Animator's Journey

Your process will change over time. This episode we discuss the specifics of how it might and what to look out for.

In this week's episode of the Animators Journey Podcast, host Lucas Ridley interviews Indiana Wilson, a seasoned professional in the visual effects industry and former ILM talent manager. Indiana shares her unique career path from anthropology to VIP events, and eventually into the film industry. She discusses her experiences at ILM, offering valuable insights into the recruitment process, best practices for CVs and reels, and tips for acing animation job interviews. Ideal for aspiring animators and professionals looking to advance their careers, this episode is packed with practical advice and industry secrets. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 00:49 Early Career and Transition to Film Industry 02:57 Joining ILM and Talent Management Insights 04:26 CV and Application Tips 15:15 Interview Processes and Industry Insights 25:00 The Importance of Tone in Interviews 25:33 Handling Nervousness During Interviews 28:12 Interview Horror Stories 33:00 Basic Interview Tips and Etiquette 40:52 Asking the Right Questions in Interviews 45:47 Final Thoughts and Outro

Back to back layoffs last week spurred this episode.

Discover the tips I've learned over the past year from mentoring students, becoming a parent, managing time, and the pitfalls I see many students fall into on their Journey. Lean into what's working, avoid the mistakes of the past, let's make progress this year together. Mentored courses available: https://animatorsjourney.com

James started his 3rd career at age 40 in 3D animation. Discover the challenges and considerations he made when successfully switching careers and now working on his first feature film as a 3D animator next year. As mentioned in the podcast: Trainee program James went through: https://www.screenskills.com/ Demo Reel that got James into that program: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/496443097 Animator's Journey Beginner course: https://animatorsjourney.com/beginner-course/

Need ideas for the animator in your life or better yet... suggestions for other's to get you?I always hear I'm hard to buy for, so I put this list together if you ever hear that, some of these are affiliate links:Books:The Illusion of LifeThis is the most classic book for animators that covers the history of Disney animation and really all modern Western animation with anecdotes and stories of a bygone era.Game AnimWritten by my good friend and ex-Naughty Dog co-worker, Jonathan Cooper gives a great overview of all the aspects of game animation. It doesn't go super deep, so this is really for people who would be new to animating for games.Break Into The Animation IndustryHere's my book, which recently had a 5-star Amazon review:" Great book for teenagers looking to get into animation as a career!This was a gift for a teenager that is considering animation as a career. It was a HIT! " Gear:Logitech Vertical Mouse This is the mouse I use to keep a healthy wrist and proper ergonomics for the long hours I put in animating. I have started to like this more than a tablet, because to hold a tablet pen you have to keep your hand squeezed tighter than the open position of a full mouse like this one. My hand use to cramp with a tablet pen so I've moved to this mouse full time.Benq Monitor This is also the brand of monitor I use, it's what I bought when I just wanted to be done with comparing models and knew this was going to be a monitor that would be great quality, resolution, and last me a long time.Increase your RAM!One of the easiest home PC upgrades you can do is adding more RAM. It allows you to run bigger animation scenes and more programs at the same time. Installation is as easy as it gets for the non-technical, just open your desktop PC and plug it into the right place (there is probably also one or two screws to secure it.) I have had 64GB of RAM in my PC for the past 4 years and it keeps chugging!Headphones I've Owned for 13 years Bose Quiet Comfort 15! I prefer these over-ear wired noise-cancelling headphones for many reasons and these have lasted me since I was an animation student! You can also find them used on eBay for cheap! And then you can buy replacement over-ear cushions on Amazon so you get a fresh start on the used aspect. I've replaced the ear cushions every few years on mine. I like wired too because there are never any technical difficulties like you can get with Bluetooth not connecting. The cord is also replaceable. The replacement parts and the fact it takes a single AAA battery and doesn't have a built-in battery are how I've been able to keep these headphones going for so long. Here's a link to the replaceable ear pads if you buy the headphones off eBay you'll want to start fresh with these: earpadsCourse:Finally, for anyone who's starting out in animation and confused on how or where to start, they can get a clear path with me as a guide in my course:Animator's Journey Beginner.Happy Holidays!Lucas

