Animation as a career choice

I get asked a lot about animation as a career choice. Here are my personal thoughts from being in the industry for quite a while now.
The Complete Introduction to 2D Animation
Buy the complete introduction to 2D animation tutorial/video package:
gum.co/Introto2DComplete
Main Website: www.tonikopantoja.com/
Twitter: / tonikopantoja
Instagram: / tonikopantoja
Online Store/Tutorials: gumroad.com/stringbing
Patreon Account: / stringbing
Equipment I use:
Drawing Tablet: Wacom Cintiq 22HD: www.wacom.com/en/products/pen...
Software I use:
Animation - TVPAINT
Animation - Adobe Flash/Animate CC, ToonBoom
Compositing - After Effects
Painting and Illustration - Photoshop
Video Editing - Premiere
3D - BLENDER

[@freerangeeggs6442]

Anyone else questioning themselves because they think they're super passionate but are second guessing their judgement. Or is that just me?

[@catalinaburgos6649]

You are not alone! I'm also questioning and searching for answers!

[@Kb.animates]

Oh me too, hey, you don’t know if you don’t try I guess

[@galaxydeathskrill5607]

Me too

[@kewlozer7979]

Same. I’m passionate but my skills just aren’t there yet

[@Rubber_duckie_floating]

Same.. but I'm thinking game developing in the future for me

[@TheHuskyK9]

My advice: If you are new to the industry, don't get discouraged when you don't get the job. The animation industry is very competitive, and more often than not, studios will look towards those with impressive portfolios and resumes. Patience and determination is key 🔑

[@tuktuk6919]

also those who do what they are told no questions asked>they want machines

[@p1ntu_]

So is it better to work after getting the bachelor or pursuing for the degree?

[@pinkymii072]

i'm fucking terrified about it tbh

[@xdrazormon454]

That’s why I’m learning a high demand skill first on web designing and trying to learn to make websites first before I become an animator 2nd

[@xdrazormon454]

@@p1ntu_ you don’t need a degree you need a good portfolio 💼

[@PikaPetey]

So glad that Covid-19 happened to teach the industry that You don't need to live at the stupid expensive LA county to work for the job.

[@pam_param3462]

With the catch being that the competition for those jobs could now become global if companies become very efficient with work-from-home workflows.

[@dragoniraflameblade]

And there's a recent anime that opened Korean doors to collaborate with Japanese animators on the series, which is possibly a HUGE STEP in international collaboration. Maybe good signs for animation? I know Studio Trigger also helped with one or two episodes of Steven Universe.

[@hinamatsuro1908]

@@dragoniraflameblade which ones?

[@dragoniraflameblade]

@@hinamatsuro1908 God of High school was the anime.

[@hinamatsuro1908]

@@dragoniraflameblade oh damn it was good but the ending was kinda anti climatic

[@ComicalRealm]

I think the most important thing is if you enjoy it and are good at it. Those 2 things combined are lethal

[@NamHerTab]

Hello Animator

[@laurenaspreyart]

And even if your not good at it, anyone can learn

[@elsv99]

@Jaegar19Ultima depression can (with a lot of time, work and help) heal

[@SayuriYaki]

@Jaegar19Ultima Yeah but besides someone maybe becoming depressed, blind or dead, people can learn to become a good animator. I don‘t see the need to tell people when they say they want to learn something: ‚yeah but depression will make you fail‘. However it kinda sounds like you personally have to deal with depression and if so I wish you the best. :)

[@Iaem129]

@@SayuriYaki i agree!!

[@macaronimadman7160]

“Projects will usually end in a short amount of time” One piece animators *meancing laughter*

[@StnkyDinky]

Lmao I don’t watch one piece but I get the joke

[@macaronimadman7160]

@@StnkyDinky me neither

[@springsnapped5435]

Lmao yes

[@wirathe_normalguy2721]

​@@macaronimadman7160 he​ means he​ got​ the​ punchline of​ the​ joke

[@dexterdj1586]

​@@wirathe_normalguy2721 you're late bro😔

[@believerchances8600]

I don’t wanna give up, I feel like animation was what I was meant to do and I feel like if I don’t do animation I lost my purpose. I know it’s Risky but life is risky no matter what you do. I rather live and struggle doing what I want, than live somebody else’s dream just to possibly be comfortable. I know me and I would still be sad.

[@melofox._]

You and me both

[@Wing92003]

at least that we get to be the bosses of our own jobs if we were to have our own animation, something we love because that is what i would do

[@amritvir7969]

Cool, where are you from

[@punkmusicjunkie160]

Hey I'm on the same boat. I was questioning my Major for a long time whether I should go for a computer science degree or an art degree. I've started noticing that Comp Sci was really not a thing for me yeah sure the money was good but what was the point in doing something you don't like I spoke with my counselor and told her about my change with 3D Animation and well everything now all connects I'm highly motivated to draw and learn more and more everyday looking up videos on 3D Animation or other drawing tips and tricks I'm happy to take this risk if it means to be happy and the end of the day we will all reach our goals it just takes time but will get there stay strong and motivated. 💪🏻

[@onyemaobichukwulionel3216]

I ain't giving up on my vision.

[@shadeszn2355]

I don’t wanna be rich, I don’t wanna die and be that guy that was rich and had nothing else to offer in this world, I wanna create things, leave something behind for the world to appreciate, I was second guessing myself if I should purse animation but I truly believe this is what I will enjoy doing

[@shadeszn2355]

I’m also from LA so I gotta take the opportunity 😂

[@INTERDIMENSIONAL_BEING657]

Don't give up man I'm Young and I'm starting animation. Just remember this... Art takes time.

[@INTERDIMENSIONAL_BEING657]

And I'm next to LA 🤣😭

[@SinjinVega]

Good luck!!!

[@LunaArtGallery]

The comment about "Don't define yourself by the Studios you work at" is so important. Big studios don't care about your feelings or dreams, they are corporations. At the end of the day it's about the bottom line. You as the artist have to define yourself by your craft and passion for your work, something that doesn't rely on anybody else.

