What Job in Animation....

[Nicktooney]

Well,I want to be an animator,but I don't know if I fit the description.

I'm only 14 now though.

I can draw,not no extrodinary or really good stuff though.
I'm extremly good with working the computer and technolgy.
I love cartoons.
I love writing stories and making things up,etc.
I love being in charge of how it looks,feel,etc.

What job in animation would be for me?

[Dee]

Well the funny thing is--- getting a job. We recently had a thread about this. You need to have production experience to get a job.

You may be a generalist--- as in you like to work on various aspects. I would suggest furthering your education and focusing in one of the technical aspects. You may find something you really want to work on.

[Wonderwall]

Dude you're only 14. Im not saying don't think about you're future or anything like that, but Im 18 going on 19 and I'll be starting school and learning animation in 3 weeks. The main thing you have to know is keep drawing, you'll get better, and experiment with things. And if you like working on the comp, do that too. Whatever youre talent is, just keep doing it and you'll grow as an artist and eventually you'll look back on you're old work and hate it or see all the flaws like I do:D

[Dee]

yesiree--- draw EVERYTHING you see. People, animals, plants. I used to enjoy going to the mall food court to draw.

Some people gave me weird looks though.

[Uncle_Lina]

I've been drawing Looney Tunes characters like Bugs and Daffy Duck since I was 6 years old, never give up!
If you really wan't to work in animation try and pass Art and Design or Computing, you will probably need them for the job.

PS: I'm sick of people criticising people about there age, the guy's just curious about animation, i honestly don't even care if he's 80 or 8.

[Wonderwall]

I've been drawing Looney Tunes characters like Bugs and Daffy Duck since I was 6 years old, never give up!
If you really wan't to work in animation try and pass Art and Design or Computing, you will probably need them for the job.

PS: I'm sick of people criticising people about there age, the guy's just curious about animation, i honestly don't even care if he's 80 or 8.

Did I ever criticise him for his age? No I didn't. I was just telling him he has lots of time before he starts worrying about what his job in the animation field is.

[Jex]

I'm 14. I'm thinking of jumping into the cartoon business as well.

[Simon Trent]

Personally, I'd work for the guy who brings the doughnuts to the big-time executive animation director. That way, you can get used to the world of animation, giving you the experience needed to pursue an actual career in the field.

Also, when it comes time to fill out my resume, you can put whatever you want there. "Simon Trent -- Chief Secretary to the Executive Pastry Administrator, Department 14."

[Ickis]

When I'm older I'll probably jump in to the animation industry, and hopfully loosen up censors so I can have guns, tobacco products, and alcohol. Why? Because my cartoon will take place in modern times and what is a realistic setting in the world of today without guns or any of that? Currently I just draw sketches and comics ocaisionally and hopfully I'll get a job publishing some comics. My old comics I drew when I was younger are crude and they stink, atleast they serve as ideas and plots that I can re-arrange.

[I.R Joey]

Well,I want to be an animator,but I don't know if I fit the description.

I'm only 14 now though.

I can draw,not no extrodinary or really good stuff though.
I'm extremly good with working the computer and technolgy.
I love cartoons.
I love writing stories and making things up,etc.
I love being in charge of how it looks,feel,etc.

What job in animation would be for me?

Here are some suggestions that you can take or leave depending on how you feel.

1.You're not to young to learn. If you can find any classes/workshops at a local college or school then you should go for it. And make sure to practice drawing even when you're not in class (preferably things real people/animals/things from life and not just cartoons).

2.You could invest money in computer programs like Flash, After Effects, Maya, or Lightwave (or again you could take a class if you want). They're used in the cartoon industry.

3. You're already on the right track there, passion shows through when you're doing a job you like.

4. Just practice writing stuff down, maybe describing scenes or story ideas you have in your head. Reading alot of things might also help you grow in your writing. Also check out books on screenwriting if you want.

5. Visually that falls under the umbrella of several diffrent people. The art director decides how the show generally looks. The charecter designer of course decides how the charecters look, and the storyboard artist/directors make compasitional choices about how scenes are going to play on screen visually. Of course some people dabble in all of those things, but I might help if you were more specific.

Just look into finding out info about cartoons where you can find it.

