Career Change to Animation | Is it Possible? + Tips

[@PeterRobieArt]

Hey, hey Robyn! Thanks for the new video. This is a great topic! Being in my 50's I can say "This is hard and it takes time" is something that even seasoned animators will tell you. To piggy-back on this something else is to learn without cheats and plugins. Tools like TweenMachine, AnimBot, etc. are great and they do help you; however, learn how to do the work without the plugins first. You don't want to rely on them where you can't animate without them. If you get in a studio that doesn't allow a plugin that you're accustom to or you're helping someone at their desk who doesn't have the plugin then you'll be lost. On the front of keeping your day job and making sacrifices. I personally completed Animation Mentor's 18 month character animation course with holding a full time job and with a family. Most of my time animating was after everyone went to bed from around 9 or 11pm until 3am and back to work at 7:30am. It was rough but well worth it. The point being here is if you're passionate and willing to learn nothing is going to stop you from investing in yourself and your career. Thanks again Robyn and welcome back! Cheers!

[@RobynO_O]

Thank you so much for your comment, Peter ! You have such a valuable first-hand perspective to this, and I have to tell you, in all our interactions, I’ve always admired your drive and tenacity. I’ve seen how much you’ve improved over this time , and your dedication and hard work is truly inspiring ! You’re absolutely right about learning without relying on plug ins. As useful as they are, they won’t always be there, for the reasons you state, and it’s also just good to know how things work in case you ever need to reverse-engineer or figure out a bug, but you don’t know how because you always relied on a plugin !

[@PeterRobieArt]

Thanks @@RobynO_O. I think linking to your "Imposter syndrome" video would be a nice related video for people to watch too. For me it was really when Glen Keene said "I'm just waiting for someone to call me out on being a fraud." This goes to show even the most revered artists doubt themselves. I think this is incredibly important when not hearing back from studios or recruiters. It may sound silly to some but it's sad when you get excited to get even a rejection email. Also you'll hear a variety of comments along the way too. Things such as "You have a LONG way to go!" or others may say "If I was looking for an animator then I would give you a shot." You never know who's being kind and who's being honest. So while I agree with everything you said I think it's also important to stress how much community and getting honest (and constructive) feedback really is.

[@RobynO_O]

great suggestion, thanks @@PeterRobieArt , I'll put a link in the top corner after the link for the video on how to teach yourself animation. I think you're very right, and it must get really hard particularly when someone is changing their career and already probably has some doubts and reservations. Imposter syndrome must be really strong in that situation for some people. I still get it myself.

[@FantasticMario]

This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear! The obstacles, challenges, the ups and downs! And I'm excited to get to those points in this career! A quote from Tom Hardy is what I've been living off and it's "Passion, action, noble intention, creates process." I'm the type of person is when I see progress in what I'm passionate about, I strive for more! Thank you so much for this video!!

[@RobynO_O]

You’re very welcome, I’m so glad you took it in the way it was intended. That quote is spot on, and so is your attitude ! You can’t go wrong when you use your own hard work and progress as your motivator !

[@FriedFrogLegsAnimations]

Truth to be honest I don't want to work for a studio I would rather start my own animation studio

[@RobynO_O]

That’s the dream for a lot of us animators ! Totally possible 🌻

[@Frenchy920206]

Thanks a lot for this video. This was so on point.

[@RobynO_O]

you're welcome, I'm glad it resonated with you!

[@TheMaskedThearpist]

I’m 30 so I’m gonna do it I lost my orginal career and I’ve been unemployed for a year so what do I have to lose

[@RobynO_O]

yeah! do it! 30 is still young

[@juneru2]

It's a difficult, tedious, and meticulous journey, but the payoff seems worth it! I think this goes with both learning animation and with the process itself.

[@RobynO_O]

You’ve got that right !

[@FJ_Uribe]

Love the video and the honesty. I've been learning modeling (and some animating) on Maya for years, didn't get more serious until I attended and graduated school and improved a lot. I did manage to get a job involving 3D early in the year through reference. It's not exactly where I want to be in the industry, but it's a start, and it does give me time to improve even more until I feel like I'm ready to show my work to other companies. No rush, though. I like where I'm at and I'm still learning new things!

[@fajju_fj]

. I don't understand why u are so underrated. U deserve much more views than u got Your content always very helpful for me.. Love from india❤

[@RobynO_O]

Thank you, I’m so glad you find my content so helpful !

[@christianjohnson7223]

Thank you so much for this Reality check of expectations and preparation for my pursuit into a career in animation , I really appreciate it, and your content. keep it up

[@RobynO_O]

You’re welcome , I’m glad it had some value for you ! Thank you for your comment !

[@noel_curray]

I'm a 2D animator and this is also applicable to newcomers on the industry.

[@RobynO_O]

absolutely! Thank for the input, I'm sure it'll help others who are inetrested in breaking in to the 2d animation industry

[@brownsense1]

Im 45. I work in a warehouse. I have a tshirt business and a bachelor degree in Fine Arts. Im looking to actually get into animation this time. I looked into it back then, but life got in the way and i gave up on it. Serious this time.

[@RobynO_O]

If you’ve had a passion for it for this long , you should definitely give it a go !

[@bla__berries]

Now why would they show an ad on generative AI

[@Axiasart]

thanks for the video!

[@RobynO_O]

You’re welcome !

[@axel-toons]

yeah drawing animations its hard anyway sometimes! agree!

[@Sherif-the-Watcher]

I tried telling my ex-friend the truth because like everyone else, she taught animation was simple and she wanted to add it to her marketing and architectural studies I was only telling her dat animation is not as easy as it seems and takes years of study and practice, she thought if she got Blender and watched a couple of tutorials would be enough Because, I was trying to tell her the hard truth and not sugar-coat anything to her, she accused me of being jealous of her and dat was the end of our relationship Some people just prefer dat you give dem fake encouragements and," You can do anything you dream of" when it takes more than dat. The truth hurts and some people just can't admit it. I love your bluntness, I started watching your videos when I started learning animation about a year ago. Your advice and teachings have inspired me , thank you!

