What is Reddit's opinion of Your Career in Animation (2nd Edition): How to Survive and Thrive?

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I really want to suggest the book Your Career in Animation: How to Survive and Thrive by David B. Levy, particularly the recently updated 2nd edition which addresses the current remote-working climate. It’s a solid read for all sorts looking to find their way in animation, focuses on building connections, and helps you understand how the industry is made up of people. I read the original a few years ago on a plane and then bought the new ebook on my phone for another flight when it released. Very useful information written in an encouraging voice with different guests sharing their experiences and advice :)

I’m self taught (was homeless as a kid, so art college was not going happen).

It’s hard.

You have to network, network, network. You have to network more than everyone else if your self taught. Be humble (like crazy humble), and nice. Dont rely on your ability, everyone is super nice and complimentary but you’ll quickly find the bank doesn’t cash those.

Yes, keep working on your portfolio (because that’s the whole point of being an artist). But expect the job market to be a just like any other job.

Your resume > your connections > your portfolio.

Here’s a book to get you started

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Career-Animation-2nd-Survive/dp/162153748X

I hear character design can be a tinge rough (i.e. hard to break into), obviously everyone needs animators and storyboarders. A good position to look out for is production assistant or storyboard revisionist, can be a good way to get started. If you’re in school you’re a prime candidate for internships too (like you mentioned). You could start on LinkedIn (if you haven’t already) and start emailing for internships. A lot of animation jobs, internships included, aren’t advertised, it’s a very word of mouth industry.

At your age though, and your level of interest, I’d say your well ahead of the curve.

I‘d get started on this book next https://www.amazon.com/Your-Career-Animation-2nd-Survive/dp/162153748X/ref=pd_lpo_4?pd_rd_i=162153748X&psc=1

Your mom is rightly worried that "being an animator" is tantamount to being an "artist"

(which is another way of saying you'll starve).

I'd show her some animation degree/college programs and some job postings. Assure her that an artist and an animator are very different vocations.

This is a job spreadsheet of some of the animation jobs open [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eR2oAXOuflr8CZeGoz3JTrsgNj3KuefbdXJOmNtjEVM/edit#gid=0]

And a career guide for animation https://www.amazon.com/Your-Career-Animation-2nd-Survive/dp/162153748X

This book has been recommended a lot here. https://www.amazon.com/Your-Career-Animation-2nd-Survive/dp/162153748X/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_1/132-1789477-2458200?

I don't know how much of it deals with marketing ,but it could be a decent starting point.