Building a Portfolio & Getting a Job in Animation

Need to convince your parents art is a real job? Or are you trying to find your place in the industry? Art and Story Department Manager at DreamWorks Animation, Angela Lepito shares some insight into getting a job in the Industry- whether or not you're an artist.
Send this to a friend who needs some help convincing a family member that art is a career.
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In three years, I went from having absolutely no experience in 3D Animation to working at DreamWorks Animation Studios to teach just about all of the 3D software we use- and I'm not done yet!
This is my journey- the entire process from when I decided I wanted to be an animator until I eventually get there, and everything along the way that will make it possible.
Whether you're chasing a similar dream, or just interested to see where mine takes me, subscribe to follow along with the incredible journey that it takes to become an animator!
You will not be disappointed.
Keep up with the action and connect with me on social!
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Instagram: / sirwadefx
Snapchat: sir-wade
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SoundCloud: / sirwadefx
Facebook: / wade.neistadt
LinkedIn: / sir-wade-. .
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Business Inquiries Only: [e-mail]
*All other emails will be ingnored; please leave your questions in the comments for others to benefit from as well
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Thanks for watching!

[@SirWade]

THANK YOU to everyone who commented on the last version- This is a re-uploaded version of this video with FIXED audio. Please let me know if there are any other issues, I massively appreciate the feedback and help! You guys and girls are the best!

[@chintadileepchandra5925]

Sir Wade Neistadt Hi Wade... Thank you so much for the information you are sharing... I got two questions... Hope you would answer them.. 1. I'm from India, DreamWorks is my Dream company to work... Can you help me with process of applying the job in this company... 2. I wanted to improve my skills in this field.. can you help me how ???

[@SyedAli-kj5og]

Sir I have a Question. when we go in a higher studio, I have seen people saying, that I am a graphic designer, a character animator, and lot more. And I am the guy who actually do animation by my own. So what about me , what will I choose as the career. And Is background animation good for earning??? And what will we call it as we call other. Sir please answer me, I am in real need.

[@wannabe_gamer1230]

I am from india I worked at DNEG and MPC for Rotoaniamtion / Body Tracking department. With two years of experience Can i get a job in UK or Canada.

[@narwhals8131]

As a female aspiring animator, Angela's interview helped me further understand that I'm making the right decision to pursue this career.

[@SirWade]

I just did another interview with some extremely talented female animators at Sony Animation, I'll post it as soon as I have time to edit it! Hopefully that will also help! :D

[@jazw4649]

She sounds more administrative than artist

[@juliusgreaser6141]

idk this made me tear up for some reason

[@atumfritu]

are you still here?

[@marvelousworks]

Pls make a video about the different field of animation for animators. I mean like : background artist, character developer and the rest.. and what is required in that field.

[@marvelousworks]

Ok thanks

[@victoramona9190]

@Keep Rocking! I noticed that you are really mean in manner of approach

[@sehece3557]

I have to get out of the silent majority to thank you for your work and all of your videos. They really are amazing for aspiring animators and even people who are willing to work in the industry in another field. I know I can't motivate you as much as you motivate us, but I hope a heartfelt thank you would help, because you truly deserve it. Keep going !

[@SirWade]

This is probably the nicest comment I've received from any of my videos, thank you :) I'm so glad these videos are helpful and I'll keep doing everything I can to keep it going!

[@sehece3557]

You're welcome :)You really have a superb attitude ! I wish you the best !

[@nicolak4608]

Animation is my dream job, but im scared to go down this route because it is so risky

[@lonesoul14281]

Same

[@Maria67922]

You will never know if you can get your dream job if you decide to never try!

[@sonyviva308]

There's a buddha in Art of Rally racing game said : "To do a dangerous thing with style, is art." If you've grown a passion from what you've been doing for years, you can kick your fear out of the window.

[@Kasyler]

I recommend watching mewtripled too! She's also in the art industry and she gives you the cold hard facts while also being super reassuring :)

[@ekebyeedwin2362]

Wow! She answered most of the questions I had on my mind. Many thanks for this episode.

