The world of animation is a fascinating and exciting one, full of creativity, imagination, and innovation. Now that the generation who grew up watching incredibly immersive 3D animated movies from Pixar, Disney, Dreamworks, and more, it isn’t surprising that Animation has become a popular specialization among incoming students taking multimedia arts courses in the Philippines.

If you are interested in studying animation in college, here is a quick guide to help you break into the industry:

Types of Jobs in the Industry

The animation industry is a broad and diverse field. As such, there are also many different roles and career paths available. Some of the more common jobs include:

1. Animator – Animators are the creative force behind animation projects. They use various techniques to bring characters and stories to life, including hand-drawn animation, computer-generated animation, and stop-motion animation.

2. Storyboard Artist – Storyboard artists create the visual roadmap for animation projects. They work closely with the director and other members of the creative team to develop the story, characters, and visuals.

3. Art Director – Art directors are responsible for overseeing the overall visual style and design of an animation project. They work closely with the director and other members of the creative team to ensure that the project has a cohesive and visually appealing style.

4. Character Designer – Character designers are responsible for creating the look and feel of the characters in an animation project. They work closely with the director and other members of the creative team to ensure that the characters are visually interesting and appealing.

Animation courses will provide you with the education you need to fulfill most roles in the industry. However, knowing which role you’d like to turn into a fulfilling career is a huge advantage at a young age. For example, if you know that you want to enter the industry as a character designer, you can focus on character design and development during your free time or take elective classes that tackle this side of the industry. Similarly, you can attempt to redesign existing characters as a way to beef up your portfolio well before you graduate.

How to Break into the Industry

Breaking into the animation industry requires hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck. However, there are a number of things you can do to bolster your chances before you enter the workforce. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Develop Your Skills – One of the most important things you can do to break into the animation industry is to develop your skills. Take classes, workshops, and online tutorials to learn as much as you can about animation techniques, software, and equipment.

2. Create a Portfolio – Your portfolio is your calling card in the animation industry. It should showcase your best work and demonstrate your range of skills. Make sure your portfolio is well-organized and easy to navigate.

3. Network with Professionals – Networking is a critical part of breaking into the animation industry. Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups to meet other animators, directors, and producers. Join online communities and forums to connect with other professionals in the field.

4. Apply for Internships – Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door in the animation industry. They provide valuable experience and allow you to make connections with industry professionals.

Remember: perseverance and a strong work ethic are key to making it in this industry, and with hard work and determination, you can turn your passion for animation into a fulfilling and rewarding career. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can take the first steps towards your dream animation career.