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What do I do to become an animator?

I love to do art and make small little animations. I also love to entertain people or be able to make so one happy through my art. #art #animation

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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Iris,

Embarking on an Animator's Journey

Embarking on a journey to become an animator involves a series of steps to sharpen your skills and carve out a successful career in the animation industry. Here are some crucial steps you can undertake to kickstart your career as an animator:

1. Refine Your Artistic Skills: Begin by refining your artistic talents through constant practice and exploration. Master the basics of drawing, color theory, composition, and perspective. A solid understanding of these fundamentals will form a robust base for your animation career.

2. Learn Animation Techniques: Delve into various animation techniques such as traditional hand-drawn animation, 3D animation, stop motion, and computer-generated imagery (CGI). Get comfortable with industry-standard software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or Autodesk Maya.

3. Seek Formal Education: Contemplate enrolling in a structured educational program in animation or related fields like visual arts, graphic design, or digital media. A degree or certificate from a recognized institution can equip you with essential skills and knowledge, aiding your success in the industry.

4. Craft a Strong Portfolio: Assemble a portfolio that flaunts your best work, including character designs, storyboards, animations, and other relevant projects. An impressive portfolio is key to showcasing your skills and creativity to prospective employers or clients.

5. Acquire Practical Experience: Seize opportunities to acquire hands-on experience in the animation field through internships, freelance projects, or entry-level roles. Gaining real-world experience will help you polish your skills and forge valuable industry connections.

6. Stay Informed on Industry Trends: Keep abreast of the latest trends and technologies in the animation industry by participating in conferences, workshops, and networking events. Staying current with industry advancements will keep you competitive and innovative in your work.

7. Connect with Professionals: Form relationships with fellow animators, industry professionals, and potential clients through networking events, online forums, social media platforms, and professional organizations like ASIFA-Hollywood or SIGGRAPH.

8. Be Resilient and Patient: Building a career in animation requires time and commitment. Be ready to encounter challenges and setbacks along the way, but remain resilient in chasing your goals and perfecting your craft.

By adhering to these steps and persistently enhancing your skills and knowledge, you can strive towards becoming a successful animator who captivates and inspires others with your art.

Top 3 Credible Sources Used:

Animation Career Review: This source offers detailed information on various aspects of building a career in animation, including educational paths, job prospects, salary expectations, and industry trends.

The Animation Guild: As a professional organization for animators and other workers in the animation industry, The Animation Guild provides valuable resources, networking opportunities, and insights into the animation field.

Animation World Network (AWN): AWN is a premier online resource for news, information, and resources related to the animation industry, covering a broad spectrum of topics including animation techniques, industry trends, job opportunities, and interviews with industry professionals.

GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
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Brandon’s Answer

To be an animator you typically want to go to a school for animation. Other possible methods could be to do extensive research online, but normally that will cost time and money for equipment and sometimes in depth tutorials. One important thing to note about jobs is that you would also want to make a portfolio of your work, which is REALLY important in today's job markets. People don't want to hire anybody brand new, and a portfolio of your work is how people demonstrate their craft. There are many people that believe that you can go straight into the industry without any prior knowledge, but it takes a lot to go into any job market. I would actually priortize you making samples over going to school (assuming that school would not be an option) since you can show your prowess in your craft easier through examples. I wish you luck!
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Benjamin’s Answer

Hi Iris, I believe the best thing to do to become an animator is to build up your portfolio with animation work, and to do that you will have to learn a lot about the field of animation! To that end, I highly recommend animation mentor as an online school of choice going for an animation degree at a college is another viable option. If that's outside of your price range you can look into doing your own research online to which I highly recommend the following sources of information resources:
1. https://www.twitch.tv/prattbros
2. Agora: https://agora.community/
3. Sir Wade: https://www.youtube.com/user/SirWadeFX
4. I wanna be an animator: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR4oFFjKQKHj_fCOkBLH61w
5. Toniko Pantoja: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRTRqkhrehrY9hJJcLVUeRQ
I also highly recommend you go out online and find animation communities to join since getting feedback on your work is crucial to improving as an animator!
Suggested Discord group: Animator's Guild (2D centered): https://discord.gg/KzjHbCnZ
Good Luck!
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