How to know if you're good enough for the Animation Industry

In this video, I talk about several ways in how you can determine you're capability of working in the animation industry.
“Video Sponsored by Ridge Wallet:
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Use Code "TONIKORIDGE” for 10% off your order”
00:00 - Opening
00:34 - Ridge Wallets Sponsorship
02:09 - Introduction Statement
02:42 - Know what kind of animation you'd like to get into
05:30 - Do a test for a production
08:36 - Compare your skills to those already in the industry
11:10 - Learn about quota and expectations for the job
13:47 - Getting personal feedback from those in the industry
15:35 - Final thoughts and closing statements
16:37 - Animation Course Advertisement
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:
Storyboarding - Photoshop, Adobe Animate, Storyboard Pro
Animation - TVPAINT, Adobe Flash/Animate CC, Harmony
Compositing - After Effects
Painting and Illustration - Photoshop
Video Editing - Premiere

[@TonikoPantoja]

“Big thanks to Ridge for sending me this wallet and supporting the channel! Here’s the site if you want to check them out! > ridge.com/TONIKORIDGE”

[@JamezGrimm]

If you haven’t given up, and you’ve pushed through and are continuing to learn. You’re good enough.

[@lockheart619]

Underrated comment

[@Ru8BerDuCKy]

Real

[@RedGallardo]

"Compare your skills to those already in the field" A month-long depression... T_T

[@camdenbeneshart923]

All the more to learn and strive for greatness, it doesn’t happen over night

[@MisterZimbabwe]

Uuuuugggghhhh but by the time I put in that time I'll be OLD and nobody wants to hire an arthritis-ridden old person

[@ringstar3316]

The real question is where to get in the know when studios are recruiting. That’s the real kicker

[@bladewolf39]

One way to do it is to find groups like ASIFA who has social media pages that you can follow and get information that way from people who get information on places that are hiring. They typically have branches like ASIFA-South or ASIFA-East or ASIFA-Hollywood and you can basically find their pages on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow recruiters on social media if they have a social media page since they usually would sometimes post if their studio is hiring.

[@kaymakesthings]

Twitter. That's all. Just Twitter. lmao

[@bladewolf39]

@@kaymakesthings i wish convincing people to get on Twitter to even find recruiters or animators who are in the know was that easy. Every time I say "you should follow them on Twitter" theyre like, "That hellsite!? Thats where all the nasty people are!" As if Facebook or any other social media page is any better

[@ebenezeronile]

kaymakesthings Twitter for me is just a dumpster fire waiting to explode into nothing but politics and crazy people. I can’t never have my art on that platform

[@whowantswaffles]

My advice is facebook groups and basically networking. I got rid of FB then had to bring it back just for work stuff! There are so many private online groups where they will only let people into the group with existing film/show credits and a tonne of work gets advertised in there. I think I've gotten three or four production gigs just from private groups.

[@rinhatsuyuki7090]

To be honest; you will never know if you're ready; you need to just try to aim for the bar that is required and learn from your experiences. this was a good highlight, but that's why it's "tricky" to get the right fit, because the game is constantly changing. so as an artist, if you're trying to "deliver a task" you're aiming for, make sure you're prepared for the role and have the skills required to get started to improve on that field.

[@doggodoggo3000]

I don't animate. I studied film production in college. But Ive always liked animation and appreciated it. I took an animation class once and it just deepened my love. Its like magic.

[@compoflask6262]

love this comment

[@ferretsproductions7623]

For once, a sponsorship actually makes me wanna buy the product :0

[@wassimannaba5812]

Yeeep

[@kaywhoanimates9051]

- CLAPS HAPPILY FOR FERRETS PRODUCTION

[@kamiko8021]

Lol i thought thesame thing

[@RedGallardo]

Yeah! Badass cards keeper =D Plus done by the channel author, not some soulless "pro" voice

[@akinemainunangugel9650]

Same

[@mockthestars]

5:00 I would like to add that you have to make different portfolios depending on where you are applying, this is valid for every art/production related career (animation, architecture, design, etc)

[@tejeraillustrator3810]

I want to be an animator. The thing is that Im studying the "art foundations" first. Right now Im studying the body and poses. I used to do 5 minute animations with stick figures when I was young. Later I became a lazy bitch and stopped making them. Ive started my journey again about 7 months ago.