[@Kalaxian80animations]

Umm, ye

[@Audiomaker49]

EXACTLY

[@Raedragonfae]

I’m not gunna lie, I’m 28, decided to go back to college for animation and chase my dreams as an animator, but everything is so competitive. I’m trying not to be discouraged, I just started animation courses at college.

[@snugray_p1659]

Oh man, goodluck! I'm 15 so I'll eventually get to take courses. I hope it goes well for you

[@meloza]

I’m 24 soon to be 25. I graduated 2 years ago got my bachelor degree in agriculture science. two years passed, i’m not so passionate finding a job relevant to my education background. and studying art is kinda haunting me all the time. it’s my dream to work in art field especially animation. finally found an animation school, and my parent supports me, but I suddenly feel scared to make this decision to study Animation. ik it will take time, energy, money. i’m scared if i dont have enough ability, idk tools nor animation pc program, I only use procreate. I’m worried if I fail being responsible of my own choice. as I already feel guilty too of not ‘using’ my first degree for career. I also rejected a job offer in a big agricultural company. idk why i suddenly doubt my dream passion and skill.. but there are some moments in a day when I feel like can’t wait to start my animation class. Hope this is the best decision I make. will never know except I try it first

[@Raedragonfae]

@@meloza how has reflecting been? its been about 3 weeks and im curious where your thought process is at. I decided to go back to art school at community college, and I realized I just hate school and it is costing me money and time to invest myself into school at 28 years old. Ive realized school isnt for everyone, and even if I do like the subject, I find it draining the passion of my soul to do things I love in my current present life, such as.... well.... art. going to school left me no time to actually do art that I enjoyed or wanted to do. Also, I found out animation schools are really expensive and they will refer you to great companies straight out of school but its not worth it for me. its a high risk environment. SO currently I am practicing art, building a portfolio for tattoo, and doing animation on the side. I am a person who needs money gauranteed from my efforts, so tattoo and animation are building for me right now, good luck and I hope u see this soon. cheers. good luck in life.

[@LAZYPAN-vt7bv]

​@@Raedragonfae how is your days at college. My boyfriend also decided to take animation collage at Tokyo. He can't draw quite well in my eyes😢 is it possible to get better when your skills are like five years old at 26

[@SWATDRUMMUH]

My animation teacher actually pulled me aside to talk about my future in animation. Because I didn't have as many sketches were as much progress as my other classmates, he made me doubt myself and question whether I really wanted to go into animation. In a sense of the word, it demoralized me hearing I wasn't cut out for animation. This video does help me realize what I want to do; I just work at a slower pace then everyone else. I think I just focus too much on the details. Apparently I get so focused, I lose sight of the bigger picture. Just because I'm focused on something, it shouldn't mean I don't have passion for it, right?

[@tvsonicserbia5140]

That's no way to address a student. What an asshole.

[@rcKlsS_-iw3kg]

Don't listen to that dumbass teacher don't let anyone bring you down don't give up

[@paulwoodford1984]

Your animation teacher was envious of your talent and saw you as a threat. F them. You should always use that to make you more determined to succeed.

[@chanpiggy3938]

@@paulwoodford1984 No, the teacher is a savier for actually telling the student. They don't want you to blindly follow a passion

[@johanneskirestos5316]

That's actually a sign of ur passion. Getting so focused and lost in your work to that point can't be reached without being passionate on what u do. Don't give up

[@dannphan]

"Make twice as much as your living expenses" Animators in Japan: **sad sobbing noises**

[@jinwood]

When I was a kid, I dreamt of becoming an animator. I love drawing! Eventually, I got a job on a small animation studio (it's my second job). But because the pay is so low, I had to make the decision and give up on the animation. I did the normal jobs (likes of tech support and such) here on my country. I thought I'm just doing those jobs to earn a bit of cash while I draw as a hobby. As years go by, The tech support jobs became my main source of income and I stopped drawing totally. This was 10 years go. Now I want to draw again but I can no longer do it. I regret not pursuing my dream of animation... Now, I learned how to make videos, and animate PNGs. I have another channel where I make short videos. I'm also doing commissions as a full time job. It's not the same as the real animation and it's not paying much but I'm betting on this new passion and dream. TLDR: Follow your dreams

[@caittoons]

I'm trying to pursue animation by starting off here on KZbin. Trying stuff in my own style. Animation and comics/webcomics is something I've always loved doing. Not just for the money it's something that's genuinely enjoyable and feels more like a passion than just a job. I loved this video and it's really helpful when trying to learn more animation-wise. :D I hope I can learn to do 3D animation or cgi animation one day too :D

[@lordsolrak1713]

okey , i will se your work . new sub

[@caittoons]

@@lordsolrak1713 thank you! :D

[@WillyToons]

You are pretty good!

[@napiltree5917]

That’s amazing! I love your art style! I’m also trying out animation here on KZbin. For me, animating is very comforting and it feels accomplishing when I complete a video!

[@caittoons]

@@napiltree5917 That's awesome! And thank you!

[@ivankovwink1311]

My grandfather (who is a lawyer and believes I ruined my life by changing my major from engineering to animation) made a speech to me today about how pointless majoring in animation is in his eyes -_-

[@brondize]

There were any solid arguments or was just grandboomer rambling?

[@claraartnow6645]

Well, prove him you're going to be great! Edit: what if he played the game of Phoenix Wright and he didn't like it, so that's why he criticises animation now? 😂

[@BrooklynKitty852]

I feel that, even if you're successful in your creative career, the family will always belittle you compared to any STEM or health grandchildren...

[@littlereuby]

I would say, listen to him. If you want a comfortable life, I would do engineering. Use the money from that to make your own projects, hire animators and you'll have a much better life. You can climb the ranks faster, with your own full projects.. And get those lucrative streaming gigs. I wouldn't recommend doing animation as s job. It's not worth the roller coaster. It's more like being an actor. There's so many of those. Do engineering, use the money from that, and make your animation projects. Otherwise it will be a rollercoaster ride. And many months of no work.

