CREATING ANIMATION FOR FILM AND TELEVISION
Animation for film and television is created by teams of artists who work together to make new ideas come to life for audiences around the world. If you are interested in becoming such an animator, then there are some things you should consider and look into as you move forward with your career. You will likely want to receive some education, as there are certain aspects of animation that you should know and teaching yourself can often be quite difficult. Even if you already have extensive artistic skills, and perhaps even knowledge of animation techniques and the computer software programs used in the industry today, then you should still consider working with someone else such as a mentor to help guide your steps into the industry.
Animation is a highly competitive field, and finding a place for yourself within the industry can be quite difficult. This is where your education or experience can help set you apart from other potential candidates looking for employment as well. A number of different schools offer programs and classes in animation that can help you learn what you will need to know, and refine your own artistic abilities to help make you a stronger artist. If you wish to professionally create animation for film and television, however, you will have to stand out against dozens or hundreds of other candidates and find a way to appeal to a prospective employer. Having connections within the industry can often help you in this capacity, and being part of a mentor-extern program may give you an advantage over others looking to work in the industry.
A knowledgeable and experienced mentor who has worked within the animation industry can not only help you through critique and advice to make you a better artist, but can also provide you with the potential connections within the industry that can help you find a position as a professional animator. The sad truth is that there are far more people who want to be animators than there are positions for animators to work within the industry, especially as a great deal of animation work has been sent overseas for completion by animators in other countries. Having a mentor who can help give you an entrance into the industry and provide advice to avoid common pitfalls or mistakes as you start out, can be incredibly helpful for you. While creating animation for film and television can be a fun and lucrative career, having someone who can help you find a place for yourself within the industry can make the process significantly easier.