[@levipugh3265]

Studying art foundations is super important if you want to become an animator! I'm studying 2D animation in uni at the moment and we have 2 major units- animation and drawing. Practice the fundamentals of drawing but alongside that practice the 12 principals of animation- I study the ones popularised by Disney (each studio will have their own variant but this is the one most popularly used). You need to know how to draw to know how to animate!

[@tejeraillustrator3810]

@@levipugh3265 Thanks a lot for your reply. I'd love to talk with you about the topic. Can you DM me at Tejera.progress on instagram? Im interested In seeing things through the perspective of someone that Is taking a degree on that, as Im self taught.

[@okaden1015]

This has to be the most relatable thing I've ever read 😂

[@martir1786]

We're are you studying arts foundations? Community College? I think I don't have enough experience to try animation so I want to know more about possibilities

[@tejeraillustrator3810]

@@martir1786 Theres tons of videos and books on the fundamentals. Proko is great for anatomy. Scott Robertson is great for forms and perspective. Vandruff is a perspective master. James Gurney has valuable information about light & color theory. Marcos Mateu has two great books about perspective too and another ab out storytelling/ composition.

[@byteairsoft8218]

I'm glad that you get sponsors. Don't worry about holding back an opportunity if it enables you to do what you love.

[@DominickvdHoff]

As a european animator, I'd love to hear about your experience with getting a Visa and coming from another country.

[@RayfieldA]

If you don't hear this very much, I'd like to personally Thank you for these videos. Thank you for your time, hard work, and advice. Keep up the great work!

[@LytzyBitzySpider]

1:23 this made my day. Thank you. 😊☺ 15:40 this is too cute. I have replayed this part so many times

[@ego-pt7vt]

I feel like every artist has asked them selves this question at some point in their life

[@mschivas9356]

I really liked that your blunt and honest about the career work aspect of the industry.

[@user-vl1xj3lc9g]

I love your animations and you’ve helped me sooo much. Thank you for everything 😊

[@natanrony2805]

Your videos makes me want to be an animator, you're soo sweet!

[@anniemulcahey9506]

This video is soooo helpful. 3 & 4 I've been thinking about a lot lately. Love your channel & so glad I subscribed!!

[@kokomoko5339]

You’re vids have always been helpful advice, 😊 thanks!

[@nmenard1]

Thanks much for the honest advice. Too many times I've seen people in the industry blow off people looking for a tiny bit of direction.

[@TheZoe132]

Really uplifting video and ended in a wise conclusion too, thank you.

[@AhoTakoyaki]

Woah woah woah, you're physic is on point Toniko!

[@trenttheracingturtle]

Keep giving it your best and never give up! Love the process.

[@crasherverse3134]

Thanks for this! Very insightful. Thanks

[@ericduchesnes7340]

Thank you Toniko !.. 👍🏼 ❤ 🕊

[@giovannarosa7062]

Thank you so mich for this video! I always thought I had to be the top of my game, and I got told often how good I was with my animations. But I always wondered why they didn't find me fit for the positions until now. So Thank you for clearing that up for me.

[@gaspachoo5046]

you say you have animation but you don’t have any videos on your channel? curious.

[@giovannarosa7062]

@@gaspachoo5046 I deleted them because I didn't feel good enough. I have my animations but not on KZbin.

[@gaspachoo5046]

@@giovannarosa7062 aww, that's unfortunate. I always love seeing the stuff that random video commenters make. Part of the struggle is putting your stuff out there for people to see. I know I'm not really one to talk, and thats part of problem I have. Not putting my work out where people can see it.

[@alteredalex]

Think I need to start recognizing that these poeple have had years of professional education and I've just been figuring it out as I go.

[@sophiajin6469]

How old are you? I'm just curious (Not trying to sound rude or anything, there's nothing wrong with your comment)!

[@eeveemakeralibi]

There’s lots of amazing education and teachers here on KZbin! We can always learn more

[@katred3702]

My cat gave you a Thumbs up with his nose when I was still watching the sponsor XD

[@Giovanni_Team_Rocket_UK]

I really want to get into animation and make my own cartoon series. But my drawing skills are very bad, despite trying to practice to improve... it seems like to me I can’t find processes intended to draw well or even animate. I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s and I’ve always dreamed to do the things I mentioned above.. maybe I’ll never be able to do it :(

[@Giovanni_Team_Rocket_UK]

Thea S Hi, nah I did 3D animation before in my uni, I wasn’t very good at it. Plus I don’t like doing 3D animation too much...