[@dylanmalan4378]

I'm glad I am not the only one. Not with engineering, but with chemistry

[@justanothercomment]

I kinda feel into animation as a career. I always sucked at all the 'smart' stuff in school, and have always had pretty limited interests. Animation is one of the few things I really love, and one of the few things I _didn't_ suck at. So the choice was kinda a no-brainer for me. This career path may not be for everyone and it certainly has its hardships, but I get to do work that I enjoy and which doesn't leave me drained and unhappy. And unlike most things in life, I actually feel like I kinda know what I'm doing! Which is a wonderful feeling. So yea, I wouldn't change it for the world. :)

[@snugray_p1659]

Oh shoot, really! You work in animation? How hard was it to get your foot in the door, what do you do?

[@aguydan866]

Well, as a career choice it surely requires lots and LOTS of patience. I always considered it to be one of the most important skills aside from drawing and knowing how motion works. But as a hobby it is really fun. Is there even a better feeling than seeing your drawings, your characters, your story coming to life?

[@aguydan866]

@Memes For Lunch Yeah. Good point actually) I noticed that music often makes everything even better.

[@ModernDayJames]

Adult animation? Guess it's time to pursue my hentai career

[@buggybuggs7035]

*oh no*

[@macaronimadman7160]

God has a question for you WHY!!

[@velstorios9473]

Go away man, the internet is rotten enough

[@tobiii2020]

Yes

[@necrago]

@@tobiii2020 UwU

[@allyrecords8379]

Honestly, I'm often insecure and sometimes overthink stuff but one thing. One thing I will never let myself doubt is whether or not I should become an animator. Screw everything else but I have stories and they demand to get released to the world.

[@INTERDIMENSIONAL_BEING657]

What's your stories about? For me I'm creating a movie/show called (BUMPER AND CARON) its about cars and a whole L O T of action!!!

[@BATMADZ_]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@INTERDIMENSIONAL_BEING657that sounds SO awesome and like a fun story with a fun name!! How do you guys come up with stories? I’ve only ever made a FEW characters and never fleshed them out much, let alone write whole stories :/ How do you guys see yourself getting your stories out there?

[@kristofgriffin384]

Generally speaking and with very rare exceptions, in order to get your cartoon on a network like Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, or Disney, you need to give up your copyright to it. For example, Alex Hirsch, the creator of "Gravity Falls" needs to ask permission to take creative liberty with his own show, that he created. Even sketching out images of Gruncle Stan without asking Disney for permission could get him sued for copyright infringement. This is why Cartoon Network can give "The Powerpuff Girls" and the "Teen Titans" to whomever they like. Or when Nickelodeon announced that they'll make a CGI spin-off of Spongebob, even though Stephen Hillenburg directly said that he didn't want Spongebob to have any spin-offs. They literally waited for him to die so they could ignore his wishes and rape his creation however they want. Usually, this is a trade-off to getting the pilot off in the first place. Copyright control in the animation industry is used as a bludgeon and it's scary how very few people outside the industry seem to have a problem with this - despite the fact that it is a very, very bad problem. This isn't a recent issue either. This has been going on since the '90s. It boils down to this: If you don't do what the network wants, they will kick you off your own show and give it to somebody else. Even if you do end up doing as they say, if you get too much respect to kick around like Craig McCracken, they'll end up giving your property to some schmuck who's much easier to control and do EXACTLY as the network wants. This problem also extends to animated movies. The movie "Sausage Party" was filled to the brim with controversy, even though it's the very first R-rated CGI animated film, most of the controversy wasn't from its content, but how its animators were treated. They were told to work overtime for free. They were threatened with termination for not hitting deadlines. And in the end-credits, half of the animators' staff wasn't even credited. This is the standard that many, many animation productions have. A lot of animators are forced to work under these conditions because if they don't work for a minuscule amount of money, the company will outsource the production to South Korea. This is the reason why so many western cartoons nowadays like "Steven Universe" are animated in South Korea. The bottom ten percent of American animators get paid 38 thousand dollars, per year. The median animator in South Korea gets 21,600 USD per year. That's a cost reduction of 40% per person, in the production of hundreds if not thousands of people. It basically boils down to: "if you don't do your job for the price we tell you, we will find someone to replace you". In some cases, they will make it so everyone will turn on you by creating false allegations. Or, you'll be blacklisted for saying the slightest thing wrong about a certain person or network. This is why it's so hard to find cartoonists who complain about a network. Most of the money that's made from a cartoon is from merchandising because the creators usually don't get royalties for this. The only one that benefits from merchandising is the network. Even if you buy the toys or DVD for a show that you like, it's up to the studio whether or not they'll pay the animators.

[@alzamonart]

This info is golden for some of us who have always had a critical eye to animation as a living career choice. If anything, it makes me feel less bad for younger me not having had the chance to make it in the business and having to settle for web development instead, which still pays my bills. Life works in mysterious ways I guess.

[@lockheart619]

Thanks for the abundance of information!

[@sabrinan.4640]

I was just about to applied to a South Korea animation university 😀😀😀

[@joykennedy3478]

@@alzamonart I think you should still do animation as a hobby and maybe collarborate with other animators who will honor your creative liscense.

[@user-xr2eu8qf2f]

@@sabrinan.4640 Go ahead if you want to, you could study there and find a job outside the country when you’ve obtained your bachelor’s/master’s degree

[@Raedragonfae]

Honestly,.....from what I have gathered from taking a class in animation at a community college.... is have a great portfolio, go to conventions, and build an online presence (tiktok, youtube) and you will get seen. alot of schools just have references to big companies, but from what ive gathered.... you can just build your portfolio outside of school, and they dont require you to have a degree if u have the skills. they really dont care.

[@hannahdeards9652]

My boyfriend works in the animation industry (as a tech guy) and the people I have met through him are some of the sweetest and down to earth people I’ve met. I’ve been told that of course there are some egotistical pricks, just like any industry, but the majority seem really lovely. I went to my partner’s studio (Not quite as popular as Pixar or Disney, but a big player in the industry) and they were really happy to show me around, the artists showed me their work and told me about the industry - good and bad. I’ve had offers from people saying ‘When your storyboard portfolio is ready, I’ll be happy to ask my friends from Disney to offer some critique.’ It’s just really nice. I think this industry is pretty hard to break into, especially since lots of animators and people in the industry including the tech nerds are all pretty introverted, but it’s definitely not because of gatekeeping or anything negative. Everyone’s just chill and love what they do.