This week we'll learn where should you start your animation journey. These are my top 10 animation exercises for beginners to start with and master. If you want to see examples of each of these, watch my YouTube video: https://youtu.be/qFLsNoiZts0

"First Job Jitters: What to Expect in Your Animation Career Debut" peels back the curtain on the anticipation and reality of entering the animation industry. We discuss the typical scenarios, surprises, and learning curves that green animators face as they step into their very first role. Listen in for candid advice, practical tips, and moral support to smooth out those first-job nerves and set the stage for a successful animation career.

Discover how James left his PhD behind to become a professional 3D animator. If you want to do the same, get started in the Beginner course at https://animatorsjourney.com/

In this quick episode I announce a new free rig I'm releasing on AnimatorsJourney.com you can download and start animating now! And I discuss what makes a rig appropriate for a beginner to use.

We tackle a pressing student question about the intricacies of launching an animation venture. We'll dive into the often-unspoken challenges that come with establishing a studio, from financial hurdles to industry competition. This episode offers an unfiltered look at the animation business, providing aspiring animators with the critical insights needed to make informed decisions about their entrepreneurial dreams.

This week I chatted with a 19-year-old during my webinar and I think they indicate a common misplaced focus the younger crowd tends to have. Let's discuss their questions and where the focus for someone around this age should really be!

Navigating career adjustments can be difficult. Here's my latest one and the factors at play, not just for me, but for anyone in the industry.

A student recently asked this question so I wanted to share my most recent thoughts on it as every week there's something new happening with A.I. Reply on Spotify with your own questions! Become a student at AnimatorsJourney.com

Explore the pivotal moment when Marvel's VFX artists chose to unionize, reshaping the dynamics of the industry. This episode delves into the motivations, challenges, and potential ripple effects of this significant decision. Join us for an insightful look into the evolving world of visual effects and the artists championing change.

In this episode of Animators Journey, host and industry veteran Lucas Ridley shares his top ten tips for creating an effective demo reel. With 12 years of animation experience and 6 years of teaching, Lucas dives into the common pitfalls that new animators face and offers practical advice to overcome them. From understanding scope creep, acknowledging your worst work, and not getting too attached to your shots, to the importance of mastering body mechanics and the need for practice and variety, he lays out a clear roadmap for success. He also emphasizes the importance of updating your reel as your skills evolve, and the value of showing finished pieces. Whether you are just starting or looking to advance your animation skills, this episode is packed full of useful insights. Learn more about Lucas's mentorship and courses at animatorsjourney.com and join him in this exciting journey towards becoming a better animator. Don't forget to subscribe and share these episodes to help others in their animator's journey!

In this episode, we delve into the technical requirements and best computer options for beginners eager to explore the dynamic field of 3D animation. Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge to make an informed decision and kickstart your animation journey with the right tools. I'll share my computer specs and how much it cost. We'll explore how to create an ergonomic workspace that marries comfort with efficiency. Discover the secrets behind my setup and gain insights to enhance your own animation journey.

Listen in on a real conversation with a student to uncover one of the biggest advantages you can give yourself when animating: taking a break. It's hard to do, and often when we need it the most, we're the worst at choosing the break over continuing to work.

This week's podcast is an excerpt from a student question during our Animator's Journey office hour to review work and answer student questions, this one a few topics but mostly are smears worth learning at the beginning of your animation journey? Are they a gimmick?

This week, we embark on an exploration with a trailblazing animator who has inspired me since the beginning of my own animation journey. As a co-founder of multiple studios and an accomplished artist in the world of commercial animation, his remarkable career trajectory is a testament to his talent. Join us as we unravel the story behind his current freelance career and glean invaluable insights to propel you forward on your own animation journey.