[@sorasitsuprapoch5921]

Artists come from passion and love for the arts

[@efeemachado]

Thank you for these videos, Wade! They are pretty inspirational and motivating :) Also, I would love if you could make a video talking about the workflow you use for your animations, showing us maybe a little about the softwares, organization, and other stuff. Keep up the good work! :D

[@Bookauru]

10:16 I’ve been thinking of these same things yeah I want to get into animation but I don’t know the many jobs in the field that could be good to me. It feels like I’m missing future opportunities by not knowing everything. I’m a new viewer so I don’t know if, since this interview, you’ve made a video talking about the different jobs but as a suggestion maybe you should.

[@UMManeeta]

I would love to see a more in-depth video on how to build a successful showreel. Like what types of shots, poses etc that the company would want to see and how long it should be etc. A skeleton of a showreel per se.

[@quotestrange]

Love these series!

[@pandasinspace3560]

Just switched into an animation program and I'm super nervous since I basically don't know anything. It's comforting to know that there are opportunities in this field.

[@Dossell]

Golden thank you! I wonder what other type of continued learning opportunities are available for existing professionals. She mentioned concept design academy but wondering if their are any others

[@tapzgamolo2057]

Very inspiring sir wade. This will helps me alot 😊 thanks a bunch sir wade.

[@bDwS27]

I can't believe that was only 18 minutes! Looking foreword to the rest of the series.

[@eshan309]

This was great! Especially the last 4 mins.

[@emanarts1013]

Thank you so much for re-uploading it :D!

[@SirWade]

You got it! :)

[@amandaramirez8789]

Thank you so much for making these types of videos! They’re very inspirational and a helpful guide to people like me who are high school seniors and now are about to enter college!

[@SirWade]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching :) If you have any video ideas that would help with that transition let me know!

[@amandaramirez8789]

Sir Wade Neistadt I think a video on portfolios would be great! Like what type of work should be included in a work portfolio, since that is probably different to a college or school portfolio

[@kareemismael6153]

Thanm you so much. These are some great information!

[@ShawnSomething]

I'm so distracted by the toothless plush, I need ittt

[@AayZee]

Every thing she said was great. And I strongly agree with her last words that dont compare yourself with your surrounding artists.

[@sakurap95]

***Thanks again for your videos! One thing I found a bit frustrating was looking at the different job requirements for an animation position. Whether it was for animation, or character design, or storyboard artist, they all asked for previous job experience in those specific fields. But what if I haven't had any qualified previsous experience? What about the first-timers? Internships are a possibility for me, but is there anything else you know of that can help?

[@HitecProductions]

Do you know which renderer do they use at dreamworks by the way the video about your 2 years was really awesome, i learnt a lot. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!

[@digitalart4245]

your channel is very help full

[@erdogantaskurtart]

Thank you for that, It is really inspiring!

[@liamsilism2259]

Thank you very much for this video . I really needed the advice . Thank you man

[@SirWade]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching! :)

[@appelsiinitikku1663]

Toothless!❤️❤️😭

[@its__ina]

awesome!

[@bijoyp]

one thing that i dont understand, sir wade, what does she mean when she says that recruiters look for people who have potential? how is that determined from a show reel (or even an interview?) again, Thankyou for these great videos :)

[@juliancoronadol4062]

(leaving my reply because i want to know too)

[@SirWade]

These recruiters have been doing this for awhile- they can see when someone's passion is just bursting through. They can also see the thought process and ideas that people were going for when they created their shots, so if a piece of animation is "meh", maybe they can tell that the ideas was magic but maybe they just haven't learned the skills to execute it fully yet- so they see the potential and they realize that as the animator gets more skilled, their work will only get better and better. So both! Interview, and and demo reel!

[@bijoyp]

Sir Wade Neistadt that's actually pretty great news in a way xD Thankyou for answering!

