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 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.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Daryl T on February 7, 2009 at 6:45am: Boy that's depressing.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Messer on November 16, 2009 at 11:50am: I agree, It seem the work has moved out to places like india and china because of the huge tax breaks and cheap labour, makes me wish I had a production team and TV channel.; ▶ Reply to This

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.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Vincent Veidt 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.; ▶ Reply to This

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.; ▶ Reply to This

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.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by David Seuss on February 18, 2009 at 12:16pm: where are you located?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by James Sugrue on February 19, 2009 at 1:25pm: me? I live in Central Jersey.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by James Sugrue on March 9, 2009 at 6:46pm: Thank you Steve.; ▶ Reply to This

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.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Vincent Veidt 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.; ▶ Reply to This