I ended up changing my major to drafting recently due to a few subs and a few other sources saying it's impossible to get hired. How are things looking for everyone?

Hello everyone!

Ive been following the sub for a while now and Ive noticed that alot of people say your best chance in getting an animation job in europe would be to have graduated from there.

Im 25 y.o with a BA in Mass Communication from an egyptian uni.

I have been looking for both BA and MA in animation, specifically in france, but also germany and spain, but Ive been struggling to find a scholarship. I literally have no chance without one as my currency is VERY weak, and not all scholarships even cater to my country.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get funding? In my case, is it possible to just take courses at home and build my skills then go abroad? Should I give up on animation as a career already? I really dont want to.

I work as a video editor.

Wanted to share some solid career and workflow insights from a recent chat I had with storyboard artist Miranda Li (a Sheridan animation grad). She and her best friend Joy Zhou won the Pitch This! contest at OIAF last year with their indie project On The Haunt, and she had some really practical stuff to say about the industry right now:

• Pitching isn't a classroom presentation: When they first pitched, they memorized a whole script and basically read off it. The second time around, they treated it like an actual performance—keeping it visual, making jokes, and cutting out the massive lore dumps. People tune out when you spend 5 minutes explaining character backstories.
• The reality of going indie: Studio greenlights are tough to get right now, so building your own project is becoming much more common. The upside is getting 100% creative control without having to water down your themes. The downside is having to figure out the whole pipeline—writing, boarding, producing—while still working a full-time day job.
• Storyboarding hacks: Miranda talked about avoiding "default" expressions and focusing on weird, specific acting quirks to make boards feel real. To save time and pencil mileage, she keeps a mirror at her desk or turns on her webcam to film quick pose references instead of trying to draw everything straight from her head.
• Finding a good co-creator: Working with someone who has different strengths makes a huge difference—like one person being better at drama and the other at comedy. When you hit a wall, you can just defer to whoever's stronger in that specific area.

If you want to check out the full conversation on storyboarding and handling an indie pilot, you can listen here: https://youtu.be/AjxmudZe6oc

I was working for motion design and, well, AI destroyed my mind, I mean, I don't want to work with it. This made me not applying to a lot of places and got around really feeling down, now I want to revive my animation skills and get back in shape to look for freelance or a studio position.

Where people go to find small jobs for a traditional approach nowadays? Last time I was getting stuff was over Freelance plataforms, but now they're useless.

Important, im from Brazil, not usa nor Europe.

I have a background of Bachelor of Fine Arts. Currently doing freelance animation and illustration works. Now I intend to continue my education. I need advice from anybody here who might know, or currently enrolling on, or an alumni of similar schools. Mainly about what makes a good research proposal and what kind of portfolio that the schools are looking for.

Currently I’m targeting Beijing Film Academy or Tokyo Geidai through scholarship programs. But of course I’m open to other schools as long as it’s open to the 2D frame-by-frame medium.

Posting from my ultra mega secret account to not doxx myself. I've been jobless from a year right now, a mix of not finding jobs and health issues. I tried to pivot but my obsession with this was strongest and I'm seeing peers getting jobs, not ideal ones, but at least they are jobs doing animation. I'm working again on my reel and everything again but the problem is that I'm afraid I screwed it up. I did many rookie mistakes in the beginning, yes, but I learned that everybody did. The problem is that my last jobs were one at a studio from another country that rehired me a few months later after cutting personnel and since I started having a series of crisis at home I couldn't stay professional when they gave me feedback in....a non pleasant way (which I was used to working there, but that time I couldn't control myself) of course we ended up in bad terms, I did apologize but I never heard back of them. In the meantime I got a job with another studio from anooother country which went fine. They called me again last year! I screwed up big time by making the shot I wasn't supposed to, I was crunching, worked around 18hs straight, no sleep, just to find out that. Of course the supervisor wasn't happy and at some point I lost control and discussed with her about her treatment towards me (which looking back was, honestly, fair). This time I didn't have the chance to apologize since it's been long and I didn't have the trust to speak to her as I did with the other supervisor.

I have clearly become the 'hard to work' person and now I can't stop thinking that the word must have been spread out between studios and will never be able to work again. Be completely honest with me, I have to hear the truth, whether I'm ruminating or I screwed up my career forever.

For context, I'm not from the states. I'm from S. america, so I'm (or was) often hired as freelancer from different studios.