[@YesitisDex]

It’s all in the eyes

[@aesuperlovetvtv3482]

BLESSED

[@SareshaTV]

I know that animation is something I want to do for a living, I love to draw and it’s not just a hobby to me. I’d love to work in the industry and be an animator! I know starting off I wouldn’t be able to do my own work. In terms to my characters and my own stories but where do you even start? Yes after college it’s all on me but what can you say to the people who unfortunately can’t make it to animation expo and events like that? How can they even begin to start to get an animation career?

[@jadag9810]

Saresha TV i dont know if u already watched her videos, but a channel on youtube named laura price gives SO MUCH information on animation. Like salary, where to start, portfolios and positions in animation i’d suggest watching her videos

[@paraisoenllamas]

Great interview!

[@christy1499]

Useful advice! :D

[@serenity9579]

Now it works fine :) thanks for reuploading :)

[@SirWade]

Phew! So glad to hear that. Enjoy :)

[@serenity9579]

Sir Wade Neistadt thank you very much! : D

[@buneyl]

this video is very helpful, thanks for uploading.

[@paperchasindude6578]

How much money do animators make

[@flatsamiscool]

Is college required to work at Dreamworks? I’m in the process of making animations to use when I apply and it takes a lot of work, but I would definitely continue focusing on them if I knew that they could at least help me be considered.

[@zequi007]

I honestly fear l wont find a job as an animator, I love 3D animation and I really hope l can atleast get a job after graduating cuz l live alone on a different state.

[@brendancastleberry1582]

Ay I know I’m late asf but I believe in you, you can get a job for sure 👌

[@Ch3rryp3tals]

3D is super high in the market, you'll be good.

[@injhs]

1:52 I felt something when she had an eye contact with the camera..

[@TastyCrats]

To the interviewer: Come prepared and be confident! In a lot of ways i can see she had trouble answering your questions. Keep working and thinking, you will improve!

[@SirWade]

Haha you definitely could tell it was my first interview huh :P I've definitely learned a lot since then, and that's great advice :)

[@TheSweetbloom]

I am from India and I finished my bachelors in computer science engineering, I have been struggling to understand how to go about my in animation and build a career in it. Where to begin? Should I apply for bachelors in animation in a college abroad and have double bachelors or should I learn the softwares myself and apply for masters or something? What is the ideal way or path? Please help me with this. Currently I am learning 3ds max and maya at a small institute called maac in India. But I have a feeling that its too technical and not from like a creative perspective.

[@indrajitbiswas8035]

hey can i talk to you on this topic....i have some questions that you could answer

[@MichaelKendallMrMk619]

Like me after a year from graduating with the Bachelors in Media Arts & Animation and being rejected 14 times trying to get a job in animation. No matter what like video games, films, and cartoons. I am more of 3D Environment/Prop Artist though.

[@masterskullking4929]

We can change the features

[@swarnjeetsingh4039]

How many jobs are there for character artist?

[@Curtoonstv]

If Ice Cube can get into school as an architectural draughtsman then I can get an animation job! 😁

[@cervantesgabriela6778]

Hi sir wade, I've been watching your channel for a while (pretty helpful btw). I am pursuing to become a storyboard artist and I wanted to know what can you tell me about that?, and how can I get in the industry? (In this position). Any tips?. **hope you can read this thank you 4 your attention**

[@pinkafide3886]

LUCKY! I've been wanting to animate for dreamworks for YEARS but i just can't find the right software and i don't think I'm good at animation but i think I'll figure it out! P.S (hope you animate for trolls 2!)

[@willwill6861]

pinkafide 56 I don't think animation is something you can just figure out especially if you don't even know the software use.

[@muhammadalfatih_xiwr1109]

I recommend blender software

[@nerdgamer2749]

It's really more about the skill you have at animating rather than the software you use lol Think about it... Would you rather hire someone with the best software, but absolute trash animation skills? OR Would you rather hire someone with cheap/free software, but astonishing animation skills?