If you want to check out some books I'd recommend The Illusion of life by Thomas and Johnson, The Animators survival kit, and Cartoon animation by Preston Blair. I can personally attest to all of those books being a good source of technical knowledge.

Forums like this one, AWN, Animation Nation, and several others could be very helpful in finding out equally valuable informal knowledge.

[Dee]

You guys gotta remember that it's not something you can just hop into. It takes a lot of work and dedication. Even with an education, unfortunately jobs aren't growing on trees.

If they did--- that would be one weird tree. :D

[GoofyGopher121]

I wish to be a director... of Looney Tunes.

They hired Larry Doyle for God's sake, so they should just hire me right away, with or without "experience." If there was any justice in the world they would anyway...

I'm a talented writer, so maybe in the future when WB isn't so pigheaded I could apply.

[Nicktooney]

Here are some suggestions that you can take or leave depending on how you feel.

1.You're not to young to learn. If you can find any classes/workshops at a local college or school then you should go for it. And make sure to practice drawing even when you're not in class (preferably things real people/animals/things from life and not just cartoons).

2.You could invest money in computer programs like Flash, After Effects, Maya, or Lightwave (or again you could take a class if you want). They're used in the cartoon industry.

3. You're already on the right track there, passion shows through when you're doing a job you like.

4. Just practice writing stuff down, maybe describing scenes or story ideas you have in your head. Reading alot of things might also help you grow in your writing. Also check out books on screenwriting if you want.

5. Visually that falls under the umbrella of several diffrent people. The art director decides how the show generally looks. The charecter designer of course decides how the charecters look, and the storyboard artist/directors make compasitional choices about how scenes are going to play on screen visually. Of course some people dabble in all of those things, but I might help if you were more specific.

Just look into finding out info about cartoons where you can find it.

If you want to check out some books I'd recommend The Illusion of life by Thomas and Johnson, The Animators survival kit, and Cartoon animation by Preston Blair. I can personally attest to all of those books being a good source of technical knowledge.

Forums like this one, AWN, Animation Nation, and several others could be very helpful in finding out equally valuable informal knowledge.

My favorite thing is writing what will happen next and how it would happen.
But,I really want to,let's say someone gives me a picture I'll make it 3D,etc.So..that's a..if ther job exist...

[Golgo13]

I wish to be a director... of Looney Tunes.

They hired Larry Doyle for God's sake, so they should just hire me right away, with or without "experience." If there was any justice in the world they would anyway...

I'm a talented writer, so maybe in the future when WB isn't so pigheaded I could apply.

First of all, it takes a loooooooooooooong road to become a director, but you can get your foot in the door through one of the most important rules in the animation industry: Know everyone.

A writer may be an easy road to take as I've heard John K state a few times that if you were working on a cartoon and you could absolutely not draw, you were a writer.

[remnant]

To be an animator you need to be able to work:

Long hours. Animating isn't fun. Drawing the same thing over and over is what a lot of it will be.
Take classes in: Art,(duh) computers, writing( Know how to write a script), SToryboarding( God you will need this. The stae of the indusrty is leaning to that storyboarding is the new entry job and not inbetweening. This is only making it harder to break into the industry ) Nude drawing( Seriously. Learn the male and especially the female body)

As far as art skill goes that's a tricky question. The thing about Animation is that's it's not subjective. Unlike say paintings which people will argue about whether or not it's bad. bad animation is...bad animation. AN animator needs to know how to show emotion and intelligence in their character. That gives them life. The way they move,act,respond and talk leads into that. (Tip: Eyebrows can convey a lot of simple emotions. I often use the eyebrows and eyes to determine how the rest of the face will look)

Draw. Art is not a talent. Talent is not even a real word. Talent is a word that was created by rich noble people hundreds of years ago to explain why their family should have been taught the arts, be educated,etc.. while the rest of the world goes dumb. If you want to draw better, draw. Read some books, take some classes, go to some seminars and conventions and just get better at drawing. You must get better at drawing.

Most importantly start animating now. It's never to early and your work is never to bad to turn into a animation. I suggest using a program like Flash since it's so simple and so powerful.

[I.R Joey]

First of all, it takes a loooooooooooooong road to become a director, but you can get your foot in the door through one of the most important rules in the animation industry: Know everyone.

A writer may be an easy road to take as I've heard John K state a few times that if you were working on a cartoon and you could absolutely not draw, you were a writer.

