What It's Like Being Unemployed in Animation 😢DRAW WITH ME

[@StarCastersUniverse]

As someone who’s been in the animation industry for 6 years since graduating & only have been working as a storyboard artist, it is hellllllllaaaaaa stressful and frustrating. Finding a job feels amazing and you’re like “aw hella ya i get paid and can pay bills and get stuff done” but during work you realize you do feel burnt out. Sometimes you’re literally crying cause you’re confused when the next job will be or if this is what you ACTUALLY wanna do. Cause it’s always contract based, some last for a while, some are short, they rehire you. But sometimes they recycle you. Sometimes they never contact you at all. I’ll admit though, as i continue to be in this industry, more and more studios reach out to me asking if i’d like to join and even while i’m working at other studios. Ive tried doing 2 studios at the same time (BIG MISTAKE BRUH I WAS SO TIRED IN THE END AND B U R N T OUT). i was able to get into the industry by chance. I knew a friend who worked as an animator at 1 studio and casually named dropped him at an animation job fair to his studio who was hiring. And they immediately liked me and told me to apply. I was only in my 2nd year of animation and i THOUGHT THEY WERE JOKING (proof my dumb brain thought I wasn’t worthy) They reached out again in my 3rd year and even my friend who was like “no man theyre serious they wanna hire you” i was flabbergasted, and applied and did their test and was able to do 3 big episodes for them. It was huge to me that this was my start, i did get another job for a short time but it was such a ripoff i felt taken advantage of. Then i was able to get a job at a studio who does adult-comedy animation called “bigfoot”. And then i got a job a nelvana. Aka the studio of our childhoods like franklin, arthur, little bear etc. and i worked on sesame street’s esme and roy. A full season. I also worked on DNace etc, but after that contract was done. I was again jobless for a few months. Thats the thing. You always find yourself just. Waiting. Waiting for the right time. Waiting if they’ll like u to call u back. And that’s annoying. But????? It taught me to take advantage of that break or waiting time. I ended up publishing my coloring book, worked on my pitch, and even published my album. Now i’m working on dino ranch on disney jr. And im being paid a lot more than i was when i started. Still got that delicious student debt tho :’) The point is, My biggest recommendation for any new artist trying to find a new job after graduating is definitely networking. Be kinds to others, be open minded and learn about the world around you. Uncle Iroh did say “destiny is a funny thing, you never know how things work out. But if you keep an open mind and an open heart, i promise you’ll find your own destiny someday” I believe in all y’all.

[@graceellen7984]

I love your story it inspires me to work hard on my dreams and I believe I need to just keep going use that time wisely

[@lockheart619]

Uncle Iroh 🥰

[@ineventuality4349]

Thank you for this inspiration :)

[@anusree8707]

thanks. a reality that's inspiring young minds somewhere

[@Elizabeth-mf3dn]

Omggg you worked at the studio that did Little Bear 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 I adored that show as a little girl, was it magical in there?

[@olganowak9570]

What a throwback of a topic! I remember the time after finishing uni and feeling like my ONLY purpose is to get a job in the industry, or else I'm a failure (which is a pretty ridiculous thought looking back). It was extremely mentally draining, and rejections didn't help either. I have to say that while you're looking for jobs, join some university forums/groups or take the initiative and ask your uni teachers for a direction. They might not offer you a job, but will push you in a more precise direction, Additonally, it's always appreciated if a student really tries to learn, is ambitious and shows initiative. Teachers like students like that, and are much more eager to help them or be more lenient at times. If you really want to do animation/art as a career, show that you want to learn and are not afraid of mistakes - no fresh graduates will have a portfolio of a master.

[@Rainjojo]

As a freshman in art school I thank you for writing this comment! I’ve had the the mindset that when I’d graduate it’ll be easy for me to get any job and do art as a profession, but after coming to school I had a few harsh reminders that improving art doesn’t come easy and I have to be willing to give my all and present it professionally. I compared my art to others and made so many mistakes but through it all, I’ve owned it and helped others who struggled as I did

[@louism8911]

That is why I work for myself. I am a 2D/3D artist and I'm studying dental hygienist because it's easy to get a job, pay well, and have a flexible schedule (free weekends, 4 days or less of work, etc). With this I can do 3D work at home with a lot of free time, especially with a part time hygienist as I retire in the future. I highly recommend getting a different career that pays well and save money for your retirement while you continue to do your art work for yourself. You don't need to work for somebody else because you have a short life. Just enjoy what you're doing.