[@RobynO_O]

I'm sorry about your friend. A lot of people do think animation is easy, and I suppose it's up to them to try it and realise how difficult it actually is. I'm glad you find value in my videos and don't mind the bluntness!

[@Sherif-the-Watcher]

@@RobynO_O Thank you😍

[@Yshhsjjxjbdbdbb]

Hey what about A.i taking over....? Was it worth it to learn.

[@RobynO_O]

yes it is worth it

[@Forewise0625]

I’m 18 I absolutely love 3d animation I have an overactive imagination and I’ve always just wanted to put that stuff into motion….but I don’t have any actual drawing skills I dont think I’d be cut out for it

[@RobynO_O]

If you love 3d animation , you dont necessarily have to be able to draw , just saying

[@jericovildoza4633]

Bad idea or not, im tired of swinging a hammer 12 hours a day to come home to draw on my digital pad and try to improve with the little free time and energyi goy left. I got a loan from a personal friend and a bank to get me working part-time, flipping burgers while i attend school full time. People worry way too much about whether a thing will pan but if you want better out of life you gotta be better. Plain and simple. Real question is. Do you really want to change your routine living? Cause unless you got a Bachelors with some related training or an phenomenonal portfolio, you aint doing shit.

[@AmoebaGagless]

There’s people like Flashgitz and MeatCanyon who don’t work in the standard staple industry, but found ways to have the careers that they do.

[@RobynO_O]

Oh, totally. There are a lot of different avenues you can take in this industry !

[@_Lowbird]

Im 28 and rly want to become an animator. Should I try ?

[@TheKanjiX]

I’m on the fence also. Wanting to do something else after being a mechanic for 5 years. If ya do take it, gl friend.

[@shinsoatimaku]

That made me feel better I'm 18 stressing feel less alone 😂

[@anikour1463]

yes i know some friends ....when they see anime they are excited to make thier animation but when they get into it ....frame by frame 🏃‍♂🏃‍♂🏃‍♂🏃‍♂🏃‍♂

[@RobynO_O]

Ha ha yeah it’s not for everyone !

[@TheBlenderRoyal]

Ahhh.. I was wondering which animation hardware are you using for your 3D animation 😅

[@JayRome95]

Would you recommend dropping my job to do it full time at university?

[@RobynO_O]

I actually wouldn't, I would recommend keeping your job and studying it part-time online after work hours. Unless you are in a position where you would be financially stable for the whole time you were at university, then it would be fine

[@Gebsequanimity9300]

Is taking a loan to learn animation at school worth it??? ..😭 especially if ur already in debt?

[@RobynO_O]

I would say it's worth it if you are 100000% certain that you want this to be your career, because I personally knew a few people in college with me studying animation who took out loans to be there and then ended up quitting the industry shortly after graduating, so I'd say for any loan, you need to be really really sure about it. But if you're already in debt, I really can't say. Only you can know if that's a good idea for you.

[@Gebsequanimity9300]

@@RobynO_O thank you for your reply 😭 imma have to think really hard on this one. Also thank you for ur content. I have been watching a while. Good stuff

[@RobynO_O]

You’re welcome. It’s a tough decision so good luck ! And thanks

[@Marsh4Sukuna-tf1bs]

Thoughts on sora ?

[@Shees_Mustafa.]

How do you start learning animation

[@RobynO_O]

You can watch this video, it’s about how to learn animation yourself at home kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3XUiWRphMqiqLMsi=pzJaUK62PnAIOSCi

[@Shees_Mustafa.]

@@RobynO_O I appreciate it, thanks.

[@fraser7910]

Excuse me How did you upload long story in short from your channel?

[@RobynO_O]

I'm not sure what you mean? All my shorts are below 1 minute

[@AmoebaGagless]

Looks like this cute biscuit animator got her self a tan.

[@RobynO_O]

been a hot summer over here ! But also my lighting is quite yellow

[@CrimsonOrguss]

i'm leaving a comment

[@RobynO_O]

Thank you kind sir

[@davidgallagher4234]

Animation Mentor is not accredited lol.

[@t2av159]

I am Ai. I am here to rule

[@RobynO_O]

Awesome. Please make the world a better place since humans couldnt do such a great job of it

[@Bunbunamor]

Not if you want a stable living….

[@RobynO_O]

I have a very stable living. It depends what sector of the industry you’re working in as well

[@PeterRobieArt]

Honestly, the truth is if you look at the overall picture there's no such thing as a "stable" income. People get laid off, replaced for cheaper employees or the company closes. The list goes on and on. Being as I've personally been with the same company for 20+ years I know I (like anyone else) could be replaced at any given moment.

[@Bunbunamor]

Okay but you’d both be deluded to say the 2020s have not been been extra destabilizing with major tech, studio lay offs, writers strike, and economic slow down.

[@Bunbunamor]

@@PeterRobieArtWell I hope you feel the same if you have that experience.

[@PeterRobieArt]

@@Bunbunamor Absolutely, in nearly four decades of working I've had my fair share of thinking my job was safe and found myself (like many) hopping from place to place. It's not fun and I don't recall anyone disputing 2020 onward being filled with even greater challenges from the years and decades prior. We can focus on the past or make progress to improve our own situations now that things have relatively normalized. On the positive side, things have improved and they're getting back on track. So if animation is something of interest for a career change (or any occupation) it's really a good time to put in the hard work to make those things happen.

[@TechSensei011]

say less girl