Yeah sometimes one suspects that who you know trumps everything. So yes, networking is important.

[GoofyGopher121]

First of all, it takes a loooooooooooooong road to become a director, but you can get your foot in the door through one of the most important rules in the animation industry: Know everyone. Indeed. That's how Larry Doyle got the job, even though he has next to no knowledge of the Looney Tunes.


A writer may be an easy road to take as I've heard John K state a few times that if you were working on a cartoon and you could absolutely not draw, you were a writer. It takes a bit of skill to be a writer, but not too much. Especially if you have something easy like Roadrunner and Coyote.
You just have to know where your limits are.


Actually, it really shouldn't be that hard to land a job as creator of a series, since the latest trend for corporate executives seems to be taking any piece of junk they can - i.e. Johnny Test or Coconut Fred.

[Stoopid]

Well,I want to be an animator,but I don't know if I fit the description.

I'm only 14 now though.

I can draw,not no extrodinary or really good stuff though.
I'm extremly good with working the computer and technolgy.
I love cartoons.
I love writing stories and making things up,etc.
I love being in charge of how it looks,feel,etc.

What job in animation would be for me?

You should try to make your own films, this will give you a feel for what area you really enjoy.

A lot of animation gods started when they were around your age. Brad Bird, Nick Park. Look at them now!

I started animating when I was 13, because I ate, drank and slept cartoons! I kept at it and today I make a pretty good living from it (check out my companies website www.greykid.com (http://www.greykid.com))

The thing about any job in a creative field, especially animation, is this: ENJOY IT! you are going to be spending the rest of your life (hopefully) doing what makes you happy. How many people can say that about their job?

Animation is fun, its great! it may be frustrating at times but believe me, when you finally finish your shot/sequence and you see it working on screen its one of the most gratifying things you'll ever feel (job relation wise).

You don't have to wait to be a director, you can be one now! Jump in and get your hands dirty!! Create, Create, CREATE!

Another thing, understand motion, this will be your greatest weapon. I've worked with some animators who have no idea of how things move. Understand motion and you'll understand animation.

I took up acting classes when I was younger, being able to physically take on the role of your character will help you bring out a better performance in your animation. Video tape yourself acting the character out then play it back, many times over, move frame by frame to see how your body works. Use the camera to film many things and then watch how they move too.

But above all, have the dedication and enthusiasm that you have now. Many people loose it as they grow older, always keep hold of it and make your dream a reality.

Animation is such a strong industry now, you can create a masterpiece in your own bedroom. Keep working at it, never give up, no matter what the obstical theres always a solution as long as you think creatively.

Hopefully we'll all see your animated films in the future!!!

[Ickis]

^ I would quote that but my post would look really long but well put, alot more specific than my post :D ^ I must say I'm getting the hang of Moho (which I suggest to those who'd like to use a computer) but I can't seem to fill in my character with color and I'm having trouble with his mouth movement. I could make some hand-drawn cartoons but I don't have the material's for it, I have no cel material or table so I'm stuck with making comics and I asked my mother to find someone who'd publish them and I don't think she ever even looked, so in other words I have some real good comics and stories I'd love to share but I'm limited by money, I'll practice working with Moho though. Sorry for being kind of off-topic but I just wanted to get my words all out of my system before I forget them.

[ThePeterNetwork]

Where were you guys when I was 14 (that would have been 18 years go for those keeping score)? This all seems like great advice for an up and comer like Nicktooney. I had my chance to try my hand at SVA in New York. I didn't qualify mostly because my family finances couldn't cover it. So what did I do? Waste four years at a CUNY college, and upon graduation, I had to go out and get a job, thus breaking all my dreams for a career in the arts.

Has that stopped me? Not quite. I took a class at MoCCA in comic book inking just to see if I could do it. The instructor said that I am good, but to be better, I would need to keep drawing. I would love to keep drawing, particularly sketching people I see. The problem is I have this thing about drawing in public. I would feel very conspicuous with a sketchbook in my hands with everyon who can see.

But don't get me wrong. I can still draw funny pictures and come up with some interesting ideas for cartoons. Unfortunately, with my job and my relax time, the time I could be devoting to my work is just not within the cards. Won't stop me.

