Advice for Students Leaving for the Industry

[@muimotion]

After over 10 years in the animation industry, my main advice (for anyone trying to break in) would be: 1. Make sure you REALLY want to work in this industry. Ask yourself this question. Because if you feel that you are brimming over with creativity, and just want to help tell or tell your own stories visually, then I say, WELCOME. If not, I would seriously tell you to seek other ventures. Because if there is one word for this industry it's: DIFFICULT. First off, you will get more "no's " then "yes", you will move around a lot, the pay is often times not that great, you probably won't have enough money to save up for your pension, and often times directors/producers will try and take advantage of your skills in some way or another (at least in some studios, not all). If you think you can muster this, then YES, get ready to work with and meet amazing artists and people in one of the most creative industries out there. 2. Be professional and don't be a "Karen": In other words, don't take directors retake notes on your animation PERSONALLY, (believe me, this is harder then you think). If you see a RTK note that tells you to change the animation, don't take it as "Oh no, I am a shitty animator" or "The director hates me"... Unless the note is really unprofessional and none-constructive, it really isn't about YOU, but the project you're working on. Trust the show-runners vision and LEARN from the notes you get. 98% of the time, they are right and your scene will look better. 3. Don't compare yourself to other animators. This is harder said then done, trust me. Throughout the industry you will work with shitty animators that are 50 years old, and amazing animators that are 25 years old, so it really doesn't matter who is better then who. Just learn from everyone and remember that we all improve on our own time. 4. Take care of your health. Watch your back, neck and sit properly on your desk when working. Do yoga. Have hobbies, and relax you're making cartoons. Not saving the world.;) Anyway, great advice from a great animator, Toniko. Keep up the good work!:D

[@davidyanko1062]

This is all great advice! Thanks for sharing!

[@leonardoromero2000]

All that is true. I'm surprised they still have 50 year old people. With all the avalanch of recent graduates. That final part: "relax, you're making cartoon, Not saving the world" tell it to the chiefs. We know that. Not them.

[@muimotion]

@@leonardoromero2000 Yes that last bit is something both parties should know actually (but you're right, more the producers then us:) Good call!

[@TonikoPantoja]

Maybe I'll make a part two with these notes!

[@muimotion]

@@davidyanko1062 No problem!

[@Cyynapse]

i graduated HS a few hours ago lol. this is good thanks

[@IkkoArts]

I graduate in a few days. Kinda depressing how we basically just leave with no fanfare. It just passes like any other day in quarantine with maybe a message on the school site.

[@orpheus6398]

How did you find which school to go?

[@Wendy-yu3hg]

I'm not trying to be aggressive or anything, but this is why Honey and Absinthe's video about leaving Disney really didn't sit well with me. She was complaining exactly about these points, but since she actually did study in LA, I have to wonder what rock she lived under during that time to have so little clue of how the industry works. She complained about having to follow a note she didn't agree with, not being friends with everyone and not being given a director role 2 years into a big company, and she still feels like she can "easily get back into the industry" if she wants to even after dragging her former employer for not providing her with these idealized and unrealistic conditions. Yeesh.

[@TonikoPantoja]

That video has been a huge discussion throughout the community I'm in. The only problem I have with that video is that there are students who see that video and are disheartened from working in the industry, and it paints only one image of the industry. I think its great other artists have made videos responding to that video, and pointing out things about her video from another perspective. I think if that Honey and Absinthe video had a different take where she was more positive about the situation such as wanting to venture into her own business, being able to create things that only her ventures would allow, and how leaving a company like disney would be a new challenge would inspire students rather than put down

[@TonikoPantoja]

​@E v Its not just that it was negative, but its from a one sided view from her experiences. As for criticism, could the industry be improved? Yes absolutely. Does Janet have a lot of points? Absolutely, and she has every right to feel the way she does. Can she complain about and be negative about it? Yeah I guess. Personally, I like criticism where there are thoughts for solutions, contributions, and feedback so it doesn't feel like it's only coming from a single place. Isn't that the point of constructive criticism? Thats just me though, and honesty I wish Janet the best. I would love to see her do a follow up video or talk about her independent ventures because I do think people going solo is also something I want to hear more experiences of.