[@user-fo5ej2tg5k]

Thank you, I needed that

[@anusree8707]

Thanks from me tooo

[@daisookie9549]

yess this is exactly what i wanna do!!I wanna keep att as a hobby but i do hope that it can bring me a little income…but i don’t expect it to pay all my bills !!that’s why i’m gonna work in the medical field

[@gladissbop5945]

I’m doing this! Im currently doing a medical assisting program, and next maybe cosmetology while going to school to get a degree in animation.

[@nicholash1278]

interesting, I am thinking back to community college for nursing as my main "career" while I work on my art stuff on the side since it's sooo hard to survive just on being an artist

[@Wengsome]

Don't worry about your first job. Have an aim and know what kind of animator you want to be. Some get lucky and get into great studios but the real deal in animation is to know people. Make friends, network around and seriously, gigs will come to you. For real, how many people out there give jobs to strangers as opposed to animator friends they know? : )

[@rebekahg.6174]

Still on the hunt for that 'first job after graduating that is supposed to be in line with my degree', and it's been about 9 months since graduation😑. It's kind of comforting to know I'm not alone in this, and you made a good point about setting up multiple streams of income to act as a cushion, so I'll need to focus some more effort into that as well. Thanks for the video, and I like the new format (it makes me think that you would be great on a podcast)!

[@smji5269]

I graduated in 2020 and still looking for a job. My only income is my very tiny small business which only family and friends were buying from along with a few strangers. Freelancing when I get a decent offer because most offers I get as a freelance artist are very cheap like asking for a lot of work and offering little payment that won't even cover my meals for a week. Hoping it gets better by time is our only option.

[@DrCalyn]

@@smji5269 I graduated in 2020 too! My "Life After Pratt" is not exactly what I envisioned but we need to go easy on ourselves. It was a super difficult year to graduate because it was the beginning of the pandemic panic. You'll be okay, all of us are in it together! What's the link to your business?

[@babylilacforever]

Yep I totally relate. I struggled for years to get into the industry after graduating. I thought I would be ok after my first big contract, but sadly that wasn’t the case and the uncertainty of freelancing and the ridiculous low pay meant I had to go back into corporate. I’ve been offered a few other anim positions lately but have turned them down as the instability at the moment is too much for me. Sadly that’s just how the industry is. It wrecked my love of drawing to, now I’m focusing on other careers and will try to just draw for myself. I commend folks who can stick out the hell that is the unemployed periods between jobs.

[@davidbowtie4480]

What kind of other careers you're focused now?

[@scribblesbykriti]

This was such a helpful video considering I'll be applying for animation courses for '23. Really loved the layout of this video! The final product turned out amazing as usual💛

[@Howdyasdo]

I cannot thank you enough for the advice you give in your videos as an aspiring artist/animator

[@mushroomlena]

Thank you for always sharing your journey! Not a lot of artists talk about the periods between full time work. It’s definitely something to consider when going into the animation industry. I honestly expected from your work history that finding a new job would be a breeze. So knowing other people find the job hunt exhausting and a lot of work is helpful.

[@woafofbread]

I am so glad I found you! I'm going into my second year at art school and I was pretty burned out all summer. These draw with me videos are so helpful because I can draw and listen to you talk about stuff I will probably experience one day if I go through with this career path. I was scared I wouldn't have time to work on social media and personal projects in the future so I was always too scared to start them. Now I'm gonna try and work on them bit by bit.

[@qu33rd0gs]

your videos always make me feel so much better about pursuing my graphic design degree in college, and it makes me feel more confident in posting regularly on my social medias to keep my following to help support me later in projects I would want to do in-between jobs and work later on.

[@danicadickison]

That’s so awesome to use your publishing project as a cushion to wait for a project you love! That’s a really great idea. Mergers and new studio heads made a lot of projects that were promised last year and the beginning of this year canceled or pushed 😥 feels like the prospects were a little drier for a bit there - but I think you’ll do great in the new year! Especially with projects finally staffing up soon! You’re a badass and you got this💪🏻✨

[@biblesforbreakfast]

Thank you for the talk Michelle. I love the comic you are working on. The idea of going back in time to encourage one's past self is a very encouraging notion for me. Today I feel so invested in the "grown up" concept of what working a job means that the kid animating in his bedroom has become too removed. I hope I can be a success and encouragement to that kid first and foremost.