[@hokai7146]

is degree important for animation

[@Alexandra36968]

❤

[@rRT_1]

i really want to be a 3d Animator but i don't think I'll be able to get a job here in Sweden

[@buyersguide-ECOM]

Is having an awesome demo reel enough to get somewhere or need of a certificate from a known place is necessary to

[@SirWade]

The demo reel is all you need! No certificate or degree needed :) Your work will speak for itself!

[@buyersguide-ECOM]

Sir Wade Neistadt Thanks a lot for this info😇 And the experiences u share with us is really really reaaally helpful.

[@buyersguide-ECOM]

Sir Wade Neistadt Thanks a lot again

[@khalilcheffai]

GOOD JOB

[@SirWade]

THANK YOU

[@serenity9579]

This was very interessting! I have a question because of the Thing "you need to be able communicate with people" . I have selektive mutism, so Sometimes I am not able to Talk in certain situations. I am currently studying Animation &vfx in Germany (Just finished my First Semester) but I am really afraid that no one will hire ne Afterwards... :( My docent knows about that and Said that He doesn't Sees a Problem with that (since i am not completly mute) But idk If someone will ever give me a Chance ...

[@SirWade]

I don't think you should worry too much- people in this industry are extremely empathetic and understanding, and as long as you're open and honest about what's going on and how you handle that challenge, no one is going to avoid giving you a chance because of that! As long as you're able to communicate in some form, enough to get the work done, I think you're fine! Even if it means you're silent in person but can take care of the work-communication in emails, and hopefully can get to a comfortable place enough to talk to your team when it's necessary- depending on those situations.. Bottom line is that if you're pleasant to work with and have the skills, you'll figure out a way to make it work with time, and people will want to help find those solutions :) Also I apologize if my assumptions don't quite match the reality of your situation, I have no experience with selective mutism- I had to Google it. But I don't think you should worry. People in this industry want you to succeed :)

[@lilymane5116]

Hi sir wade! Just wanna ask something about regarding what ms angela said about the problem with visa: do you know of any animators who worked there that are actually from out of the country?

[@SirWade]

A ton! I know at least 8 people there now who aren't from the US- and there's definitely more than that :)

[@lilymane5116]

Sir Wade Neistadt Oh thank you so much for replying! 😊

[@techrev1]

Hello, I am about to graduate with a computer animation degree. I would love to interview you with a few questions and present that to the my class. Please advice. Thank you --Yessenia Garcia

[@aileendullaghan506]

Can you Please once do an Water... Animation Step for Step

[@willwill6861]

So where did you say anything about getting a job and building a portfolio. Ctn is great.

[@squall1410]

15 dislikes are parents that doesn't believe you can make money being an artist :D

[@janjant3968]

5:52 what what what wdym not ton of the viewers are female?? really?? skfdadn cool im one of the few ladies out there who wanna learn how to build a portfolio and get a job in animation. up top to them other ladies!

[@CockatielPony]

I am a girl majoring in 3D animation right now, and the majority of the students in my classes are male and a lot of them want to work on video games since they are gamers.

[@polarfox5454]

larrikins It's gone forever ?

[@danielolchowhat8433]

I really want to be an animator, but my parents don't want me to.

[@isaacholzwarth]

Hey, you gotta respect your parents, but you don't have to let them keep you from your dreams. Be respectful, but be your own person, or else you'll end up regretting it for the rest of your life! Animation Mentor is a great school to use that is cheap enough that with enough work you can pay your own way through it, and it CAN be done!

[@moxier8524]

Fowk them

[@isaacholzwarth]

@Remor Artista yes, is a hard thing to do. It will be different when you move out as well, gaining your Independence opens up so many doors! My mom had parents like yours, and to this day, although she says she wouldn't change anything about her life like that, she still sometimes regrets listening to her parents and not going to art school and pursuing a career in art. A couple other things. Money is not equal to success, you can have a passion for art and deliver pizza to pay the bills, and although it may suck for a time, it can be done. Secondly, I think that a starving artist is a lazy artist. ;) Where am I right now? I'm a window washer running my own business to pay the bills while doing art as much as I can on the side. Your parents know a lot, but they don't know everything, and they don't know everything that will make you happy. I hope things work out for you, God Bless! Edit: looked at your channel, you do have talent, keep it up!