[@Wendy-yu3hg]

@@TonikoPantoja To me there was just a lot of ambiguity as well. One of her complaints was not having friends, that people were like "snakes", but that felt more like a personal issue than an industry issue. She complained about not having opportunities to pitch or direct, but she was about two years into the industry. She complained about a client note that wasn't great, but taking notes you don't agree with is part of the job sometimes. There was a lot that came off as lack of professionalism to me more than a genuinely negative experience, but I do hope I'm wrong about her and that it came off weird because she was a bit emotional.

[@Wendy-yu3hg]

@E v It's okay to have negative experiences and share them, but all of her complaints were either personal (like people not sitting with her at lunch) or just seemed to come from a lack of understanding of how the industry works (wanting to have directing opportunities even though she's two years into the industry, receiving client notes she didn't like which is a part of the job sometimes).

[@esoopthederp7672]

@@TheThreatenedSwan we’ve been declining since the age of the Greek philosophers. Or so you’d think given by our constant complaining about the downfall of human standards

[@shachintheartist]

I am a beginner artist Everything is difficult before its easy. Don't take anything personally take things seriously . Animation for the studio is a business While for the animator it's a skill. I have no experience I am imperfect for an 18 year old.somtimes we might lose confidence. The world is imperfect. The video is both optimistic & realistic.

[@ghostie7790]

"Memorized all the muscles and bone names? Who gives a damn!" I laughed and spit on my cintiq LOL

[@Petilombe]

Just got denied again from an animation school, but this video somehow interested me lol, thanks it's a well made video

[@AqilDaiyan]

Just saw your recent videos. They're good. Are you in an animation school now?

[@BaMAnimation]

Awesome advice!

[@BaMAnimation]

buy this mic! It'll be smooth and buttery www.amazon.com/Samson-Handheld-Microphone-Recording-Podcasting/dp/B001R747SG

[@EdwarAnimation]

I handed in my final assignment today and honestly, I'm terrified of what'll happen next, so this video was really good for me to see right now, thank you so much toniko!

[@pongoleelee2130]

As an international students who wants to break into the industry, your videos are extremely helpful and I’m so grateful for them! Keep up the awesome work!!

[@Little3Pigs]

Most of this advices can be helpful in any work environment not just the animation industry. People need to learn how to negotiate, to accept feedback even if you think you know better, to be patience about their dreams jobs, etc. Thanks for sharing.

[@mree.9794]

Thanks for this video! I dropped out of Community college and Decided not to continue school at Art Center for a job with Netflix Animation! , wish this video was around when I dropped out but I'll listen to this once in a while for some support!

[@angel-np7tb]

I'm going into a graphics and illustration course in september and this really helps me out with thinking of my career path. I've considered getting into motion graphics, graphic design or joining an illustration studio :) this was such a helpful video thank you sm ❤️❤️❤️

[@dc5805]

your videos always come at the perfect time lol. I’m a second year student and this was my first summer looking at internships in this industry, and I had a lot of questions (which were answered in this video!), thanks so much!

[@sonalily6839]

Oh wow this video popped up in my notifications at a good time. I've been considering aiming to go into the industry but looking at videos like these help me think through it

[@animatedmooncloud3181]

Yes to this whole video!! Our teachers emphasize all of this so much because they’ve worked for the industry. I go to Fullerton College and the teachers there are really dedicated to helping us understand what it is to work in the industry. They also use their assignments as a way to help us improve, they grade us more in our dedication and actually work than memorizing. They even go out of their way to helps us outside of class hours even if it’s not school related.

[@CaptainMangles]

5:59 Nail: me Hammer: life

[@Christi-B]

Still in my bachelor of animation, gonna finish off the rest of my first year. This couldn't have come out at a better time!

[@voice_0f_reason]

Me too!

[@kzero2188]

Me too😊

[@rafianimations9188]

Im only like 13, il come back to this video in teh future tho.

