Animation is a great way an artist can give life to their imagination, it lets you show the world how you actually see envision your story and characters. More than that, if you are successful in getting a high paying job at a 2D animation company then you are definitely living a life that many dreams of.
I found my 2d animation job over ZipRecruiter. After making a free account I was able to search for 2D animation jobs hiring in your remotely (and near me) using ZipRecruiter's job search engine.
You can see the latest 2d animation jobs paying $51K – $145K by clicking here.
However, if you are willing to pursue a career in animation have these pointers in your mind before you start sending out your resumes.
1. Have a plot
You may have a vivid imagination and right now the story that you might be visualizing seems great. However, in most cases that might not be the case. Usually, the story might lose its essence as soon as you start proceeding with your animation.
Therefore, it is recommended that you write your plot down and then proceed with your animation. In this way, you would have a clear story in front of you to proceed with and might save your animation and final work from various loopholes.
2. Start simple
To gain perfection it is better to start with the basics and only this way you can gain the experience and excellence. If you are looking to secure a place at a promising 2D animation company then make sure that you have your grounds covered.
Flying or jumping from heights may seem exciting while animating, however, creating them successfully requires a lot of skill. If you are planning some superheroes who are ready to take on the world then make sure you draw them in an old style.
Take out your pencil and sketch pad or use a drawing app like Procreate for Android, and start with the basic drawing having natural movements. This technique will help you understand the advanced movements. You would be able to use software and their features in a better way.
3. Write about your character
Where it’s important to have a clear story and plot to avoid loopholes, to get the essential editing done when required, and to have a clear and error-free storyline. It is also very important to know your character.
This can be done when you write about your character. Writing helps you in creating and imagining your character better. Creating their styles and look that will meet their description and role is quite important.
Moreover, while sketching and creating your character make them in various positions doing various acts to give them a consistent and proper look.
4. Start observing
For being a successful animator it is highly important to become a keen observer. If you are good at observing and look at everything in detail then only you will be able to gain the perfection with your animation.
2D animation company looks for the person who is able to create a content that reaches the heart of the audience. Shows like Snow White and Lion King gained such hype because their characters were made with great details.
Hence, when you draw, look for the smirk while making your character smile. While making them cry it should not only be the tears but the overall expression on the face that should be paid attention. Emotions in your animation can be best delivered through keen observation.
5. Plan and organize
Last but not at all the least is to be organized and planning ahead. Planning solves various problems in all sorts of jobs, but in animation, it helps you in avoiding error. As mentioned above that knowing your story is important so is planning each scene in order to frame your story in the right way.
Be clear about what you want to show first and what follows next, make notes to have a clear format and then proceed. Especially when you are in a job for a 2D animation company then it is important to have a proper timeline. This will not only help you in getting the work done but will also give you enough space to perform well.
How to Get a 2D Animation Job
When applying for a 2D animation job and looking at the requirements, it might seem overwhelming and make you feel like you cannot obtain it.
I was able to secure a 2D animation job and here is some career advice for young professionals that I wanted to share from the interview process to when you get the job.
2D animation interview process
My first piece of advice is that you do NOT have to meet all the requirements. Take a shot on applying for a job that you might not completely qualify for because they might just give you a chance.
My next three pieces of advice are related to interviews. Handshakes mean a lot more than you think. I once had an employer tell me to redo a handshake because it was too weak.
Little sixteen year old me did not think handshakes were all that important but the handshake is the very first impression.
My third piece of advice is when an interviewer asks “What is your weakness,” never say that your weakness is being a perfectionist. My dad told that being a perfectionist is not a weakness and that it is basically not answering their question. Instead, he lead me to my fourth piece of advice which was to recognize your real weakness and build them up to become strengths.
After the interview
Now we get into the after-interview process. If all goes well they will offer you the job, but my fifth piece of advice is that you do not have to accept the offer as it stands.
Yes, you applied for the 2d animation job which means you want it but if something seems off or you do not like what they have to say it is perfectly fine to decline.
My sixth piece of advice is to not just pick the job based on salary. There are way more important factors.
For example, McDonald's may not pay great but for someone young and just starting there are a lot of opportunities to move up. Many times the younger workers will become supervisors and managers which will help them in the future.
Once you get the job
My eighth piece of advice pertains to when you actually have a job. It is to never be afraid to ask for help. Nowadays people think asking for help makes them weak but it will actually end up helping you in the end. Asking for help means making fewer mistakes.
My ninth piece of advice is to always focus on your needs first. Finish what you have to do first before helping others. It’s the same rule when you are on an airplane, “ Always put your mask on first before a child's.”
Number ten is probably my favorite and it is to use rude customers as a learning experience. I have worked in a number of places where people like to be nasty to employees, but I grew from that because it made me realize that not everyone is going to be nice.
I learned to grow thicker skin. The eleventh piece of advice is to not look at your coworkers as competition, that is just going to mess with your mind.
Speaking of coworkers, when someone leaves the company it is very important to keep in contact with them. They could potentially help you network and reach your next career goal.
My twelfth piece of advice is that even when employed you can be on the search for a new job. New and better opportunities are out there even if you have to overcome procrastination and search for them.
On the topic of leaving, my thirteenth piece of advice is another one of my favorites. It is that leaving for mental health reasons is a totally acceptable reason for resigning.
If you are not feeling your best at a job then staying there is not going to help you.
My fourteenth piece of advice is very important for Millennials to understand. Be conscious of what you put on social media. Your boss, coworkers, and future employers can see what you post. You do not want to mess up an opportunity because of a stupid tweet. The final piece of advice is one that my dad stressed the most. It is to follow your dreams. Everything you do, you do to make yourself happy. You want to be able to go to work every day and not have it feel like work.
Where to Find 2d Animation Jobs
You can find 2d animation jobs on popular job boards like ZipRecruiter (my favorite), Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn and more.
In the end, before you start working make sure that you not only have the skills to get the job done but your competencies should be according to the demands and the needs of the industry. Have your vision clear in order to excel.
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