[@sorasitsuprapoch5921]

you can make money and career as an artist if you choose to but it all depends on how badly you want it

[@necrago]

What does it matter who works in animation? Who cares how many women or men work somewhere? As long as everyone is treated equally, there should be no gender preferences.

[@sameenzahra19]

Can an Indian works in DreamWorks

[@slav335]

Kumail Abbas everybody can but as she said the main challenge is the visa situation. If you can deal with it - you are pretty much have all the chances if you can make works of their level

[@gnightrow4020]

the one thing I hate about this interview is the fact she said it isn't the schools job to give you a job, when IT IS, I had no idea what to do with my life until I'm 19 which is far too late. otherwise this is a good interview.

[@SirWade]

But it's totally not the school's job to get you a job- while it IS their job to prepare you as best they can for jobs, and to equip you with whatever tools they can so that you're able to be hired- it's still up to you to go out and find the right fit for yourself, to interview and to negotiate and to make your living and build your career. You could have the best school in the world teach you the best material with the most amazing instructors- but if a student barely pays attention, or if the student excels at everything- it's not the school's responsibility to get you hired, they're just there to prepare you. You have to take that preparation, apply it and apply yourself, and hustle. And don't feel alone in the age element either- most people don't know what they want to do until they're at least in their 20's- even if they THINK they know before that. I had no idea until I was 20, and even that is early compared to most people I know of. A lot of people find their true passion when they're in their 30s or even later! It's all a journey, and the experience you have will always prove useful later in life, even if they seem like a waste at the time :)

[@gnightrow4020]

I agree with you with most of that but it doesn't mean that schools could do better to push for people to be working at a younger age, I feal like 30 years is far too long for someone to be fully employed. governments should push for the average employable age to be about 25.

[@isaacholzwarth]

@@gnightrow4020 dude, the government doesn't need to push for anything. Saying it's up to the schools or the government to get people jobs is removing The responsibility we all have to find our own way. Don't be a robot and wait for everyone else to do the work, find something you're passionate about and then YOU go get your job, YOU chase your dreams, YOU aspire to be employed asap. Don't leave it up to others, take responsibility for your life and just do it. Good luck to you!

[@YesitisDex]

Isaac Holzwarth, but Sir...I’m entitled like the majority of Americans. Even though Doctors, STEM Folks and those who work trades and are more in demand (generally)...I FEEL as if I should not work as hard to look for a job, even though it produces less value than those in the previous listed professions. 😂😂😂😂😂😂 I love America...the standards are so low because of this entitled, self-centered mindset. You made my day❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thanks for making my 2018 awesome. Sidenote: Animation Production is AWESOME.

[@owl2205]

"not a ton of viewers are female at the moment" lol whats the context to that?

[@SirWade]

Just that there are a lot of guys and girls out there that want to be animators and I want to make sure that the stuff I'm making is helpful and appealing to everyone, and I think it's important for aspiring artists to hear perspectives from those they can relate to and take lessons from that can impact them in a positive way- it's probably easier for guys to identify with me, based on the fact that most of my audience is male, but I want to make sure I'm working to bring in other perspectives that can help encourage and insoire the female viewers better than I can to aide in the pursuit of their passions :) I hope that makes sense, basically I want to make stuff to help everyone but right now it's mostly only guys watching, which makes me think that I'm not doing a good enough job helping female viewers out there and I'd like to do better

[@simpletofu2593]

When your parents don’t understand english...🙃 and is asian

[@SirWade]

If you want, you can add translations yourself as captions for the video in the video settings cog (where you choose video playback resolution) so that you could show it to them and your captions in another language would pop up as we speak :) I just have to approve whatever captions you put!