[@SketchingWithSarah]

I like this layout! I feel like my time lapse videos from procreate that I lost to KZbin are always so plain 😭 I appreciate naming the brushes you use too! I love watching your process the pinks and purples are so satisfying 💕 I graduated art college in May 2020 right in the thick of covid and I completely relate to this struggle of job hunting and all of this. I really appreciate you sharing your insight because I relate so hard 😭💕

[@PrincessSakuno]

Idk why but listening to you talk really calms me, hope I can get myself working in the creative industry soon, sigh

[@best_of_ant]

Ah, just at the right time! Been thinking alot whether I want to attend an art collage and eventually have an art career or keep art as a hobby and going to a different collage and having a different job as well. I still have 3.5 - 4 years before collage, but the anxiety about what I want to be in the future ain't really leaving me 😶.

[@assmaniac]

I think you can still have an art career without going to college! I'm still thinking about the same things and I'm 19 at a normal college. Art college was super expensive, so I'm putting together an animation portfolio and just seeing what happens. Good luck!!

[@actuallyxanna774]

I think you can do both! Continue to nurture your art and draw daily and get better and maybe go to a different college for something else. A lot of people in the industry and big artists on instagram didn't go to an art college. You can find art classes and short courses online instead of going to a full 4 year school. Unless you want to do animation and 3d then you may need to go to college as it can be tricky to learn on your own. You can always do art on the side as a freelance and still keep another job etc.

[@best_of_ant]

@@assmaniac Aw, thank you, good luck to you two! I definitely believe it's possible to have an art career without collage, however here in my country there's a constant pressure that you can't do anything if you've finished regular highschool without going to collage, especially when you're looking for jobs ( this somewhat ties into some laws present here, however I gotta get more info on that). I've considered all through my life that I could maybe major or indulge in something else than art that is useful enough for a decent life. I don't know yet! But thank you for your reassurance! ❤️

[@IshikaShanai]

As a person who's currently both in art university and working professionally in an art related job, don't put too much pressure to make art into something you do for a job if you're not 100% obsessed with getting better at it. Aka most of your free time is learning more about art and other interests to fuel your art because you enjoy it. A career is what you have and look back on after working a variety of different jobs across different across many decades, so you don't have to worry about "careers" yet (and neither do I lol). There's hundreds of examples of artists who do art on the side of their day job and from consistently working with that routine, eventually their art makes them more money than their day job. There's no "right" or "wrong" way to be an artist. So constantly stressing over the future is gonna rob you from enjoying the present. Just try out a bunch of things, learn new subjects, and see what sticks.

[@TamaraKane]

I'm going to say the opposite of some of the other commenters as an artist who has been doing this for 20+ years. Of course go to college! It's a wonderful opportunity. Get a Bachelor's degree. I found college to be more enjoyable than high school or elementary school because I got to choose my focus. I didn't finish due to illness, though. I know someone who just switched to an art major because they tried to do the practical thing and take computer science and they hated it. They're scared about whether they'll get jobs as an artist, too, but a degree can absolutely help. As a lifelong freelance artist, I am still struggling to find work every day of my life because I didn't finish college and get that degree. My friend who has an art degree, on the other hand, was qualified to work as a museum director as his day job. There are a lot of art jobs, studio jobs, jobs that will pay to relocate you, or give you a nice long contract, but many employers delete applications without reading them if they don't see a degree. College gives you projects to do that you can add to a portfolio. It helps to work alongside other artists. It's motivating. A degree in art gives you the chance to someday take a quick teacher certification course, then you can teach art (I recommend college level teaching). A Bachelor's degree can open the door to other non-art jobs as well. Can artists succeed without going to college? Absolutely, but it's still a small percentage of artists who are able to. The lucky ones. 🙂 The other cool thing about the art degree is if you get it, you can always go back and get a secondary degree, a degree in another field, whatever you want to do because your general ed requirements will be done. If a person likes art, but doesn't love it, I suggest those people get a different degree or trade. When picking a major, picking something you love doing will make college easier. You'll get inspired by great artists of the past and present. You'll learn about new mediums and expand your horizons. An art degree can qualify you for jobs in marketing, promotion, design, fashion, illustration, game design, animation, film, TV. I know an artist who goes around doing speaking tours as an art professor, basically giving TED talks to students for $1500-$10,000 per talk, plus free travel expenses and lodging. An artist with a bachelor's degree can apply for grants for large scale art projects. That said, when you get to college, they'll help you focus in on what your career should be. It might not ever feel 100% certain. That's normal. Over 80% of college students change their degree at least once. I know another artist who went to college for art, which got her a Disney Imagineering internship, but then pivoted to a business degree. Now her business degree has helped her youtube channel to be massively successful and she makes a fortune running a travel vlog. But if you study art in college, you're usually guaranteed at least some enjoyable classes, and that is hands down the best way to attend college; loving every minute of it! You seem really bright and thoughtful. You can do anything you put your mind and efforts into! Give yourself time. Enjoy learning and building your skills. Have fun with it because it is so much fun! You're so smart to plan ahead. You're going to go far!

