Animation Demo Reel - Tips and Tricks, Dos and Don'ts (part 1)

[@jeandenishaas]

This series is going to be PACKED!! Anybody spot my dog Indy? 😁

[@valsirbu4977]

I realize this is the most generic and silly question of all time after seeing a reel but... you don't happen to know what rig Stefan Schumacher was using do you? It seems like he's using the same rig but it's changed to fit all those body types. I don't think I've seen another rig that's so customizable. Also, would you recommend learning rigging for an animator? To what extend do you think an animator should be able to do rigging?

[@jeandenishaas]

@@valsirbu4977 So sorry! Totally missed this comment!! Stefan was using the Norman rig. Rigging can help but it's also very complicated and time consuming to learn. Do you have the bandwidth to learn both? Knowing both is good job security. :)

[@mahimasharma8290]

I was feeling demotivated from last few days.Thanks for lifting my spirit.Opening my wip shot right away :)Thank you so much.

[@jeandenishaas]

Mahima Sharma Glad to be of help!

[@mondundu]

This is great! Probably the best animation demo reel tip video out there, will use it to explain to others and for myself. But especially for myself I really enjoy the lighting and set dressing aspect after animating, it's a good way to let myself know that this is done, I've revised this a lot, did all my notes and it's time to move on to another animation/project. It's also really quick process usually takes me one night sometimes 2 and makes it feel like more than an other practice shot. Maybe I should stop because I do know a few people who judge rendered shots twice as much. Great video once again!

[@jeandenishaas]

Thank you! If the shot is awesome then good lighting can give it that extra bonus look of course. It’s best to get feedback for your animation and once you feel it’s all there then plus it with lighting. And I’m totally guilty of going there with adding things on top of animation, it’s a lot of fun to do. :)

[@Super-id7bq]

I know this comment is old enough that you probably have a job in the industry now but for others in your position I'd say it's great advice. I work as a Cinematic Artist in the games industry and we deliberately make our shots look unpolished when sending dailies for anim review. Even if we've already started lighting and polish, if animation isn't locked we will always send a diffuse-only pass. The reason being that if we don't, I can guarantee it will distract the stakeholders from the the animation feedback and I'll suddenly have a shit load of notes on polish, even though I've explicitly said in handover notes to ignore anything other than animation. I'd consider that you might not always have an animator that is judging your reel and it's best to just make it super obvious that the animation is the only that is being presented.

[@liveanimator]

Thanks so much!It really helps all those tips,we're allways told by schools and from people ;put your best acting shot first at reel ,when some we still not properly addresed body mechanics..; but like you said: if is a solid original mechanics ,can maybe get you the job too..or depends the studio..¿?can't wait for the next reel tips

[@jeandenishaas]

guayaland You’re very welcome!

[@morningdrums]

Im just starting my journey in graphic design media arts with my concentration in 3d animation. I want to learn as much as i can. Have looked through peoples demo reels. Id like to aim for a strong demo reel some day. I just want to learn what to do to make my work stand out.

[@jeandenishaas]

tom Jones Hopefully my channel will be helpful to you!

[@shi9845]

God your channel is pure gold. So much amazing knowledge and analysis. Thank you so very much!

[@jeandenishaas]

Thank YOU!!

[@bijoyp]

This is so much useful info. I think i need to redo all my important shots so far xD

[@jeandenishaas]

Bijoy Pandey Glad to hear its useful!

[@fabiandietzanimation]

Thank you Jean-Denis! This series will be very helpful :)

[@jeandenishaas]

Fabian Dietz That’s the hope!

[@JulienRashti]

Really helpful video! This is GOLD! Thanks JD! ....now the dilemma of what shot to start/tweak 1st.....looking forward to the series

[@jeandenishaas]

Julien Rashti Thank you!!

[@PostaMartin]

everything has to be really good :D

[@jeandenishaas]

hahaha that’s right!!

[@47humza]

this series is very good.

[@jeandenishaas]

Hamza Asad Thank you!

[@gab8486]

Thank u !! You're so underrated, u need more subs 😔

[@jeandenishaas]

Too kind!

[@enderperez-lopezanimations4103]

Very useful video, Thanks Jean-Denis

[@jeandenishaas]

Ender Perez Glad to hear!!

[@enderperez-lopezanimations4103]

@@jeandenishaas Hey JD, does it is important that an animator have to show some camera work in the reel? I mean, the animator needs to prove that have skill about how to compose a shot or a scene?

[@jeandenishaas]

Ender Perez All depends on the company. Some want a specific camera team or the layout department or even compositors to do it. Others have animators do camera work for pre/post-viz and to sell a shot to the client.

[@enderperez-lopezanimations4103]

@@jeandenishaas thanks

[@jeandenishaas]

Ender Perez Sure thing!

[@MrJJAbrans]

LOL! Great video, JD!! Thx!

[@jeandenishaas]

N .Varoto Thanks!!

[@DCrispim]

Thanks for the video, you got really good content!

[@jeandenishaas]

Diego Crispim Thank you very much!

[@JustZino]

like always really helpful video!

[@jeandenishaas]

JustZino Thanks a lot!

