, and the techniques and tools that are state of the art today will be archaic two years later.

You will also need to choose a course that will allow you to complete a show reel. A show reel is essential when you are applying for a job as it is a testimony of what you can do. Make sure the online course covers guiding you through the production of your show reel and not just leave you to do your own thing.

You might also want to see if the online animation school can arrange for internship in animation companies. Remember, you go there not just to intern and gain some experience, you are actually there to network. If you can impress the animator during your internship, it may be the ticket to getting your first job in animation.

Be very wary of schools who do not have portfolios of students to show or only showcases their teachers' works. It either means they are very new or not great at teaching. Teachers with good portfolios mean nothing if they have not exhibited the ability to impart their knowledge. There are also schools who 'borrow' portfolios from animation companies from parts of the world who seldom surf English sites. Avoid these schools like the plague! If possible, try to get details for past graduates of the course and see how they are doing now.

Last but not least, you should make sure that you are comfortable with the schedule of the course. If you can't fit into the time-table or vice versa, either work your way around it or look for another school. Nothing will break down your resolution to be an animator faster than not being able to keep up with the course.

By observing the points I have listed above, I believe that you will be able to gauge which online animation course is the right choice for you.

I prefer not to make any recommendations to online courses as I personally have not taken any of them, and therefore cannot make any. However I have heard good things being said about Animation Mentor whom I heard is run by a bunch of experienced CG professionals. I have also compiled a list of online animation courses in my resource section. You can check them out in the Resource section found in the sidelink.

I hope that this article has been helpful to you and I wish you success in finding the right online 3D education.


Study Animation Online by ALDRIC CHANG
http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/433499?articleid=433499

So You Want to be an Animator?

I have heard many people describe the animation industry as 'cool', 'interesting', 'glamorous' and many such similar terms. Well, no wonder 3D animation jobs are so highly sought after these days.

Depending on which part of the world you are in, there is either a shortage of job vacancies for animators or an even bigger shortage of job vacancies for animators. In short, there are more people applying to become animators than studios offering positions.

In such a competitive environment, this is where a CG artist has to excel in packaging and promoting himself. You will have to learn the art of networking first of all. In many instances where the bigger studios are concerned, submitting showreels might not be sufficient to warrant the HR's attention, because big studios means lots of work and that means BUSY.

If you participate in trade events like software launches or trade exhibitions, chances are you can get to know a lot of studio executives. By getting to know somebody directly and having a name to contact, you might get your demo reel viewed much faster as 'you know somebody'. And if your reel is any good, chances are you will get hired, especially if the studio is in a hiring mode.

Now sometimes even after you've done the above and your demo reel is really good, you still may not get a job, and that's because the studio just isn't hiring at that point in time. However, your portfolio will be kept for future references when they do have a vacancy.

Also, there are times when studios just don't want to hire fresh CG artists. They may prefer to hire 'experienced staff'. But who's going to give you experience if you don't get hired by them, you ask.

OK, to answer your question, first you must realize that there are a number of industries where 3D animation is used, and you may be able to get started in an industry other than the one you initially had your heart set on. If you can't find a job with an animation studio, then consider working with a web design company, a game design company, an architectural firm, a media company, an advertising company or even a product design company. Many of such companies require a 3D artist, and you can build up a portfolio and the much coveted 'experience' there.

Getting an internship during your education is also a good method of paving your way to getting your first animation job. If during the internship you exhibit yourself to be a conscientious worker with good habits and skills, you might just get a job offer upon graduation. Many 3D artists got their jobs this way, so this is a very valid method of getting your first job. Another spin off from this method is by offering to work for free. Look upon it as an opportunity to learn from working professionals and to gain experience with the latest softwares and real-world projects. If you show yourself to be sincere and dedicated enough you will eventually be offered a position.

Whatever the case, remember to get a demo reel produced. The reel should exhibit your best work and your skills to the fullest. Take out the crappy work and if there's nothing good to put in, then work on getting some good stuff to put in instead of putting in crap. Crap is not going to get you any job offers! A demo reel is going to make or break you, so make sure you put in 1000% effort into making the best reel you can produce. Know that the person reviewing your demo reel (if he ever picks it up) is going to spend less than 30 seconds looking for something he likes. The moment he feels bored or unimpressed he loses the incentive to continue watching your reel and you have just lost your job offer. Make your reel as interesting and as impressive as possible. Leave what happens next to providence.

Do your best and you can tell yourself at least you have tried. I wish you success in your job hunting!

So You Want to be an Animator? - by ALDRIC CHANG

http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/433498?articleid=433498