[Dr. OneWay]

I'm 14 as well, but haven't set my mind on anything. I'm thinking of majoring in Journalism, because I love to write informational pieces, but of course, that could most definitely change in the next four years.

[NikD]

It takes a bit of skill to be a writer, but not too much. Especially if you have something easy like Roadrunner and Coyote.
You just have to know where your limits are.

Easy? EASY?! Do you know how hard it is to keep gags fresh, funny and okay'ed by S& P?! Believe me - it takes more that a "bit of skill".

Good luck in your endeavors, but the corollary to "know everyone" is "tick off nobody" - and you never know who is listening - at a party, in line behind you, or on a message board.

[Wanted]

Animation sounds like a lot of hard work... and, that's why I'm leaning towards learning and mastering graphic design (to get into the "commercial and industrial" sector). Though, it doesn't seem like I'm succeeding there (in the "mastering" part), yet, either.

[Stoopid]

Where were you guys when I was 14 (that would have been 18 years go for those keeping score)?
It was around 18 years for me also!

It's hard to keep these things going past a certain age! I couldn't go to art college (although I wanted to) I had to get a job, but through that I was able to buy my first camera and teach myself animation. I never really wanted to do anything else.


I would love to keep drawing, particularly sketching people I see. The problem is I have this thing about drawing in public. I would feel very conspicuous with a sketchbook in my hands with everyon who can see.
As far as sketching in public, don't worry about anyone else. 9 times out of 10 most people can't do a fraction of what you may be able to do. Sketching in public, after the initial nervousness, will build your confidence. I never sketched or painted in public, it was very hard to start but I found that when I really focused and got into what I was doing I seemed to forget everything else around me. Just be brave and enjoy the moment!

[Stoopid]

Animation sounds like a lot of hard work... and, that's why I'm leaning towards learning and mastering graphic design (to get into the "commercial and industrial" sector). Though, it doesn't seem like I'm succeeding there (in the "mastering" part), yet, either.

I think any job where you are ofrced to use your creativity and imagination is hard work. As long as you understand your craft you have a head start.

I know a lot of graphic designers that dabble in animation. I must say that I think Graphic Design is a very hard subject to master. So many things to take into consideration where as, for me, animation is 'just make it move!' (obviously its a little more complex than that!!)

[Stoopid]

I could make some hand-drawn cartoons but I don't have the material's for it, I have no cel material or table so I'm stuck with making comics and I asked my mother to find someone who'd publish them and I don't think she ever even looked, so in other words I have some real good comics and stories I'd love to share but I'm limited by money.

Ahhhh Bill! You don't really need cel these days. Moho is a great program, concentrate on that. Being able to animate is a good skill but story telling skills are more important to start with. Keep writing and banging on doors! You'll get there!!!

I'll email you with some tips for Moho.

S

[Wanted]

I know a lot of graphic designers that dabble in animation. I must say that I think Graphic Design is a very hard subject to master. So many things to take into consideration where as, for me, animation is 'just make it move!' (obviously its a little more complex than that!!)I've also dabbled in animation, then using Flash and now using Moho (which is pretty similar). Once you get the hang of it, it's all pretty simple, I understand. But, it's all in perception. To me, graphic design is just "toss a few colors, images and fonts together; make it look good!" (but, it is also more difficult, and I haven't even scratched the surface).

But, if I ever do get to do any real animation work as a professional (which shouldn't be happening for at least a decade), that'd be great.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k257/dessinateur/Graphic%20Design/beta-ToonZoneMember2.png

[Stoopid]

I've also dabbled in animation, then using Flash and now using Moho (which is pretty similar). Once you get the hang of it, it's all pretty simple, I understand. But, it's all in perception. To me, graphic design is just "toss a few colors, images and fonts together; make it look good!" (but, it is also more difficult, and I haven't even scratched the surface).

But, if I ever do get to do any real animation work as a professional (which shouldn't be happening for at least a decade), that'd be great.

Moho is the software that we use in my studio. We are producing a feature at the moment and have another starting by the fall. It's an amazing piece of software, so simple to use.

If a person can be paid to do anything that makes them happy is a real bonus, though I've had some clients that have made me question my sanity at times!

I've done a lot of design work in the past (mainly web and print) and sometimes dabble now but animation takes up my time. My favourite part of the process is compositing. Its where it really comes together, it also allows you to experiment with many different things.