[@pyxn420]

What does he do exactly?

[@dragoniraflameblade]

The funny thing about the Miyazaki quote: He leaves the interviewer to go talk shop with Hidieki Anno, one of the directors he climbed the animation ladder with (key animators to directors). And what were they doing? Going over a dog fight scene with model planes. Lol, idk, something feels ironic about it. I've really nestled into comics, but I love animation. I feel like they kinda go hand in hand in a lot of ways.

[@akiraishin7141]

Well... the quote was never the quote to begin with. He never said that, someone on the internet took the moment in the interview where he supposedly said "animation was a mistake" and simply removed what the actual translation was and placed the fake quote there.

[@alanaflynn8878]

I definitely agree animation and comics have a lot of overlap as mediums; the entertainment arts (and really any arts!) have a lot they can learn from each other, and that's what makes them so fun and interesting to learn about.

[@milddiffuse]

@@akiraishin7141 Indeed, what he was actually complaining about was that most anime aren't based on real life, probably also referring to the big amount of "moe" anime being made. He wasn't really talking animation coming from anywhere else, although I wouldn't say something similar doesn't exist everywhere else as well.

[@gremlin_2020]

My wish is to study animation. Sadly Im in Latino America, there's literally 2 to 0 job opportunities. Its such a shame that the place where you live actually kills artists!. And not everyone is wealthy enough to migrate to other countries. People who say that its important to pursue your dreams, that is indeed very true! But you also have to consider your life conditions, the animation jobs here are so badly payed, like for real, its not even enough for a rent. Some are forced to study other things to have a sustain, if you have a good life condition, talent, and a passion for art and animation, you should go for it! But I think that the sustainability is still an underground thing that is not often discussed.

[@otherprofessions9582]

Hey if you want to learn animation check out this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKLbqamih9l-p80

[@laurenaspreyart]

That’s true but I also believe there are more opportunities to do animation work from home (especially now) and send it to the people managing the projects. I don’t know how it works specifically but I know people have done it 👍🏻

[@gremlin_2020]

@@laurenaspreyart you are actually very right! Ive seen how some of my college friends work in independent studios and such, its a great idea!

[@andresamaya6187]

@Gremlin _ I can relate to you in a personal level, I'm also from Latin America and I also want to study animation, but the situation in my country basically don't give me too much opportunities

[@randomrandle9141]

@@otherprofessions9582 I haven't clicked but I already know it's the principles of animation

[@ayersjrmichael]

To be honest, I would never, ever think that Animation is a mistake industry to get into because I’m in love with it when it comes to cartoons and 3D concepts. This is why I draw my own characters because, I love cartoons and I always feel passion about creating them and bring them to live in a story.

[@bonbon5189]

Do you work in animation?

[@moajrtoons]

@@bonbon5189 yes.

[@Nu3lla_]

What country do you live in?

[@moajrtoons]

@@Nu3lla_ USA

[@MangaSkills]

@@moajrtoons I live in brooklyn and NY to college, can you tell me more about how your career, income, challenges. Im a freshman-college student thinking of going into animation, worried abut finding a animation job or income stability later on. Also is finding a job hard?

[@sueaniart8331]

Very much agree on all your points! Every job has its ups and downs, animation just feels more visceral because 99% of the time people join the industry because they love and are passionate about art and therefore the falls and the downsides hurt more than joining an industry predominantly for the status or money. It's tricky because getting into the animation industry requires us to wash away all the traditional teachings that say we should put all our focus on our jobs instead of personal projects. So in the end, a lot of people get heavily affected by unfulfilling animation studios especially if they didn't build art projects outside of their main job. Whether it's teaching art or making a webcomic, short animation or animatics on youtube, even small time personal projects help so much in maintaining that little fire of love for art. It's also a added plus if it can be monetised in some way (putting comics up on tapas/webtoon, having a patreon or selling online classes etc)

[@pinkiepurplez]

The thing that scares me is that I love animation when I get it done. But in the middle of working on it is where i question whether i like it or not. I keep juggling whether or not I'm improving fast enough to meet the deadline of when I can start work. This video helps me to find confidence in ways, but I still tilt back and forth.

[@adultishgambino8713]

Never animated but I love drawing and using animation principles in crazy dynamic pose drawings. I honestly just want to have my own show but I know that that’s crazy hard

[@lumpystilskin5367]

Of course it is

[@jalenmacon]

For the show thing, might be easier to make a comic/manga first and pitching it to a studio to make it a show. So many of the best shows and movies originate from some sort of novel, comic, or manga

[@Phoenix.Sparkles]

@@jalenmacon Wouldn't be THEIR comic anymore then, that's basically like selling it off

[@chriserony]

Gave up on my dream of being an animator maybe a decade ago. I'm still absolutely passionate about it and considering a career change. :)

[@Kotaru09]

If you want freelance is a choice

[@ritageraghty4404]

There are more animation jobs in Dublin, Ireland than in California. Some American animators have moved to Ireland.

[@PHlophe]

Eire, pays peanuts. and they want US material anyway.

[@crisptomato9495]

Yeah Ireland, Canada, and Japan are all really good for 2D.

[@caithlin]

@@PHlophe how do you know tho?

[@caithlin]

I'm irish, that's nice to see. Bcfe student

[@PHlophe]

Cait, that's because employers tried to relocate me several times and their salaries weren't great.

[@OpposeArt]

This video not only had perfect timing, but it was really well put together, amazing video and constructive overall!

[@Antony_Oscar]

I am thinking of applying to study animation at a pretty good school in my city in Finland. They take like 12~ students every year and the competition is tough. However I want to try... and it's not like I'm in a hurry. I really like storytelling and I'm interested in storyboarding, character design, writing and comics.

