How I Got My First Job in 3D Animation

My first job in 3D animation was with Blue Sky Studios in New York. I was working in Los Angeles on "Looney Tunes - Back in Action" at the time, a great film, with the animation directed by the incredibly talented Eric Goldberg.  It was 2002, and I was learning a huge amount from Eric about snappy timing in animation, smear frames, and how to pull out in-betweens to achieve a "Warner Bros" look to the character animation.  But I was keenly aware that 2D animation was in decline, and that 3D was then the future.  I saw on the web that Blue Sky Studios was hiring, so I sent in my reel.

Sending a Reel

At the time, sending a reel meant exactly that - mailing a DVD to the HR Dept at the studio. You can see my old 2D animation reel (now at YouTube) below:

2D Animation Reel

 

It was a decent reel, showing a lot of experience on 2D feature films.  However, I had virtually no experience with 3D Animation. All I had was a couple of weeks of Maya training at Warner Bros in the late 90s, and then a few weeks at DreamWorks in 2001. None of it added up to much.  Blue Sky would be taking a big chance on me, and would have to train me on the new digital technology. 

Inside Help

In the end, what swung it for me was a vote from the inside. One of my colleagues at Dreamworks knew someone at Blue Sky, and they put in a good word. As so often happens in our industry, jobs go to someone who is already known by someone on the inside - or known by someone who knows someone on the inside. That way the studio isn't taking a chance on a completely unknown quantity.  In my case I was interviewed by pretty much the entire animation team at Blue Sky.  Ours is still a small industry, in which everyone knows everyone. And your reputation matters. 

"Robots" Animation Reel

Networking

This is why networking is so important in our industry. Most companies like to hire people who they feel comfortable with - and if someone on the inside can vouch for a newcomer, this can be a great advantage.  Events like Bring Your Own Animation can be hugely helpful in terms of meeting other animators in the industry. 

Jobs Resources at Animation Apprentice

Animators Need Mentors

We have many resources available at Animation Apprentice aimed at helping our students find work in the animation industry. To get started, see the blog posts below:

• Why Animators Need to Apply Widely
• How to Find The UK Animation Companies
• How do Graduates Find Work in the Animation Industry?
• Demo Reel Advice - at Skwigly
• Demo Reel Advice by Animal Logic
• Why Animators Need to be on LinkedIn
• Be the Rhino - Remember that Rejection is Normal
• Six Rules to Create a Great CV
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• How to Find an Animation Internship
• Blue Zoo Recruitment Tips
• Escape Studios' Free Industry Survival Guide
• Escape Studios Free Careers Guide
• Michael Morgan: "From the Classroom to the Studio"
• Why Animators Need their Own Blog or Website
• How to be a Freelance Animator
• 12 Rules to Find Work in the Animation Industry
• Pixar Advice for Graduates
• Why Animators Should Apply For Jobs Twice
• Job Interview Strategy with Kevin Richards
• Why Animators Should Attend "Bring Your Own Animation"
• Why Animators Should "Be The Rhino"
• How Do Animators Find a Mentor

To find out more about Animation Apprentice, click here for a link to Frequently Asked Questions. To sign up for our next classroom at Animation Apprentice, follow this link.