How to Land an Animation Job

By Debbie Wilson
debbie.wilson@theanimationschooldirectory.com
Animation School Directory Columnist

Landing an exciting animation job means obtaining proper animation training today. And while you may possess many creative talents, a strong technical background, in the form of an animation education, will provide you with the skills necessary to land a great animation job and endure a prolonged animation career.

Typical coursework in animation will involve traditional art, painting, sketching, acting fundamentals, dance, computers, and motion pictures. Once you've acquired a background in all areas of animation, it will be easier to select your animation specialty and develop your portfolio towards the exact type of animation job you desire.

Animation Training Turns Practice into Perfection

Having a degree in art can truly help you land an animation interview. However, what really helps assure your success is an awesome portfolio. As a general rule, a successful portfolio can only be achieved through years of concentrated efforts and lots of practice, practice, and more practice.

Many animation schools offer plenty of opportunities to work in internship programs and experiment with all types of animation technology. Animation schools will also provide animation training in both building and presenting your animation portfolio to potential employers. A good portfolio can make the difference between an animation interview and an animation job.

Once you've developed your animation style and decided upon which direction to take your animation career, start practicing. Find something that interests you and just keep creating. Before you know it, you'll be working in a rewarding animation job that you truly love.

About the Author

Debbie Wilson owns and operates a lakeside resort, managing all aspects of operations, including marketing and promotion. Her previous experience includes management and profitability consulting for a national healthcare company. In this capacity, she oversaw a five-state operation, utilizing her extensive knowledge of healthcare billing, A/R management, and human resources. Debbie holds a B.A. in Business Management with a minor in Physical Education.