[@Binks129]

Get into storyboarding. You don’t need to know the ins and outs of details character designs. You just need to convey emotion and storytelling.

[@critter_core]

I can draw but I can't animate xD

[@PodGlim]

Because this channel my spirit rising up and my eyes opened widely to get started what I should be. Now I'm focused learn about fundamental drawing of anatomy.. Keep up the great work Tony!!! I love your channel.. Keep inspiring people!

[@FlashFastBlack]

The amount of 40 somethings I've met in the industry that are just.... SO mediocre at their jobs. Clearly they got their stable jobs and are just cruising to retirement. It's kinda annoying.

[@RMAnimations]

Oh shit toniko you're jacked! 1:25

[@Unk.B.]

Can you do a video on what skills you need for the animation industry

[@nekofish9824]

Best sponsorship ever

[@Deelusi]

I am quite curious about your colouring workflow.

[@HiVisl]

This was a great video. I always feel I'm not good enough for the industry, but I'm working in the industry :D

[@snugray_p1659]

Really? Oh thank god, I'm 15 right now and I'm having serious doubts of being good enough for the industry. Is it worth it?

[@HiVisl]

@@snugray_p1659 working in the industry is awesome. It is hard and I’m always stretched, but that's how you grow.

[@snugray_p1659]

@@HiVisl What sort of things do you typically find the hardest working in the industry?

[@HiVisl]

@@snugray_p1659 you work with people that are way better than you--it can make you feel inadequate. But you have to remind yourself that everyone is growing and is at a different place. The face that you’re there is testament to your skill

[@snugray_p1659]

@@HiVisl Wow, then it must be very humbling!

[@YumegakaMurakumo]

3:38 Funny you should say that... (ahem working on a fan made seriessss meself ATM)😁💜 In all seriousness, I think all aspiring animators should start out small AKA more cartoony than realistic. Really cartoony shows like SpongeBob Squarepants are a good place to start for beginner animators. That's what I'm doing. 😂 Don't immediately jump into trying to do animation like Avatar the Last Airbender or other anime. Unless you're THAT good. 😁 As I stated before in another video, I'm not interested in joining an animation company, I don't like to be tied down by regulations that aren't my own, that being said, I found a lot of helpful tidbits from this video that even aspiring indie animators can use. Concerning ToonBoom, I heard a lot of negative input that turned me away from it. Also the price. OOF. I have OpenToonz who a lot of people referred me to after telling me to avoid TB. OT was used on my favorite Studio Ghibli film of all time: SPIRITED AWAY.💜🐲⛩ This was a really good video. 👌🏼

[@3rebella]

Thanks for the advice :)

[@ndeyefatousarr3243]

Ima buy that wallet I just wish I could put something in it

[@epicroader8433]

lmao

[@Inanedata]

I won't be able to afford to put anything in it after buying one of those 😳

[@tzisorey]

Imposter Syndrome is probably very common - especially if you get one or two rejections

[@starice5095]

Epic

[@sneaker_thistle]

yoinkers

[@BBWahoo]

1:25 "Oh no he's hot!"

[@riccia888]

What is the difference between animation artist and story board artist? are they both different job title?

[@nismogo869]

Storyboarders create the building blocks of the animation. Shot compositions, key facial expressions, the flow of the camera, etc. They essentially illustrate the directors vision for the animation in thumbnails and illustrations in order to create a visual foundation for the animation. Working hand and hand with the director to translate his mental image onto paper. The "skeleton and bones" of an animation you could say. Meanwhile Animators work on key frames and in between frames and even visual/special effects. CGI etc. "The meat and fat" of an animation I guess you could say! I hope this helps!

[@riccia888]

Nismo Go wow thanks for the reply😀

[@nismogo869]

@@riccia888 No problem!

[@FurlowT]

I'd like point out to be leary when people say they'll get you an interview if they aren't the recruiting agent. I've been told by people in industry I had good work and I'd get interviews. But, then never hear of or get denied before even looked at.

[@Drong]

What's the name of the font you use on your titles?

[@venzarez-ili680]

You look buffed than I thought

[@TurboldErdenebaatar]

what software is better to make traditional animation

[@alexisbrooks3276]

How does one find a test for practice purposes? I assume studios aren't giving them out like hot cakes?

