Animation Superhero!

by Sarah Christensen
sarah.christensen@theanimationschooldirectory.com
Animation School Directory Columnist

The world of animation has come a long, long way since the jerky world of Mickey Mouse. Cartoon pictures are still big business. With the likes of Finding Nemo and The Incredibles, what does it take to be an animation superhero?

While the process of animation has been speeded up immensely with the help of computer graphics, animation professionals still need to possess the raw, creative talent, and drive to succeed. Not all animators work on big budget, box office hits, some work in advertising, print media, modeling, gaming, television, and even education.

Shopping List for an Incredibles Superhero Animator:

• Dexterity
• Originality
• Imagination
• Comprehension
• Color Discrimination
• Communications
• Fine Arts
• Co-ordination
• Expression
• Problem Solving
• Information Gathering
• Team Work
• Cape

OK... We lied about the last one, but these skills and attributes will help you get well on the way to where you want to be. Getting your first job in cartoon pictures may prove to be a little more difficult, even if you have graduated with flying colors from animation school.

There are lots of talented people out there. You need to convince potential new employers of your value to their organization - it's a sales pitch, so make sure it's a good one.

Animation Superhero to the Rescue!

The vast majority of business goes through ebbs and flows with demand. Many are too busy fighting crocodiles to drain the swamp by the time the recruitment process takes place. Make it easy for them to choose you.

Find out beforehand if this company is recruiting for a specific project, or whether they are looking for an all rounder to cope with bulges in the system. Take examples of your cartoon pictures that most closely match the type of product the organization produces - but be very careful not to plagiarize.

Do your research, so you know what they're looking for. There is no bigger turn off than having to sit there listening to somebody trying to sell you something that you don't want or need. So grab your cape, don your mask and let's go!

About the Author

Sarah Christensen is the Managing Director of QSL, a retail Internet business. After many years of corporate sales and marketing, she devoted her time to business development specializing in small start-ups and e-commerce. Sarah graduated from King's College, University of London with a degree in Chemistry and Business Studies.