[@emiendo3128]

The second point i agree. Even tho i’m going to study ba illustration and animation this autumn and might not end up in the animation industry, i would rather start as a trainee or an intern rather than straight to the big work cuz i would later learn some of the techniques that i will eventually gonna use in the industry and not fck things up. I heard from an illustrator in youtube that no matter how much u draw in free time or school or whatever, work is the time where you develop your skill the most. So i wouldnt expect to instantly work on the lead role, i would do some quick baby steps before actually getting ready to do the big thing

[@noodle8320]

thank you for talking about the one part with visas and such, it is something i get really intimidated by especially in terms of a creative career, knowing that there are other artists/animators who are going through the process and doing decent gives me a bit more hope in going for it one day c:

[@kaymakesthings]

This is fantastically timed for me, and I'm also happy that I my expectations and ideas about how things are run are pretty true to how your account describes them-- being a film graduate in Kansas hasn't left me with a ton of insight beyond what I've personally researched. Thank you!

[@beamccormick2004]

Fantastic advice and video dude thanks for making this! Im an underclassman in california working towards the animation industry. I'll be referring back to it in the future for sure.

[@jasminflores6935]

Question that might never get answered, but I'd like to know how to go about directing my own animated tv show. Not someone else's, but one I've been working on for a long time and would love to see come to life. How would I keep studios from "stealing my baby" or duping me out of my project and firing me? How would I even present one? What college education, if any, would I need? Would I need to move out of Texas? I've looked everywhere and no one has really covered this topic thoroughly.

[@TonikoPantoja]

Just start on something and see how people respond to your visions. Keep it small so its doable.

[@ringstar3316]

I see this boils down to not being entitled and keep striving to do better so you can get those real cool roles for directing and what not.

[@JakinsStudio]

Thanks a lot for this Toniko!

[@princesslegarreta913]

I really love everything here, I would love to be an intern in a studio. Is a big step, and I totally love the fact that pro artist still learning and the layer tipes. Is so beautiful, the only thing I can be bad is in pricing but I’ll learn it. Thank you so much for this video, is my first year in animation bachiller. I don’t need visa to the mainland but for other countries maybe.

[@piplupcola]

Question: are you more likely to get a work visa in a major company that does project to project work or in smaller ones? Also, what kind of personal work should a 3D animator do to promote themselves? I notice you talk a lot about drawing stuff but you dont have to draw much as a 3D animator

[@mei.lin_rose7397]

Thanks! I'm about to graduate from university and have been contemplating a lot on how to start my career. I will definitely continue to work on my passion project 'Faraway Fragments' while I apply for work. Hopefully I will be accepted by a studio and if not, then I'll look another type of work temporarily. All while I keep learning and creating projects.

[@mikebeverly8020]

thank you for all your videos,they are very informative and very cool!!! btw your animations are fantastic🙀🙀💖!!!!

[@DominickvdHoff]

I'm a Dutch guy from the Netherlands trying to get into the USA industry. It sounds like an impossible task, but I'm gonna try anyway! Who knows, I might get lucky!

[@danterobles4819]

I'm in junior year of high school and I am considering animation as a career choice. I have some questions. 1. What is the salary of animatior? 2. Should I join a internship of a animation studio?

[@splashcat3818]

Not sure if you've already done this, but a video on what a portfolio/demo reel should consist of would be really nice. I'm a second year illustration student looking to go into the animation industry. I have a big interest in storyboarding/character design but since I'm not going to school for animation, I don't really know what to prepare for. Regardless, great video. This was extremely helpful.

[@RuneBell]

usually you'd put your best work first in a portfolio. the people who are looking to hire will probably spend 5-10 seconds on your reel and make a decision then. if you want to storyboard familiarize yourself with cinematography (lighting, angles, etc.), it will help a lot with your board compositions. i'd avoid putting fanart for your character design portfolio. most of the time you'll be drawing in a style that isnt yours so flexibility is key.

[@sarahlau2810]

Thank you, you cover alot of things that I've noticed my animation classmates getting disappointed with, especially the 'studio isn't doing mature feature films and only for children' area. I am in the mindset where I want to move forward and work for a studio and I'm unsure where to go with adding things to my portfolio?

[@ohmyowen_]

It seems OPT suspended according to news. dang. which means no longer hopes for international students who graduate school in US ?