Discover the traits I've seen successful students employ after I've watched thousands of people go through my courses. Use these 5 strategies to advance your own animator's journey.

Kris Theorin has amassed 100k YouTube subscribers while winning Clinton Jones' (@pwnisher) animation competition and working with big clients like LEGO. We discover the journey it takes to create your own short films and get paid working with clients. Kris shares his insights into how he's been successful and we talk about some technical mumbo-jumbo as well as cautionary tales of biting off more than you can chew! (Don't do it.) Here is Kris' YouTube Channel if you want to see more of his work: https://www.youtube.com/@KrisET As always you can begin your animation journey at https://AnimatorsJourney.com

What are ways in which you can avoid *wink wink* becoming an animator. There are so many ways you can derail yourself, here are a few ways in case you need some ideas ;)

Listen to stop-motion animator and social media sensation Kevin Parry who has now over 1.7 million YouTube subscribers. He shares his journey from creating stop-motion films to achieving viral fame on social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram. We explore his creative process, discuss the challenges of working with stop-motion animation, and examine the secrets behind his online success.

In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked downsides of pursuing a career in 3D animation. From long hours and tight deadlines to creative constraints and job instability, we examine the challenges faced by industry professionals. I also offer insights and tips for navigating these difficulties, and discuss the pros and cons of pursuing a career in this exciting but demanding field.

Discover the journey Kevin took from studying engineering to now working on Avatar: The Way of Water at Weta and learn from his advice on working on groundbreaking movies from Avatar to the Life of Pi.

In this episode of your Animator's Journey podcast, you'll explore the strategies and tactics that will help you become your best as an animator while you're just beginning your journey. There are two specific concepts I share in this week's episode that greatly improved my own journey. I hope you enjoy!

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Brendan Body, a highly acclaimed animator who has brought countless creatures to life on the big screen. Brendan has worked on some of the biggest animated films of the past 2 decades, and in this episode, he shares his journey to becoming a master of creature animation. From his early days as an aspiring animator to his current role as a leading figure in the industry, Brendan offers insight into the process of creating believable and captivating creatures in animation. Whether you're an aspiring animator or simply a fan of animated films, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art and science of bringing creatures to life on screen.

Join me as I take you on my journey from the woods to the screen. I'll be sharing my personal story of how I went from a forestry graduate to becoming a professional animator, and the challenges I faced along the way. From overcoming debt and divorce to beating cancer, I'll be sharing the ups and downs of my journey and how I navigated them. So tune in and find out how I transformed my struggles into some of the moments I'm most grateful for in life and in my career.

It's important to set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals when pursuing a career in 3D animation. This can help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards your goals. This weeks episode we discuss how to prepare yourself to become a 3D animator in 2023. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator.

This episode's description was generated by AI: "In this episode, we explore the role of artificial intelligence in the world of animation. As AI technology continues to advance, many are wondering how it will impact the jobs of animators and artists. Will AI replace the need for human talent in the industry, or will it simply augment and enhance the work that animators do? We talk to experts in the field to get their thoughts on the future of AI in animation and the potential for job displacement. Tune in to get a better understanding of the potential consequences of AI in the world of animation and what it could mean for the future of the industry." Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator.

When I was in film school 11 years ago I was watching and learning from Delano's tutorials. So it's a real pleasure to introduce you to someone who's had a big impact on many people's lives in the animation industry and who has contributed to the learning landscape of animation. His credits include: previs for movies like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Ready Player One, and being a vfx artist and animator on shows like The Good Place, Legion, The Walking Dead, Arrow, among others. If you want to learn from Delano he's going to be teaching one of the 12 weeks of Animator's Journey Intermediate. He'll take you through the most useful and effective python knowledge to know as an animator to be production ready and versatile like himself. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to enroll in the Beginner program now to get ready for the Intermediate course.