[@JustZino]

Jean-Denis Haas thank you because I’m starting my showreel from zero and this going help me choice what I want for my showreel

[@jeandenishaas]

JustZino Great timing!

[@aakashdimri8846]

Sir can u show how to use constraints On hand with same object like a ball more than three time 🙂🙂

[@jeandenishaas]

aakash dimri Sure thing, Constraints FNA is already on my list! :)

[@andreyshaposhnikov1104]

Hello. You can show what kind of lighting you use in the room when creating a video, you get a very clear image. I'd like to see what you're using. Thanks.

[@jeandenishaas]

Oh you mean when actually recording these videos?

[@andreyshaposhnikov1104]

@@jeandenishaas I mean for today. In general, in general, a good picture, does not hurt the eye.

[@jeandenishaas]

@@andreyshaposhnikov1104 Sorry, just triple checking. Like a general overview of how my office setup is? The camera, the lens, the lighting, etc. ?

[@andreyshaposhnikov1104]

@@jeandenishaas If possible it would be great. I just wanted to ask about the lighting. Similar coverage on the Agora. Community channel. Warm, no eye discomfort.

[@jeandenishaas]

@@andreyshaposhnikov1104 Got it! Yeah, that could be fun!

[@keithyakouboff8755]

Hey there, I have a question: I've been advised to put descriptions of my contributions to each shot on my reel. However, I'm uncertain how to do this without it being distracting. Also, I'm deliberately keeping my clips short to accommodate the patience levels of potential hirers. I'm not sure how short clips can have such info on them, as even the bugs can be detected just enough before the next clip starts. Do you think this ought to be done (I'm a VFX artist and in some shots, it's unclear exactly what the effect is), and how ought it to be done?

[@jeandenishaas]

Usually a demoreel breakdown sheet is included with the resume and cover letter which explains exactly that, but otherwise you have it at the bottom of the screen in front of black (or dark) background, small enough to not distract but not too small obviously. It doesn't matter if the shot is short, people can always pause the reel.

[@keithyakouboff8755]

@@jeandenishaas I do have a shot description list, but a former supe reviewing my latest update draft recommended info on the reel itself, since some of my effects were unclear (which I take as a compliment, but his point is taken). Anyway, perhaps I'll stick with the shot description list. Thank you sir!

[@jeandenishaas]

@@keithyakouboff8755 Sure thing! Good luck!

[@keithyakouboff8755]

@@jeandenishaas 👍

[@keithyakouboff8755]

@@jeandenishaas Thanks... been out of work since May, and have started considering other jobs that I could tolerate, but that are not CG... but that do pay the bills. Not a good place to be at my age, but I haven't totally given up hope either.

[@abdulfahim3086]

Hi! If i join in an 2d animation studio as a 2d Animator (fresher)(puppet Animation) Will my experience count if i need to jump to 3d later??

[@jeandenishaas]

abdul fahim Good question! I would think so yes but ultimately your 3D reel will be the most important part to get your foot into the 3D world.

[@abdulfahim3086]

@@jeandenishaas thanks

[@jeandenishaas]

abdul fahim Sure thing!

[@princealmighty5391]

As a begginer in animation how long can I take before getting a job in 3d animation should I like make a goal lol Or I can take as long as I want before applying for a job like I know animation takes a long time to learn it may seem crazy but is 12 years too long before getting a entry level 3d animator for games job

[@jeandenishaas]

Nikunj Majithia Tough to say. Depends on the market need, your skills, where you are, what field etc. You can take as long as you want I guess as long as you can pay your bills. 😁 12 years after graduating or 12 years since you first started learning? Doesn’t really matter. If it works for you to wait and you reach your goal at the end it doesn’t matter how long it took you.

[@princealmighty5391]

@@jeandenishaas thanks brother

[@jeandenishaas]

Nikunj Majithia You’re very welcome!

[@Krentiles]

Thanks

[@jeandenishaas]

Magnificent Thank YOU for watching!

[@Conceptsofsanket]

I have a quarry about my 2d animation demo reel . I have both traditional and symbol animation for my demo reel so which one should I Put ahead in the reel? Also Do I have to add backgrounds for a animation demo reel

[@jeandenishaas]

What is symbol animation? And what do you mean with backgrounds?

[@Conceptsofsanket]

@@jeandenishaas By symbol I mean 2d puppet animation(tweened) in animate cc or toon boom..by traditional I didnt mean paper and pencil one I mean digital hand drawn animation

[@jeandenishaas]

@@Conceptsofsanket All depends where you’re going to send your reel to. I would put your best work first and if you have different styles but the company you’re sending your reel to does it all then it’s all about the best work first.

[@Conceptsofsanket]

@@jeandenishaas Thanks for the advice

[@jeandenishaas]

@@Conceptsofsanket Sure thing! Good luck!

[@Hannahmation]

Man that reel holds up.

[@jeandenishaas]

Hannah Addington Yes it does!!

[@JessIrais]

After watching this I realized my demo reel is trash. Have to work on new shots to make it more interesting

[@jeandenishaas]

😱😱😱

[@locusruizlopez5997]

Cool

[@jeandenishaas]

👍🏻😁

[@ariesaries101]

❤❤❤❤

[@jeandenishaas]

❤️😁