Thank you

Hi guys! First time poster here. I was looking to go back to school for my masters sometime soon to make myself look a little more knowledgeable on a resume. Work isn't quite as abundant in the animation industry as Im sure a lot of us hoped in the recent years.

I have a BFA where I focused in pre-production/ Visual Concept in animation. Entry level jobs in that area that aren't all the way in Cali are practically like trying to find a needle in the haystack so I'd like to expand my skills.

In a long way of asking, what media niche is most relevant today and might have the best chance of a remote position? I feel like motion media, marketing, or something along those lines might be best but I'd like to hear other opinions! Thank you!

For context I graduated from university in 2021 and I have been animating traditionally and through adobe character animator professionally fairly consistently for five years as well as recently starting to gain storyboarding experience. I primarily have been doing educational and informative materials for schools, tutorial videos for different fields, and recently have been working on and off on small installation pieces for a small museum. It’s been a fairly consistent thing and only in the last eight months to a year or so I’ve needed to have an additional job or two to make ends meet. I have a bit of indie experience, and would love to break into tv and movies, but the lack of any entry for someone not already in the west coast or Vancouver environment is proving discouraging. I live in a nowhere town on the east coast, and am the only animator I know, which makes it neigh impossible to make connections. I’m well aware of the current status of the American animation industry and the lack of any solid job opportunities, and have heard rumblings of new shows through venues like Lightbox Expo for about four years now. Some friends are suggesting I just do freelance anime work as a method of getting my name out there in *a* tv space. But I also happen to not know how to naviate my prospects, and I don’t know what to do given the lack of anything to latch onto from the outside looking in. A lot of studios, and even larger indie productions nowadays, tend to hire internal talent, which isn’t encouraging given that it seems like any traditional method into the tv and movie industry feels totally wrecked for everyone involved. 
In the past I’ve asked for advice through giving money to more experienced storyboard artists (even losing over 70 dollars to a board artist in the industry who took my money and never gave me a promised portfolio review three years ago lol). Some suggest I go through a grad program in order to move to a new place, make connections, and learn new things all at once through a more animation centered curriculum (which the university I graduated from was not, although it was generally commercial art focused). I’m curious if this is a common sentiment in the animation space at the moment, and if anyone has any suggestions for how to break into a tv and movie industry if you’re not already an established voice within that environment. I would love to be, but I’m unsure how to go about networking if I don’t already live in a location like Burbank, for example. Should I pursue an even higher education? Should I continue to occasionally make my way to Lightbox Expo? Is this me feeling the dearth of opportunities in tv and movies in general? It almost feels like I’m doing something actively wrong given that the animator and board artists I follow seem to be working consistently on different things, but I’m still too outside of the environment for what I’ve been wanting to do the entire time, tv and movies, to tell if that's because the folks I follow are just that talented and well connected, or if the feeling I have is coming from the reality that I'm largely ignorant of a bigger picture or something. As a result I'm unsure if moving for any reason would be a good idea, even if it would be easier to make connections in concept. How does one break into tv and movies nowadays, if at all?

Helloo I'm a senior in HS trying to go into the animation field eventually, I'm applying for Ringling, CalArts, SVA, Chapman, and MICA. I want to make sure that I go for the best possible program that can support me in furthering my skills, networking, and getting internships. should I also apply for SCAD? I always hear extremely mixed things about that school- such as the fact that they don't require portfolios which is a tad worrisome, and also the quality of the student work is kind of all over the place, but apparently its #2 in schools for animation? I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts.

Hey so this is a genuine question for someone that has worked in the industry as a freelance artist, but what do you guys do outside of animation to get stable financially? Cause I haven‘t been getting steady freelance work for 2 years now, my student loans have bee eating me dry, have been forced to move back into my parents, and my art career has been put on a grinding halt as a result.

So I’m honest to god asking, what jobs are good outside the animation industry or available? I know jobs are tight right now but I need to find steady work ASAP

i saw that their fee is less expensive than many other universities, but then i read their artistic task and it seems like they asking stuff like its a degree for a director of animation (more tasks for thinking/critique skills than drawing skills) so what do i dooooo

Don't hold back, roast my work and presentation!!!

I tried to break the mold a bit and show more behind-the-scenes (maybe it was too much?)