[@animator049]

I've learnt animation for the past 5yrs, so far I do commissions at $100 per second

[@41-siddharthabehera6]

Noice man

[@tejeraillustrator3810]

Per second?

[@memelord582]

@@tejeraillustrator3810 Probably not per second worked. I'd assume they're referring to every second in the animation itself.

[@cherryb.8076]

@@memelord582 personally I'm not informed much about this career. 100$ per second seems much at first but it probably takes much time to make

[@memelord582]

@@cherryb.8076 I started learning how to animate just this month, and I can tell you that $100 is actually quite reasonable considering the hours it takes to do each frame. It also depends on how many frames per second are in the animation and the skill level of the animator. It shocked me when I first got started learning because it makes you realize why most studios have switched over to 3D. Though it also makes 2D animation all the more admirable and special. :)

[@Raccatoons]

A lot of the time I end up roping myself up with the thought of only having one career choice as an option, but yeah like you said you don't want to be a one-trick pony! I appreciate your insight as always Toniko

[@arjb1046]

In a sense, the more you work in this industry the easier it gets. I haven't experienced that yet, and don't know how true it is for anyone here who's worked but just something I've heard. In any case, I'm so happy I decided to make this my career. There's so many ways to work and thrive in this industry.

[@FrancisChenSF]

I love your thoughts. You're right - animation is a calling where you have to invest time to the craft of storytelling, independent of the studio, outside of your 9-5. Other white collar jobs delineate work life balance better, haha. but animation as a medium is one of the most fulfilling crafts in the world, and i wouldn't have it any other way, regardless if youre part of a big studio. and you're right about the big studios... they can lay you off or let go of you anytime after a gig ends, so developing your own voice / craft is what keeps your career resiliency stronger, since thats how you get hired for future projects.

[@JGTtoday]

Animation is definitely one of the career choices of all time

[@ebelesaurus2]

I swear this is like the 8th video I've watched about animation/art/3D/etc as a career on youtube in the last 4 days

[@MangaSkills]

Any updates? Did you get into animation career?

[@finalfroevo]

I wouldn't mind working with smaller studios someday. I really liked that you mentioned the one trick pony because even though, ideally I want to go with 2D animation I am open to more creative outlets related to that

[@Felix.Wingfield]

My daughter wants to go to Sheridan in Ontario for animation... However, I've recently learned Canada won't let her in 'cause we're autistic. I'm glad to hear that, hopefully, that won't slow down her career.

[@lockheart619]

That's so terrible and ableist! How are they even able to do that?

[@golfwang8084]

I was gonna apply there, kinda glad I didn’t. The portfolio was intense, I was willing to do it but it was definitely mentally draining. And with the border situation…. I would not wanna be stuck in another country and be unable to come home 😬 So yeah, it’s completely valid to not wanna go there

[@haileyparsons3844]

Really, that’s weird, they shouldn’t be able to do that. (I’m autistic myself) I live in Ontario and I know how competitive Sheridian animation program is alone. (You have to get 89% or higher) If your daughter still wants to go to Sheridan, I would talk to OSAP. Now if she still want to go to college for Animation I would recommend Scenca, or Alogonquin. I attend Loyalist for animation program and I wouldn’t recommend Loyalist, it’s way too small and the teachers are leaving one by one.

[@haileyparsons3844]

@@DavvyKat As someone who lives in Ontario, it’s expensive to go to any animation school in the states, let alone someone with a disability.

[@nammajeff38]

is animation fun and amazing? Yes! Would you recommend it as a career? HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

[@silvasoul8938]

Meh, just seems like it depends on the person.

[@T4eva]

Yeah you have to be either rich or know someone in the industry for sure

[@krimmAnims]

@@T4eva what?! no dude, you need a good portfolio/demo reel and the right mentality

[@T4eva]

@@krimmAnims As if I have all that too, still never helps trust me.

[@rafile6]

@@T4eva I came from a third world country, didn't know anybody in US. Moved to Cali with barely any money and sleeping in my buddy's car to try and meet people in the industry and learn from them.

[@user-ff9vc6we1n]

Well ... I was also told that the animation is a big mistake. And now I'm kind a stuck. It turned out that due to the fact that our teacher animator quit, we were left undereducated. I was more fortunate then others and another mentor took me under his wing. He was a puppet animator but he tried to teach me traditional hand-drawn animation (because there were no other traditional animators at that time). I tried to learn the best i can and in the end i was among the best ones on the course. But when I began to work, it turned out that I dont know many nuances and techniques necessary for work ... Also have less practice. And of course everyone needs specialists and no one wants to mess with me. And now I am in a situation when no one do not hire me to work and there is no money for study... I don’t know what to do. I love animation and especially traditional hand-drawn. So now I just sit at home and sometimes draw for my own pleasure. I was hoped that I will work on some cartoon or series in a good team where I could learn from others and just be a part of something ...But for now I dont know what to do and where to go.

[@trustlesseyes]

your videos always have perfect timing for me because just a few months ago, i graduated university and am now working on building a career in animation and illustration. little problem i have, is that germany (where i am from and where i live) has basically no real animation industry :s p. s.: i turned on the notifications for your channel because your videos always give me so much information, sometimes a reality check and motivation to keep going! thank you so much :3

[@ayior]

Moin! Ich bin auch in der Animationsindustrie in Deutschland unterwegs :D

[@rice1936]

Hi I am also from Germany. I am still a student but I am considering a career in animation. Do you think that even with a small industry in Germany it is possible to find work?

[@trustlesseyes]

@@rice1936 i myself work for a small company making (mostly) 2d explanatory videos and i believe, there are multiple companies like this in german cities, so yes, it is possible but i doubt there’s any work for storytelling or frame by frame animation. but i could be wrong, who knows

[@emmayin1419]

I was so relieved I the last section, because all I want to do is personal work, and funnily the things that bothers me is knowing I have to start working for studio first in a way really similar to industrial line.

