Difficulty Finding Animation Work

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Permalink Reply by Chris Battle on January 12, 2009 at 7:44pm

The sad reality is that TV animation work is THIN these days. Even experienced pros with multiple credits who are well known to all in the biz are out of work just because there aren't as many shows being made. (Blame the economy-- which affects advertising $$-- as well as declining ratings, studio executive reshuffling, network re-branding, and changing viewing habits of kids) How long this situation lasts is anybody's guess.

Don't wanna discourage ya, but that's just the real deal out here in LA. New York is even less rosy.

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Permalink Reply by Daryl T on February 7, 2009 at 6:45am

Boy that's depressing.

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Permalink Reply by Marija Miletic Dail on January 14, 2009 at 8:46pm

Chris B. is right on; I also don't want to discourage you, but will offer my opinion.
I'd go back to school and get a degree in teaching, just to have a plan "B". In the meantime, actually at the same time, keep up with animation on your own, learn as much as you can, train yourself to be a better animator than you are today (oops...did I get it wrong? You are aiming for an animating job, right?) If it's only to be a PA, that field is awash with people who are good at organization and serving the beast, be it TV or feature crew. This is not really a career, but a job that will (maybe) pay your rent.

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Permalink Reply by Justin "Denny" Furlong on January 16, 2009 at 2:52am

Something to consider, if you wish to teach at the post-secondary level (in the United States), you only need a baccalaureate in the desired field of experience. For instance, one with a BA in English can teach post-secondary English or one with a BFA in Animation can teach Animation (I've technically instructed without even that).

Now, I feel I should mention that this measure only serves to qualify and does not by any means give you an advantage. Specialisation is advantageous when teaching, so if you already have a baccalaureate, I'd recommend pursuit of a Master's degree in a narrow and more interesting field instead of a general "teaching" program. Besides, teaching post-secondary is far more rewarding than lower levels.

As someone who has made a few bucks this way, it definitely works, but it may leave you feeling shallow and unfulfilled if you get stuck there. Whatever you do, never abandon your dreams.

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Permalink Reply by potatofarmgirl on January 23, 2009 at 4:08pm

Chris is speaking the truth. It is icky out here, I've been dealing with it for over a year. I do encourage you not to give up, but also try to find a different job in the meantime to keep food in your belly and a roof over your head. Keep sending your portfolio out, I've noticed studios seem to look for people in Jan-Feb, and sometimes during the fall. Keep drawing and animating, posting on Blogspot, Frederator Raw, and Cartoon Mojo. The bandwidth is free and artists need to take advantage of that. Most of the freelance I've gotten in the past year is from studios trolling the blogs. They are looking still looking for artists, there just isn't alot of work right now.

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Permalink Reply by Daryl T on February 7, 2009 at 6:42am

Gee, if your finding it hard, not much hope for the rest of us.

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Permalink Reply by David Seuss on February 18, 2009 at 12:16pm

where are you located?

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Permalink Reply by James Sugrue on February 19, 2009 at 1:25pm

me? I live in Central Jersey.

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Permalink Reply by James Sugrue on March 9, 2009 at 6:46pm

Thank you Steve.

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Permalink Reply by Andrew N. on March 28, 2009 at 2:12pm

Ha, I've had the same problem as you. I was having difficulty finding work, and my parents suggested the same thing; go back to school and get a teaching degree.

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Permalink Reply by Justin "Denny" Furlong on March 28, 2009 at 7:30pm

Remember, friends, you have skills marketable to other industries. I recently took a job inking a comic and, while it doesn't pay as much as a staff job in animation, it's bringing in some extra scratch.

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Permalink Reply by Jacob Kennedy on March 29, 2009 at 3:03pm

No, but have have a story that I want animated (I can only animate abstract art) and I need an animator. You will be paid, get credit, and a portion of the revenue. If interested, contact me asap and I will tell you what you need to animate.

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