We were asked to do research on entry level jobs in the industry and note the skills they were looking for.
I went onto Glassdoor and found a listing for an animator at Moving Picture Company, which read as so:
So experience with software seems to be a big one, and flexibility of skills, judging by how they’d like the candidate to have some scripting knowledge.
Vero HR are looking a 3D animator:
Again knowledge of software, especially multiple software, is very valuable to companies. Adaptability seems to be a big one too.
Improbable are specifically looking a graduate animator to train in their studio:
I researched an animator called Victoria Pritchard, a Melbourne based artist and animator who has been working in the industry for 3 years. She attended RMIT University in Australia for Animation specifically and hold a Bachelor’s degree in the subject. Her first creative job was as a Social Media Designer for Australian Red Cross. Over time, she’s worked towards freelance animator work and working on temporary contracts, she’s partnered with big tech companies like Huion and Logitech to market creative products those companies are selling. She is also a Toon Boom Ambassador.
I found her showreel on Youtube
And her website has her portfolio, links to her LinkedIn and her showreel.
Her art journey definitely isn’t linear, she started off in a job that had very little animation and slowly worked her way up to the job she wanted. A lot of companies are looking for general experience creating content and it seems like as long as it’s generally connected to animation/vfx/games then it’ll suffice. Of course specific experience is preferred, but it isn’t a priority for a lot of mid-level placements.
I also looked at an artist who I admire, but she doesn’t work the role that I’m aspiring for. I wanted to include her because I found her resume and her animation work inspires me a lot. Her current job is as a layout artist at Yowza! Animation
Her name is Michelle Cheng, she’s a current student at Calarts, and holds a previous art degree from the Acadamy Of Realist Art Toronto. She worked as a director and producer on the short film ‘Enemy’, which ended up winning the Critic’s Choice Award at Overmountain Animation Film Festival.
Her website hosts her portfolio for animation, personal work and visual development
Michelle Cheng – HOME (weebly.com)
I also found her showreel on Youtube.
Her artistic journey also demonstrates a slow build to get towards the job you want. Entry level positions seem to be geared towards building experience in the industry in general, and then the artist can work towards their goal from there.