[@alisatea923]

Thank you so much for your input! It is nice to hear that there are others going through the same thing as me. I'm currently working as a barista to help pay me the bills and sometimes these rejections made me feel like it's pointless to continue persuing my storyboard career, then anxiety kicks in, and I took a very LONG hiatus. Recently, I have gotten back my inspiration by joining an artist discord chat, asking for professional advice, and talking to my old art classmates again. They are so encouraging that they gave me hope to just continue to work hard on my own projects and apply to various art jobs besides storyboarding. I'm so happy you are feeling better now, I can't wait to see you return to your Instagram comics again :)

[@lockheart619]

Can you share the discord?(Unless it’s priv)

[@alisatea923]

@@lockheart619 I'm sorry, it's private. :(

[@MariJadeWrites]

Same here, i am working in retail store job that's completely unrelated to my art and writing goals. I need to save up for upcoming studies at multimedia and computer design studies that I will be starting September. Hoping to enjoy the studies somehow and have fun with it and learn lots during this time. ☺️ Meanwhile am working on my KZbin channel and writing project that it's about to be self published soon(ish).

[@yyg4632]

Thank you so so so much for making these career type videos. I have so much anxiety and questions about going into the industry and your format is entertaining relatable, and superrr superr in depth. I feel a lot more piece of mind hearing your honest conversations. Good luck with everything!!!

[@yozegami]

I'm feeling the burnout too, last year was super rough. Thank for sharing your experiences, I relate so much ❤️

[@MariJadeWrites]

I am working a retail store job right now that i am about to leave because I'll be studying in university starting September. I am looking at the job I was working as a stepping stone for my art and writing career, as you said it bought me some time to learn and nurture my craft (and myself). I am now working on several creative projects, a standalone fantasy novel that's about to be self published, and my KZbin channel and a new coloring book project to also be self published under the name Smilte Marija. Hope these projects will find its audience and people will enjoy them as much as i did making these creative projects. ☺️ My ultimate dream at the moment is to make an animated movie based on one of my stories i have written (and am working on publishing eventually as a novel, and maybe comic too). Good luck everyone with your goals and dreams 💕

[@TheDrodder]

Super cool watching this vid and now seeing that newer vid $200k professional break down. You practiced what you preached!

[@Elizabeth-mf3dn]

Art school is a truly beautiful and magical experience. I went to SU and it was life changing for me. My only regret is not taking more design classes to fall back on. I work as a designer now which is good and reallyyyy tried with illustration, even got some gigs. I’ve had the worst artist block for years now, I think I totally burned out after trying so hard. Maybe someday it will find me again.

[@yufenagain6031]

Thanks this advice is very reassuring! I was worried about this transition and your experience helped me clear my mind!

[@colleengundersen]

I really couldn't have found you and your channel at a better time. I'm in my last semester of school right now and I'm definitely really anxious about graduating and job hunting around the industry. There's a lot of uncertainty right now but it really helps to hear about the experiences of someone like you, and I really appreciate the advice you give your viewers. Keep up the great work!!💛

[@pixelspritevickysvarietych2365]

I'm not in the animation industry, but I was recently let go from my job and can understand the feelings that come from being unemployed

[@Mattmann97]

Thanks for making this video. Not an animator (by trade) but graphic design can be a similar story, helps to be reminded that we all have ups and downs in our career. Here's hoping the best for you in 2022!

[@desu_long]

Excellent video! I am a recent graduate so I identify with this video. Thanks for your advice, very inspiring

[@SmallTownSpells]

Completely off topic but I have watched so many of your videos while getting lunch at a cafe that I saw this one and immediately craved a croissant 😂 Needless to say I’m now watching this video at a cafe with a croissant

[@thejollyjawbreaker]

It is a great day when Michelle uploads a new video! I also like the new treatment! ✨ Thank you for always putting out such wholesome and real content like this. It definitely resonates with me as I am currently in hiatus/unemployment land right now. That unknown in-between time can be so scary especially if you do not have a consistent check coming in. However that downtime also gives one a chance to cultivate their personal projects, passions, and interests. Even though my background is in 2D animation, I have mostly been an artist in the design/tech industry and it is the same. Once a project ends, you must go find a new one. It is tough for sure, but the more you do it, the more you get better at navigating these life challenges. You are so hardworking and dedicated Michelle, I know you will continue to do great in whatever project you go to next. Keep it up Queen!