[@INTERDIMENSIONAL_BEING657]

Don't give up, try doing your own animation at home, earn money and buy yourself a nice Microsoft 4 tablet, or do it on paper, the choice is yours you have full control over it. If you want you could even start your own company like Walt Disney and warmer bros did! Don't be discouraged because at the end of the day you are making entertainment to make people laugh and injoy your creation and your style.

[@delightfulsquirtle316]

Man, I love your little doggo intro animation.

[@WafflesX3XD]

i couldn’t find any illustration degrees on offer in australia, so instead i applied, got accepted and enrolled into a bachelor of animation program last week, so this video was really helpful for what to expect once i finish up

[@snugray_p1659]

I'm nervous about getting into the animation industry. I'm 15, I'm young. But it's all coming so fast now and there are doubts about this. Being good enough, having freedom of creativity, having enough money to financially support myself. It's making me nauseated with thoughts of doubt and makes me feel like I should just do something else in high demand for jobs. Like, a mechanic or a mortician or something. But then, animation is something I want to do. Because I enjoy seeing things come alive. Does anyone else feel the same way? Is there a way to be certified in another job to fall back on but still have your foot in the animation game?

[@INTERDIMENSIONAL_BEING657]

Sorry if this is late..... I'm 15 as well and I want to get into animation to! Im working on an independent film called (BUMPER AND CASON)... Anyway you should not give up! Keep going with it get better at drawing stuff be creative!!! I have a broken spine but yet Im still motivated to do what I love!!!! That being said I recommend you have this as a fall back job..... ( Custom designs) It is basically taking making something that you like and putting on stuff like shirts cars stickers etc... For me I do custom bikes and I'm going to work at blaze pizza, it's Okay to feel down or bad.. all that matters is that your willing to make something for people to injoy and I hope you succeed at it👍😄

[@INTERDIMENSIONAL_BEING657]

Anyway... What's your show/movie called? Maybe I can help! I know where to get all the mitireals you'll need and I know a little bit about characters! Heck I'll even add up the cost of all of it!!

[@smileguyanimations8776]

I prefer keeping animation on my “fun hobby” side of my life and not the “career job” one.

[@smileguyanimations8776]

@Reverence93 because when I start doing animation as a job or as a career it starts becoming a needy/necessity thing rather than a way to escape from stress/work.

[@fizzydizzystudios4768]

Yeah that’s how I feel as well.

[@smileguyanimations8776]

@@markjefferson7737 I don't have one, but I'd probably try going into culinary arts or acting

[@alexmanrique2280]

Hi I´m 20 years old, i study animation in Mexico and to be honest many times i got the fear of not making it. Idk, I think this fears come with my age, I love animation, i love film and storys and I want to give my life to them, but I want to have social life, I want a good house and I want to be able to buy a car. When I see people who I admire, like you and many other artis, I get this fire inside me what makes me go on, that makes me think that this is worth it and iposible, but then I see this things like the Warner Discorvery bullshit or the Marvel VFX problems and I get sad and questioning everything. In the end I just want to live of what I love, and I want to be succesful, but most important I WANT TO BE HAPPY!. Thanks to people like you I get to put my head on reality and I learn how to keep learning about the thing I love the most.

[@JoJ0Kun]

i studied animation for two years in latam. i always loved animation, it was my dream since i have memory, but i eventually dropped out which was one of the hardest decisions i have made. not only because of my declining mental health but because where i was studying was mediocre when it came to organization and the people they contracted to teach, everyone excusing their mediocrity behind "i worked for this x studio". don't get me wrong, i adore animation still, but passion is not the only thing you need if you want to be an animation but the mental strength of accepting that everything you've work can be discarded just because your boss or teacher decided to. i accepted is not my thing sadly, but i will still follow the art way because at the end it can still be connected to animation in some way and i'm happy about it.

[@alancastaneda8322]

If I may add, copyright your personal works! It's cheap and easy! Between $35 and $50.

[@floraldisaster4192]

This actually really thought me a lot, I’m still young and I want to become an animator. Thank you so much for making this video, I got to see more on what can happen or what I could do as an animator! Appreciate your work pal!

[@iridescentlytey4933]

The point you made about passion was what I needed to hear. This makes me excited to keep working on my own stuff and hopefully move I to the industry one day 😁

[@sarasuarez5529]

I'm entering my senior year of high school, and I have this summer to complete my portfolios. I don't feel like I'm ready, and that my art isn't good enough yet. But I have so much passion for animation I know that I will improve as time passes. i'll return to this comment next year and see where I am.

[@Emanny360]

This video has been on my recommendations for a few days and decided to click as I'm very passionate for animation but always questioning myself if it's the right path to take. I've gone through your vids and I love your content😉new subscriber👍🏾

[@dwabees]

Well said, well said. it's funny that you released this video cuz I was lyterally thinking about it earlier today. Crazy how these coincidences happen. And thank you for it, it made me feel even more confident about my choices💕

[@SeaSerpentLevi]

Ty for your hardwork toniko!

[@nachoeld]

thank you man, its been super helpful and well questioned from a buch of very important labor perspectives, great work, helped a lot

[@raelexi]

Thank you for this video and your insight! I’m currently in architecture school, but after two years in, I’m still contemplating on changing my focus to animation. It has always been a passion and interest for me! So I am stuck in between both worlds. I’m trying to gather as much information as possible to make my final decision. So, thanks again for the insight!

[@laboratory_222]

this was a really cool video, I leaned a lot. I am a second year animation student at College for Creative studies, and im always trying to learn how to better navigate what Ill be getting into. Love your work, really beautiful!

[@ysabelmariacartago-garcia265]

Thank you for addressing important points and making young artists’ lives easier ❤️🥺

[@alienation5008]

I love how you talk over the a video of you actually doing the animation. Just what i was looking for! !!!

[@animationwriter]

Thanks for the video, it has so much important information! This really told me, that animating is something for me. :) I'm already making animations and am planning to publish them on KZbin. The idea of not having just one job for years and changing animation styles just sounds so exciting and comforting!