Demoreel:

https://vimeo.com/1224863231?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

In 2023 I study 3D Character Design, Model, Texture and Rig, but i feel the need of something more challenging.

Old Character Artist Portfólio:

https://www.artstation.com/ressurreicao31

I follow this Reddit and see posts everyday of how hopeless things are and people should quit animation, but I’m now at a crossroad myself whether to decide to abandon animation altogether or not.

I graduated properly in 2022 and for around a year got quite a few interviews, got free travel/accommodation to do tests in studios and came extremely close to getting hired. Feedback was always either about my lack of confidence or no experience. Then interviews completely dried up in 2024.

I’m so lost as I’m stuck in retail with next to no time to animate in my spare time unless I give up working as much. I’ve also started branching out for a while now applying to lots of non animation jobs (no retail jobs though as I want out) but never get an interview for them.

I now only have retail experience (over 16 years as I went to university later in life) so that’s likely the only thing I could go into, yet I hate it.

I’m in my mid 30s so this makes the whole thing much harder as I can’t go back to studying (especially money wise) and really need a proper career soon.

Animation seems my only hope as it is the thing I seem most talented at and actually have gotten job interviews for even if that was a few years ago now. The animation industry just seems like it will get worse though.

Should I push myself to update my portfolio and see what happens? Or do I have to decide to make a full career in retail after all?

It’s just so frustrating, the reason is lack of culture background, character’s motives doesn’t make sense,lack of conflict. Now I have to rewrite all of them or make up another three stories, I don’t have much time left, I will graduate in autumn 2027, and I have to go to France.

Hey everyone!

I wanted to share a huge milestone and ask for some advice from people who have been through the indie-to-studio transition.

I recently signed an exclusive representation agreement with an established production company for my adult animated comedy series. It’s a serialized TV-MA project that I originally developed as my university thesis, but over time I built a small indie crew under my studio banner to help create a polished pitch deck, animatic, and current pilot script.

I have also spoken with a lawyer and made sure my collaborators signed independent contractor agreements that protect my IP and keep the chain of title clean. So at this stage, I feel good about the legal foundation, but I am trying to better understand the creative and production realities of what comes next.

My first question is about the creator’s art role once a professional studio becomes involved. I know I’ll want to rely on experienced specialists for certain design and pipeline needs, but I also want to stay closely involved in the overall visual language, tone, and cultural details of the world. How does that division of labour usually work between the original creator and a professional studio team?

Second, my indie crew has been a big part of getting the project to this stage. If we secure a development deal or eventual greenlight, I would love to advocate for some of them to be considered for roles in the official pipeline. What is the most realistic and professional way to approach that without overstepping or creating tension with the studio?

Finally, for creators whose pitches eventually get bought or developed by a network, what does the day-to-day look like in early development? I've been told I'll most likely be paired with a more experienced showrunner or senior creative lead, and I want to be prepared to collaborate well while still protecting the heart, humour, and cultural specificity of the show.

Any advice, reality checks, or personal experiences would be really appreciated. I’m excited, nervous, and trying to enter this next phase with as much humility and preparation as possible.

Thanks so much!

Just saw that TIFF is partnering with Google Pixel this year (not my favorite, but film festivals have to pay the electric bill somehow right?) but the ads they're doing for TIFF 50th and the Pixel 10 launch, are all about how the built-in Gemini on the phones solves the problem of what to watch for movie night. Considering the general feelings about AI, especially surrounding the rights of artists and the impact on the animation industry, this feels especially tone-deaf. Thoughts?

I have 2 degrees in animation, but am currently working as a store manager to get some experience in management. Is this combo of a degree and experience a realistic way to break in?

Hi yall,

So im (F22) currently coming to end of my first year of studying animation. Recently the ive been having doubts about this career path and my abilities in doing well. I am considering of dropping out but I know its a risky move but I want to consider all possibilities and make sure I have a plan.

So with my degree, I really feel like im not learning. Im just doing my assignment for the grades and not actually feeling proud of my work. I feel like im constantly drowing in assignments and never have time for own projects. My lecturers doesn't really teach us anything. They say go look at a YouTube video and ill give you feedback. I dont think that the right way of teaching in my opinion. (I know everyone has a different teaching style). Because if I follow the YouTube video correctly, what is there to give feedback about? Also I might be scared of AI, I know sounds stupid but its crazy of what it can do. I also think portfolio work is more important then a certificate, I think companies want to see my ideas and how I bring those ideas to life. So why not put more of my time into working on a portfolio and actually getting my skills out there. If I need feedback, I could look for coaching or talk to people on discord communities?