[@lilnillasundae]

i love the leaves of the season doodles, r u kidding me 🤧🤧🤧🤧 I FEEL SO OLD

[@eternalxalchemy]

I love how real this artist is

[@voidbrain]

Same here. The wait is sooooo long and sad >_

[@mxridraws]

I really like seeing this style of video, I love watching the whole process:3

[@fuzzydragons]

negotiating pay is what i find the hardest, i know my skills but it can be hard to prove them sometimes which is why i have a hard time knowing what im worth for a project. which then makes me nervous for interviews which then just makes me want to stay freelancing/working for myself lol

[@unstable4389]

How should I start studying animation? I've just been really confused whether I need to practice my perspective, maybe I should study in-betweens? Backgrounds?? Storyboards??

[@Wengsome]

I would advise to focus on the storytelling and storyboarding. Depending on what kind of animator you wanna be, the skills of perspective and rigging come with practice and experience. Storytelling however is a whole diff game. Go for it!

[@Da4th4000]

I haven't break into the industry yet so I don't really know what to tell you, but I can totally relate to you in terms of looking for jobs. I don't know if you know already, I heard that Nickelodeon Animation are currently hiring storyboard artists.

[@trippettfamily4686]

I feel really sorry for her cause the only way she could make a video on this topic is if it actually happened to her-herself.

[@berniekatzroy]

Great advice

[@guggvcjhh3713]

The show I’m on is ending soon so this is perfect timing!

[@Igorooooleynikov]

Someone (very good professional in animation industry) told me that recruiter told them that nobody even review applications or read emails.

[@ZealousP3]

It took 11 long years without any proper tutoring or help to even figure out how to animate in 3D. And I will say, still being unemployed in the animation industry is just as stressful

[@BlackHayateTheThird]

I've heard that storyboard artists are in a lot of demand- do you find this to be true? Also I'm sure having a project end right during the dry spell of entertainment work makes things hard (voice actors notice a drop in January too, and I know in animation the big times for hiring tends to be spring/ fall). Enjoyed hearing your perspective! I hope to get into storyboarding too~

[@Kat_Ris]

This is so helpful since I quit art/animation school uu

[@vanessaamaya93]

“Asian Lives Matter” you got to stay strong, don’t let the negative thoughts beat you. You got to stay positive…

[@amgdeg4897]

The thumbnail would look SO GOOD without that tear emoji

[@TheArtOfJman]

I think having setups with multiple streams of income like you is great. Also savings lol

[@JuanGabrielOyolaCardona]

Thanks for sharing your story 🇨🇴😃

[@FalseKing98]

i graduated in 2020 and still struggling to get a first job, every single job that comes up requires at least 2 years experience.... the european animation industry seems to just recycle the same artists, idk how anyone breaks in! :'0

[@redalert697]

Connections... That would explain why I'm working in MC lol. Guess it's on all the countries not just mine, Nepotism babe!

[@AVD223]

jezza is looking for people might wanna look into that :D?

[@lorenacalderon7691]

I loove your videos ♥

[@EvasiveBlue]

I just started helping seniors on 3 senior animation projects as well as my full time class work. I'm a junior how do I approach internships and any tips on building a portfolio?

[@yoyoyo5621]

why is youtube algorithm showing me this vid omg...am i about to be fired lol... ugh being unemployed is hard but being employed is so hard at times as well, the amount of work is so much...feel like this company took on project they were not prepared for in terms of pipeline and management experience and now as a result it's all falling on the artists urgh... i oscilliate between thinking ill be fired or thinking about quitting...it is rough out here man

[@MariJadeWrites]

that sounds hard to deal with. How are you holding up now after some months have passed?

[@garrettviewegh677]

Is it possible to find an internship or an entry level job remotely or otherwise with just an associates in art? I wanted to improve my hands on skills in drawing and painting, and it’s just been cheaper at this point to not transfer to a four year college. Are online workshops for animation a good alternative to learning animation and other critical skills with a fine arts background?

[@vettima1035]

What is the chance that an animation studio from a country abroad hires someone from Lstin America remotely? I'm from there and I'm interested in studying animation, but the industry here is nonexistent, which makes me fear for a future job. Is there a chance that an international studio could hire me to work from home?

[@Furebel]

It's just being a regular animator

[@peach9722]

i do like this video format and thanks for sharing your journey

[@Splat654]

What s a GIG? How does it translates? Im not an english person

[@ceshire981]

❤🖤💛♥️🤛

[@river7128]

[@rangoon207]

First Ü

[@paulwoodford1984]

Just go into the adult film industry while you try snd make it as a animator. Good money. especially for women