This week I discuss the context behind a tweet I wrote that ended up receiving 10k likes in 48 hrs that was basically a joke about getting rejected for an animation job. We'll dive in deeper on what's behind the joke and how you can gain a greater perspective to deal with rejection in pursuing your career in animation. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator.

How to skip college and start working professionally at 19 years old in games as a 3D animator? Marvin Friedrich did it and we discuss how. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator. Here are the links Marvin shared with me after the interview that may be helpful: Viewmodel Vault by Haydn Cooper: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAF9LBnTePFnnCdvruhvkuw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSGkAgDbim0 How to create FPS animations in Blender by thriftydonut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV6XP-EDzw8 FPS animation subreddits: https://www.reddit.com/r/HighQualityReloads/ https://www.reddit.com/r/1stPersonAnimations/ First Person Animations Discord server: https://discord.gg/N88F2nhutn And finally Marvin's socials: https://www.youtube.com/@Ma_rv https://www.twitter.com/marv7009

I've seen frustrated new animators time and time again. They all have this one thing in common when I see their demo reel animations. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator.

From studying Mechanical Engineering in Bangalore, India to animating blockbuster characters for Dreamworks in California, discover the journey that Prashanth Cavale took to make his dreams his current reality. Here is one of his demo reels: https://vimeo.com/648370155 The breakdown of his Boss Baby 2 shot that we go over together will be available on the Digital Creator School YouTube channel HERE. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator.

Prospective animation students might feel overwhelmed with everything they think they need to learn. One common question from parents of budding animators and new animators starting out is: do I need to learn to code to become a 3D animator? The answer is no, but there's a lot more nuance to that no, and that's what we're covering this week on Animator's Journey. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator.

Is it too late for me? That's the question I hear from people of all ages from 18 to 65. Today we'll hear from Tom Engelhardt who switched careers at the age of 39 years old. He'll give his insight into his journey and advice to those who want to pursue animation. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator.

Ever wonder how someone got to 250k YouTube subscribers and animates their own projects just for YouTube as a full-time job? You're in luck! I speak with Jerome of the Blue Jerome YouTube channel all about his process and how he manages his projects. Here's a link to his YouTube channel. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator.

This week we hear from Jason Lei who left behind his successful software engineering job to become a 3D animator. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator.

Chris Iweanya is this week's guest to share his animator journey over the last 2 years of self-study until landing his first few jobs in the industry now working for a big game company. It's very rare you find someone who was able to almost completely do self-study on their own and make it to becoming a professional. Chris will share his insights into how he approached this challenge and how he achieved success. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator.

One of the first questions that comes to a new or aspiring 3D animator's mind is: "What software should I learn?" There's so many options available these days and conflicting opinions online depending where you look or who you listen to that it's hard to know what is a a good investment of your time to learn. In this week's episode I will demystify the whole process and you'll discover what software is the right one to learn and what in my experience supports this opinion. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator.

Join us for Part 2 of 3D animator Anna Petrovska's journey who was recently hired into her first 3D animator job and began her professional career after switching careers from a tech company. She has only been studying animation for 4 months and was doing so from a remote location in Ukraine during the war. Her story is inspiring and shows what's possible when you put your mind to learning and progressing your animation skills. If you want to enroll in the same program as Anna, visit Animator's Journey.

In our very first episode, we hear the story of Anna Petrovska who was recently hired into her first 3D animator job and began her professional career after switching careers from a tech company. She has only been studying animation for 4 months and was doing so from a remote location in Ukraine during the war. Her story is inspiring and shows what's possible when you put your mind to learning and progressing your animation skills. If you want to enroll in the same program as Anna, visit Animator's Journey. Stay tuned for Part 2 as well. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator.

Thanks for listening to this brand new podcast about transforming into a 3D animator I hope the techniques and insights shared in the upcoming episodes will make your journey a little easier. So hit that Subscribe button and let's get going! Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin your own animation journey and transform into a 3D animator.