[@ajiththomas2465]

Well, you can probably make your own "test" inside your portfolio when you apply to certain studios. So let's say that you wanted to apply for Powerhouse Animation, who produced Castlevania. It'd be really beneficial to include a portion of your portfolio that has an action scene made in the art style of Castlevania. That way, the studio knows for sure that you can adapt with and work with their preferred art style, which will help a lot. You get what I mean? Include a "test" that's tailored for the specific studio in your portfolio.

[@nismogo869]

@@ajiththomas2465 This is crazy good advice because I really want to work for them! Thanks a ton for sharing

[@ajiththomas2465]

@@nismogo869 You're welcome, my dude. I also have plans to hopefully work for Powerhouse Animation as well when I finish college, so I'll maybe see you then. Glad that this advice helped. Good luck!

[@SiD19884]

Will you give feedbacks if i send you my demo? :)

[@sonicfreak04]

is it better to be independent?

[@frogc.]

5:45 Thats cute

[@AdriOfTheDead]

I want to buy that wallet just for that dramatization alone

[@francisco3254]

Do I have to know how to draw?

[@BloodyChronos]

first comment bb

[@LytzyBitzySpider]

Congrats 👏

[@ThePlanet4ryPerson69]

do you have filipino blood?

[@johnwoolridge]

I’m not first

[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

I'm not even good enough for KZbin. I got 190 subscribers and all I do is animation.

[@LmaoMeowz]

Hey, i know this is old but your exposure and subscribers on youtube arent directly linked to your content quality. The KZbin algorithm lets down a LOT of really amazing artists and other KZbinrs. It’s honestly really sad but eventually you’ll be recognized for your skill! Keep on keepin on & making the content you love.

[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

@@LmaoMeowz Thanks! I appreciate the encouragement.

[@luvblueybingoheeler3150]

I heard not so good things about the animated industry. I think I would do that stuff for fun.

[@critter_core]

I'm great at drawing I'm terrible at animating :]

[@QwormiWarmi]

Is 38 too old to go to animation college.......

[@whytan]

No, there was a 38 y/o who got into calarts last year

[@skullseeker3013]

I dont think so, but there is other question, will the industry will accept you in that age , while you'll finish the school ? I guess still yes, cuz tons of ppl got into for their 30s n became successful

[@Jamie-yp7qz]

Look at Richard Williams. He was considered somewhat old when he got into the animation industry, then became a master of his craft before passing away.

[@QwormiWarmi]

It's totally for my own stuff, can't see myself working for a studio, I'm self taught in art, camera, editing yada yada, probably like most people and I have animated, but I feel like there's a discipline or a process or a way, that you have to see or be shown with animation.. Animation is the only visual medium I've encountered where I'm like 'okay, I need to just listen to the people who know what they're talking about, I can't wing this'. I've never been around animators the way I've been around other artists etc.. and I'd love to pick up some animatey mojo from people who actually do it..

[@QwormiWarmi]

Never heard of Richard Williams, just watched an excellent 10 min vid on him.. Thanks 4 the recommendation

[@sneaker_thistle]

third comment

[@levelzanimations]

Am I good enough?

[@Purpie_Slurpie]

I already know I'm not, that's why I gave up lmao

[@critter_core]

Bro Ive given up so many times >:0 Also... Fellow Unus Annus fan(?)

[@educatednipple2418]

Bold of you to assume we have any money to be put in the wallet in the first place.

[@Parcother]

face reveal hahahahaha

[@kikuchiyo1377]

here it is folks are you ready? this video is ok at best the reality is talking to almost about 80% of any of the artist in the industry you will get a bad answer. Why will you get a bad answer because most artists are naturally haters, instead of being excited for someones work they compare constantly to there own or to that of people they know and they will shoot you down everytime. Take all this dudes advice with a grain of salt its not necessary to listen to him, dont overthink it just look around at the quality of the art work thats out there and match it. Dont ask for too much information just fuck everyone who has said anything negative to you thus far, if you really want to work in the animation industry just do it and fuck everyones advice.

[@LmaoMeowz]

Yeah but then you wont get hired. If you don’t take certain advice and accept criticism you’ll never get any jobs because people won’t want to work with you.

[@enriqueparedon384]

nop, y no ser esclavo de ellos

[@AndyRocket1000]

Ahh Yeah .. Does it exist a animation industri? 🤔i thought industri was for bombs and boats

[@benjaminbanh9955]

thanks for watching this video i guess..bye

[@crasherverse3134]

Thanks for this! Very insightful. Thanks