[@vernonarufa6258]

Thank you for making this Video. I want to be an animator but I only started art 2 years ago and I'm 18 now. I had a bad past so I never really get to focus on the things I love and enjoy and I always doubt that myself that I'll probably not achieve my dream since the people around me doubt me. Knowing more about Animation just gets me pumped up and I'll be more passionate about my own works!!!

[@ljsebastian9432]

i really need this right now. thank you ❤️

[@claimingagate]

i want to do it as a career because i have nothing else ive felt so passionate about accept game design

[@FredGunning]

This video is really interesting and useful!!! I've been really interested in this for a while now, as in a few years I'll be needing to look into possibly doing animation as a career, so thankyou so much!!!

[@InauspiciousGamer]

This honestly helped me affirm my headspace is in the right place. No matter what I'm doing I always find a little time, a couple minutes even, to play around with other ideas that spark in my mind. The things that always rattle me the most is when I'm suddenly put under pressure to come up with new stories or ideas when man, sometimes it really feels like the tank is empty lmao.

[@peteredwards2318]

The thing to watch out for isn't ones own abilities or skills. All such things can be trained and learned and refined until saleable. What can't be learned, trained or improved by ones own hand, is the industry itself. Ensure that if you are going professional, you do it in a country that values the skills you have and in which it is common for those skills to be richly rewarded. Don't try and go to Japan to do anime, for example, expecting excellence to gain you the trappings of success (like earning you leisure time, a roof over your head, savings for the future or even a full belly). Even if you're good, you'll be worked to death and have nothing financially or asset wise to show for it.

[@JustMeh]

Thank you!! This helped me alot. I was thinking i should make animation my career and this video really help me make my decisions and know more about animation as a career.thank you!! I live in the Philippines so knowing that i could work even if im not in LA or America. Thank you so much :)

[@pcraigmillard]

Thanks for being real and sharing your experience!

[@12ilara]

Tbh, as someone who still struggle to get a job in animation and currently in a state of questioning myself in animation career... Im glad i found this vid. It felt like a bright lamp appear on my head lol. "Dont let the studio defines you, you, defines you" is godamn right. *Salutes*

[@patchlily9444]

thank you for the amazing information. watching your vids alone give me so much inspiration! love from vietnam waaa

[@otherprofessions9582]

Hey if you want to learn animation check out this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKLbqamih9l-p80

[@rafaelojeda2777]

Glad i found this video... reassured me of wanting to be an animator! Thanks!

[@dragonkidofhearts]

The thing I worry about moving to LA or California is yes I would be earning 30~ USD per hour but doesn't it cost an insane amount to live in even just an apartment? I'm hearing like 3000-4000. It just worries me that that 30 dollars an hour will end up feeling like 8 dollars an hour.

[@sunnysunshine8897]

That's why people get roomates. Share rent.

[@dragonkidofhearts]

@@sunnysunshine8897 I don't want to work a career in an industry and still have to need roommates. I'd like to earn enough to be living on my own.

[@sunnysunshine8897]

@@dragonkidofhearts Lol then good luck with that in Cali! Maybe you can try freelancing at home where you are, but I'm not sure how good that option is...

[@manufafafa]

Thank you very much Toniko Pantoja! You are the best

[@heyhoneybunny763]

Thanks you for this video, help me a lot !

[@beamslinger]

thank you for this, big fan of your work and im dead set on making animation my full time career :)

[@CharyllGabrielCAclao]

i really want to do animation because i really like making my own characters and make them move but idk how so im watching this for the future

[@Trailtracker]

This was really good, thank you toniko

[@langstonj2476]

so helpful man, thank you! also, incredible work :)

[@DeejayGrafixx]

yaay we past 100k you need more subs keep up bro,all your videos are gold

[@Lazyprd]

I thank you for making this video as someone who wants to work in the animation industry when I'm older this gives me a level head as to not expect praise to do just one thing but to do other things as well like character design,music composer,etc.....

[@hamzazad5258]

This video is very useful for someone who start a career in animation. Straight up no BS...thank you. So helpful

[@buda3d2007]

If you get into it for the wrong reasons (money, lifestyle) you might regret it, do it for the love of the art and what inspires you, if you do it in your spare time to begin with then branch out from there, also try to have a second career choice if you want stability in your life.

[@lumpystilskin5367]

True

[@golfwang8084]

Yes exactly. I’ve always wanted to be an artist regardless of money. Even if I get a low paying job in animation, all I really want is enough to rent a small decent-quality apartment for me and my ferrets lol

[@luciavegames313]

I've been for a while looking for career paths like this one since I'm about to start my own path after high school and this has given me some good advice to know more about this topic. Even tho I am more of an hobbyist illustrator, I keep looking to go further and also learn how to use the animation tools to get into it too! I still got so many things to learn what's best for me and all that, but my time to choose is shorter where I am so I got to decide where to start wisely.

[@rowanvezeau5729]

Just wanted to say, these videos are really helpful. As someone who is working really hard to get good at animation and is still pretty young, these give a really honest unbiased idea of what doing this will be like, and helps me figure out what I should improve on! Like learning other styles for example. I'd barely considered how important that is until I saw a video of yours a few months ago, and now I've managed to make a Steven universe run cycle that replicated the style well enough that my little brother got confused and asked if I "worked for cartoons" XD anyway, this ended up being really long but I just wanted to say that I love what you're doing. and thanks!

[@crystalsabellano5340]

omg thank you sooo muucchhh, this really helped a looot

[@ringstar3316]

I dont even have to watch this video to know that animation as a career is a mistake (even if all the doors seem to be closed and reluctant to open), but Im a little too stupid and stubborn to stop trying.

[@silvasoul8938]

You just gotta be realistic about it. Thing is, I feel like a lot of people, animators and non-animators alike, assume a career in animation won't be as grueling as other jobs. If you give yourself a healthy dose of reality you'll be less likely to psyche yourself out over one or two bad experiences. As long as you're not blinded by your dreams you'll be better off, and maybe you'll be sober enough to understand a career in said industry isn't something you can just jump into with immediate success.

[@T4eva]

Your telling me..

