Difficulty Finding Animation Work

My freelance work is beginning to wind down, and it's getting harder and harder to find jobs. I was almost given an opportunity to be a PA for Cartoon Network in LA, but they went with someone who already lives with in the area. I can understand that, but what upsets me is that no one in television animation is giving me a chance to get into the door. Now my family suggest I should go back to school and get a teaching degree. I know my family is trying to help, but I don't want to get a teaching degree because I don't want to be a teacher right now, and I feel I should stay on course and try to get a real studio job. I try to e-mail and call people from different places studios, but they never respond. Could the economy have anything to do with this? Is anyone else out there having trouble finding work in animation? Please feel free to offer any advice.

Tags: animation, careers, difficulty, economy

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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.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Steve Stark on May 2, 2009 at 12:01am: Hey Man. The economy definitely has a lot to do with the lack of work.

I'm working up in Vancouver, Canada and I just barely made it on to a show I worked on the season prior. I've had friends that moved to other parts of Canada and were no longer able to do freelance due to the lack of work.

No worries though, because animation is like this year round anyways. It's usually all about who you know working in the studios.

If you want to work in animation then I would not give up. Keep at it and you will get in there. It took me 8 months after graduation from VFS to get my first studio job (and that was in healthy economic times).

Attend animation gatherings, work on the portfolio and keep sending out those emails and phone calls.

You can do it!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Linus Keyes on May 4, 2009 at 1:39pm: Y'know, James, you're still gonna need a plan B but your animation should still stay atop. One Fred-head's even stated anything besides animation could help earn something to pay for yer expenses and all. The important thing is you love your job as a freelance animator and I sure hope you're gonna find an opening in animation. Don't rely on the hotshots. Continue collaborating with other animators/cartoonists and you will be amazed at the results in the end. Some animations have started as collaborations and made it up the ladder. Never give up. Someone might recommend you some day. I'd like to collaborate with you on any project you may have. Just keep your eyes on the road. The love and devotion to your work is all the magic you need.
Anyway, get a plan B.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by James Sugrue on May 16, 2009 at 11:38am: Thanks Linus! Those are strong words man; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Andrew N. on May 16, 2009 at 1:06pm: I agree with Linus, you should always have a plan B just in case. Going back to school for a second degree in teaching or anything else would be a good backup to your animation career. If your freelancing, you could always go to school part-time or do night classes, and still keep up with your animation. Plus you never know what new opportunities you'll find.

After some time of not finding any work I decided to go back to school to do this business degree and found a small group of people who are also animators.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mike Milo on October 9, 2009 at 9:50pm: The funny thing about the animation business is that teachers never tell you there will be dry spells and how to cope with them. The number one way to do this is to save, save save... oh yeah and SAVE! right now a lot of artists are out of work and it's definitely related to the economy. If you have the free time show off your wares by making yourself a cartoon and submitting it to Frederator.
Good luck buddy, animation is a difficult business to say the least.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by James Sugrue on October 12, 2009 at 5:15pm: Thanks you so much for the advice Mike! BTW I loved your work on the What A Cartoon days! your stuff is awesome. I actually went back to my super market job with the mind set to save, save, save and it's going great. Also I've been getting some Freelance gigs here and there. The most important thing I learned is to also keep networking. Take care and thanks!

James; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Carol Wyatt on October 13, 2009 at 3:00am: HI James,

It is the economy. But, don't give up.

People are out of work in all fields these days, not just animation. Any job is a good job right now. When things begin to pick up again, you will be connected and ready to jump in. It really is all about the connections and timing. But no one is resting on their laurels right now. There is very little work and a lot of us reaching for the same jobs.

When I started in animation, I worked on anything I could learn and get experience on. Commercials, music videos, title sequences, FX for live action, stop motion.... It helped a lot and I got to know some incredible people in the process. Networking is so important.

Mike is right, this business always has an ebb and flow and you will definitely have to learn to roll with it.

Media is changing quickly and large studios and networks are not sure where the web is leading us... TV is in flux, as is media in general. It is like a modern industrial revolution minus the factories. Staying busy and up on the changes will keep you out of fear and positive about the future.

Good luck and hang in there!
Carol Wyatt; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by James Sugrue on October 18, 2009 at 12:52am: Thanks Carol. BTW Your work is AMAZING =); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Carol Wyatt on November 16, 2009 at 12:32pm: Thanks! Now..If I could just get a full time gig.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mike Milo on December 3, 2009 at 12:39pm: Well you've fixed that haven't you? Now on to world peace! :-); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Patrick on November 22, 2009 at 1:36pm: I gave up even seeking freelance around the time this was posted... it is the economy. Making some independent work at home. That's what I would suggest- while hustling a lot to bring in other kinds of work- especially anything you can do at home.; ▶ Reply to This