A Lesson from Mickey in Animation Jobs

by Kirk Bangstad
kirk.bangstad@theanimationschooldirectory.com
Animation School Directory Columnist

Alright you wannabe animators - you've just stumbled onto a great new resource called "Lessons from Mickey." This weekly column is designed to help you figure out how to find opportunities in the wild field of animation. As you probably already know, animation fits into the "must be better than a thousand applicants to get a job" type of career, meaning a career animator is much like a successful actor or professional athlete.

A lot of people want to animate for a living, and the number decent paying animation jobs out there are slim. Although "making it" as an animator is tough, there are definitely ways to improve your chances. This week, I'm going to discuss animation jobs, and what you need to do to get these jobs.

Animation Jobs - A Laundry List

Most career paths start out with this simple thought: "Wouldn't it be cool if I did ____ for a living?" Many young people, after dreaming about how cool a job might me, never think about the practical steps needed to land one of these jobs.

As far as animation jobs are concerned, if you're really serious about getting into the profession, your first step should be learning what types of jobs are out there. The following list of animation jobs is not comprehensive, but a good start for those just beginning to look seriously at the career:

1. Animator. Top dog on an animation team, which usually consists of an assistant animator and inbetweener. His job is to create an animation storyboard including timing and rough drawings, and work with his team to create a polished final product.
2. Assistant Animator. Helps clean up all rough drawings and includes the detail necessary for a finished product
3. Inbetweener. Draws the remaining pictures needed for effective animation. An inbetweener doesn't create much, but is an integral part of the team.
4. Effects Animator. Another type of animator who works specifically on environmental and prop animation, as well as computer animation effects.
5. Layout Animator. Someone who establishes the environmental atmosphere and cinematic approach to a scene.
6. Background Animator. Someone specifically responsible for the color renderings of certain layouts
7. Production Staff. Prepares drawings to be photographed by laying them out, transferring them to cells, and painting them.
8. Animation Cameraperson. Photographs each drawing and also incorporates music, dialogue, and special effects.

How Can You Land a Job in Animation?

Now that you know some of the animation jobs out there, you need to know what preparation is needed to land one of these jobs. Most successful animators have honed their artistic talent at a reputable animation school. Their ability to find decent paying 3D computer animation jobs have stemmed from integrating their artistic talents with state-of-the-art computer animation software.

Good animation schools help students work with this software so they can immediately contribute in a job setting. Good schools will also force their students to graduate with a clean and professional animation "reel," or portfolio of work. This "reel" is what employers look at to determine how talented you are.

Now that you have a few informational tidbits about the animation jobs out there and how to get them, go out and start learning the craft. True talent always rises to the top.

About the Author

Kirk Bangstad is a Senior Columnist for Animation School Review.