[@nicolenicki1362]

Same

[@joykennedy3478]

Just stick with it as a hobby for now. Pursue anther career path to pay bills and have job security and when an animation position opens, you'll have a portfoilo to show.

[@golfwang8084]

Lmao same, I know it’s gonna be a fucking struggle and It’s gonna make my life hard when it doesn’t need to be. But (and not to be dramatic) art is my life. I draw every single day, it has been part of my daily or weekly routine since I was 10. It is one of the only things I have never stopped enjoying, and never gotten tired of. I very rarely have artist’s block. If I don’t at least TRY to get a career in what I love, it’ll be my biggest regret in life.

[@yinyang75]

Thankyou for the advice ❤️❤️

[@Purpie_Slurpie]

this makes me sad cause I know I'll never be able to actually succeed as an artist I'm just not good enough n can't force myself to draw

[@nicholassiena8895]

I can relate 😔

[@Giovanni_Team_Rocket_UK]

I feel you bro... I have the same problem. I want to create my own webcomic of my story and eventually an animation but my drawing skills suck and I’ve been trying for 10+ years...

[@Squarrel]

​@@Giovanni_Team_Rocket_UK The best I can give you is to get started anyways. You won't get at the skill level you want to be at before you start by always postponing your projects. I can promise you that if you get started now you'll some day get to the quality you want to be at. But you're gonna have to get the right work and experience before that'll happen and the project you're hoping to some day create will be perfect for that :)

[@Giovanni_Team_Rocket_UK]

@@Squarrel Hey. I feel I cannot show off my crappy drawing skills because I know I will be negatively criticised for being crap... I don’t think I can take that criticism. It will make me not want to continue. I’ve tried many ways to improve but it’s not working. I’m Not a perfectionist but I just want my skills to be ‘good enough’ so people would love and admire my work.. I’m not even near that! Plus other problems which are stopping me are a bit personal but I’ll say anyway... I have Asperger’s and learning difficulties... plus low confidence and low self-esteem. So things are quite hard for me in general and restricting me to improve :’(

[@Squarrel]

​@@Giovanni_Team_Rocket_UK I can understand where you're coming from at least a little bit. A dear friend of mine with animation ambitions also shares a couple of your struggles and I've seen how it influences him. There is this funny little thing that applies to him and you probably as well. People are always most critical of their own work. Other than the obvious, what this also means is that even if you dislike or aren't completely satisfied with something you've made, there is a good chance someone else will see something in it that they can greatly enjoy. There are defenitely artists who may not be as skilled as others overall who are still capable of making things people greatly admire them for. No matter where you are in your art journey, your current art will always be at least someones goal. The better you become the more people will belong to that group. If you ever want some help or friendly advise/critique you're free to contact me. I've got some years of experience with mentoring people and I'll gladly extend that offer to anyone looking for some guidance ^^

[@xprinceorcax]

Wow this was so helpful! I'm still debating whether I just want to do animation on my own or in a studio. This helped! :)

[@unisangalaxystudio]

College was a waste of time, am struggling to do my own studio.

[@easyyo6784]

a good video. with interesting points and thoughts. bravo!

[@GraphicGinger]

I always get so nervous about my future, I have a diploma in graphic design but my true passion is with animation. I'm constantly working to improve myself as I have no formal training (and can't really afford it right now) and I'm always working on personal projects so hearing the end part about NEEDING passion for the medium really comforted me. I want to make it happen.

[@otherprofessions9582]

Hey if you want to learn animation check out this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKLbqamih9l-p80

[@Loralis_]

I'm trying to choose between an animation course and graphic design rn because when I think of learning animation I get really excited but the unstableness of the job and competitiveness is a real turn off. I like how stable the graphic design industry is for example graphic design studios seem to get better rep then animation. It's been a year since your comment maybe you have more insight?

[@nunupon1359]

Personally I was inspired by animation to get into drawing and writing. I stayed up late on a school night and Toonami came on, I was memorized by the show I saw and started drawing the characters, and later on drawing became a part of me. I start as an Illustration major in a few weeks, as much as I love animation I have too many ideas and projects I don’t complete!

[@philosophyfrog2653]

There's plenty of jobs in the creative industry because not a lot of people can do it but that is also why so many people fail, not because a lack of jobs or bad pay but because it's too difficult and requires too much practice and discipline and on top of that you need to be very broad and good at advertising yourself. So if you don't believe in yourself and lack the discipline and stubbornness to be able to compete with current industry standards then this is not for you. It is important to be clear about this because it can ruin your life. However if you feel like you check all those boxes then it will be the best career choice you could have ever made.

[@diamond663]

Thank u so much much needed video!

[@otherprofessions9582]

Learn animation completely from scratch from sketching your ideas to creating an amazing animated loop, get my course on Udemy now!! You will learn to create animations that will sell, without an iPad or drawing tablet, not even after-effects required!! Start your freelance career as a motion designer now! The course is at its cheapest. Price www.udemy.com/course/learn-ha... Here is the other link if the above one doesn’t work www.udemy.com/course/learn-ha...

[@analogman9697]

I wanted to be an animator, but in the 70's there were no resources. The only class I found was at Georgia State U in Atlanta. It was a senior level elective for art majors. Being 68 and seeing all these tools available now is sort of frustrating.

[@FuryEngel]

"was animation was mistake"?

[@alexriggerson5715]

Yeah, a mistake on the thumbnail. He'll probably fix it in a few minutes.

[@FuryEngel]

@@alexriggerson5715 Baby's first "seeing video being posted a minute later".

[@alexriggerson5715]

@@FuryEngel ? I was just saying that I also saw the thumbnail error, that's all.

[@snowywoods.]

But maybe it is meant to be since the topic is mistakes. I'd love it xD

[@FuryEngel]

@@alexriggerson5715 I understand I just felt obligated to reply :) (I was the baby for clarification)

[@theworldofthestrangethings7599]

Thanks for the video mr toniko i learned alot I'm always learning from your videos

[@otherprofessions9582]

Hey if you want to learn animation check out this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKLbqamih9l-p80

[@two-moonz2953]

This was brilliant. Thank you. New sub.