Your Animation Portfolio - Because a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

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

Whether you're looking to land your first animation job or find a new one, a quality animation portfolio could be the deciding factor. Demand for new, talented animators is high, however, so is the competition. That's why your portfolio might be the single most important factor in your job search. Not only can it set you apart from your competitors, but it can also help you gain an animation interview and land an animation job. In order to present a quality animation portfolio to potential employers, first it is important to understand what your portfolio should contain, and secondly, how it should be presented.

Animation Portfolio Contents

When compiling your animation portfolio, you'll want to gather and develop short video sequences of your best work. These sequences may contain film, cartoon, website work, or whatever else represents your top-of-the-line material.

You can gather your animation work from your animation education, previous animation jobs, your current employer, or other volunteer and freelance work. Just remember that your goal is to absolutely impress your prospective employer, so anything short of your best work can become more of a hindrance than a help.

Animation Portfolio Presentation

When presenting your animation portfolio, you may be inclined to produce a 15-minute plus video reel. In one simple word, don't! The best animation reels are only about 3 minutes. This is because fierce competition has forced employers to watch countless reels, which mean producers don't have time to watch repetitive, lengthy material.

Additionally, ensure that your animation portfolio reel gets the credit you deserve by including your name and subject. You want potential employers to be sparked by what you've done and you want them to remember who you are.

Your portfolio is truly the greatest and most important asset you have to prove to potential employers what you're made of. In many cases, a quality animation portfolio will decide who gets an interview, an important step in gaining an animation job. So get started compiling your fabulous creations now. You never know when today's creative ideas might produce tomorrow's rising star.

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.