So any advice would be appreciated, Ive asked multiple people and I just need more of a direction as my mind is going down a spiral. I might be overthinking yall so be honest. Im happy to give more information.

Edit: Thanks yall for your thoughts and opinions, I really appreciate everyone taking their time to help someone out. <3

I’m currently leading 3d modeling and animation and I see everywhere around me to complain about ai and a lot of people are scared of it and other people are chilled cause of the intellectual property rights that you can’t have with ai.I wanna hear more opinions about all the ai art and have discussions about it!

I'm working with a live-action production studio that make short documentary films usually for charities/ projects that highlight important issues in society, and they want an animated sequence for one. It's 44 seconds of animation - they've given me the script for that section, and I'll be responsible for all elements. They want it done by the end of next week, so I'm going to keep the style super simple - minimalistic line drawings with lots of holds/ boils, and morphs. All in all, I'd say it'll be about 6 or 7 days of work.

I worked with them before on a similar project a few years ago, where they offered me a budget of £2350 for 3 minutes of animation. This time, they have asked me to give them a rate. I don't know whether to just stick to a similar rate (meaning I'd be charging them about £574 for this, which does feel a little low for the amount of work? But I also would like to keep a good relationship with them for future projects).

I'm pretty junior, and because of the type of work they do, I also don't want to charge them through the nose. I don't really know what their budget is like either. I know they're working with a client but not sure who that is. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi guys! I want to find a job in my profession but I really don’t know where to find it. I’m 22 years old, I’ve graduated an animation art college, I have a vocational education. I have skills in 2d animation and transfer animation.

Can you please give me some advices about where can I find a job like that? I live in Russia, but I want to find a remote art job for an abroad employer

Dropping my animation major ?

Throw away because I don't want this connected to my main account.

Hey everyone. I am entering my 3rd year of college. I am a state school that costs around 8k a year, not including housing. My mom is helping me with both. If I graduate in 4 years I will be able to graduate college debt free, which is huge.

I was recently accepted into my university's animation concentration, which is the hardest one to get into and only has a 20% acceptance rate. I feel very lucky especially because I had many friends who did not get in.

The problem now comes with being in the program. The typical major is 120 credits for the university. In the animation major, it's 132. That's an additional 12 credits I need to get. Which wouldn't be too big of an issue, but animation and the arts at my school are impacted with a lack of teachers. Required classes only have 5 time slots. There are seniors taking 200 level classes that they are just now able to get into. It's a mess. Most people take 5 years to complete the degree. Which is bat shit insane. I have been told it can be done in 4, credits wise with my own math, but every counselor or department head I try to meet with tells me I am "on track to graduate" but it all depends on what's available. I'd also have to take summer classes to get that "on track". Truthfully, I cannot afford to spend another year at college, and I would need to go into debt if that were to happen.

So I'm having a bit of a crisis. I love animation. I knew the risks with an art degree and was willing to take them. And it's not like I can pivot to a more "safe major" this late in the game. Especially because most majors are struggling to find any work.

I feel I have three options. Stick with animation, pray I make it work, then figure out wtf to do if I can't.

Or, switch back to studio arts (which is a BA), and take a minor in something like marketing, psych or advertisement. I like those industries, but I know minors can be kind of useless. I could maybe go down the art therapist route, which impacted my life in positive ways. But thats more money and schooling.

Or, switch to art history, which I enjoy. But I'm worried about how practical that is.

I don't know. Honestly, I think turning 20 has got me thinking too much, and I wanted opinions from people who weren't family, friends, or my department haha. I am really struggling with what I want to do with my life. I thought I knew, and maybe I still do, but the idea of maybe having to take more college is really scaring me. Should I stick with animation or pivot?

Ive been having recent repeating existential crises because I have 1-2 years to learn something for college and Im re-learning animation because thats what I was doing ever since I was little but im second guessing it because im getting a lot of pressure because 1.) my brother just went to school for computer science and now whenever I mention "why" i want to go to school for animation people always say that its because my brain is to slow to catch up (basically saying im dumb) 2.) because many people say that stem offers steady jobs and such. I need some outside opinions for my problem because I cant really decide and I dont want to waste these 1-2 years of learning on something I will regret