[@Bangy]

I might consider doing this after getting a PhD in Computer Graphics.

[@rexacej8040]

I have been kept reminded by my teacher how the industry is "unforgiving" and you have to work your way through and adapt. Well i got the point because i thought the school im in has the capability of handling an animation course. Though im glad that i learned that kinda..... i am really ashamed of how i acted because i thought i would do great but not really....

[@svan9969]

Your advice help me a lot, thank you!

[@leonardoromero2000]

Do you think you can keep doing all this hard work for your whole life? What kind of ensurances are you having? Are you saving for retirement? Do you have vacations? Can you buy a house?

[@TonikoPantoja]

Not sure if its something I personally want to do my whole life, but time will tell! Yes I do have an account for retirement savings, which is a percentage of my current income. I do have vacations yes, but I personally love working on personal stuff so that kind of work is fun for me! I probably could buy a house, but that also depends what kind and where. A lot of overpriced mediocre houses not worth it in expensive places.

[@leonardoromero2000]

​@@TonikoPantoja Thanks for the answer. Sorry for the personal questions.

[@itzkellly]

Do you by any chance know how to get into the animation industry and get connections without art school?

[@veenibik336]

Even though i have a good score in school and people said that i better get other majors like architect, i always want to work in animation industry. I try to learn alot aside by school just to get through of it. But everytime i hear people that working in animation industry got really low pay, slavery and ect. I always been discouraged. Things keeps getting on and after seeing alot of negative sides of animation industry. Ive been always love to draw and i really want to get a work that im comfortable with but also get enough money to help my family. Its like , why not try to take both of it. Sometimes i keep asking myself should i just go and find a beter work because im able to study well ?

[@adultishgambino8713]

okay okay cool these are things i would have expected t

[@JMarcosArt]

I honestly feel like #7 is the hardest part for me

[@wisteria6656]

Very interesting!

[@ryuukuringo]

i have a friend that actually won the annie awards and even with that the studio they're in (it is one of the big studios) refused to sponsor them for the O1.... so yeah guys just get married, seems like the only way nowadays T_T

[@thisisfine_eng]

awesome advice here! thanks for sharing that! just wanted to know about the visa part. I saw the footage but haven`t found the corresponding video. is it an upcoming video?

[@enires9895]

Point 9 : Could you please explain further how developing personal projects would help getting a visa ? Is this applicable to self-taught people( not enrolled in an art shcool ) too ?

[@jirehkay_animator]

also you just got a new subscriber! XD keep up good works IMPORTANT: (also dont forget to rest!)

[@Arkengirl]

I have a delicate question, Do you have a bachelor's degree or a Master's Degree?

[@atten9306]

Can you make advice video about student who wanna go to animation school ?? Do you think it's worth it for going to animation school for persuade career ,.. rn since internet is the best resource and what is school for ??

[@jeffreywilson1920]

Things art schools don't tell you.

[@couchgamingnews9379]

Can we get a class from you for beginners

[@Swaggerpede]

Just got done with my third and final year at AUB, UK. do you have any advice for fresh faced students in this current situation? my plan right now is to keep practising and working on my own stuff, but is there anything else we should be doing to be noticed, or is the industry dead like many others during this pandemic? Thanks.

[@shizzyhomewood]

I’m about to start at Aub next year, how was it?

[@Swaggerpede]

@@shizzyhomewood Hey! I really loved my time there, I made some really good friends, that I hope to stay in touch with for a really long time. The social Aspect is amazing! The course was very informative, My skills in anatomy, environment have come on leaps and bounds during my time there, ( I still have a long way to go, and like this video Sid i'm going to keep practising and keep learning, that part of it never truly ends.) and my team working skills too! However, a lot of us agreed that the digital animation aspect of it seemed to be kind of self taught. Dont get me wrong, We learned the 12 principles and everything, we did lots of small animation assignments on paper and stuff, but There wasn't too many Formal lessons surrounding Toonboom and I got a little lost personally, Most of my experience in animation kind of came in the third year when they say "right, go and make a film" and im like " huh?" haha. You just sort of dive in and make mistakes, and learn as you go which is perhaps better than lessons because you're actively engaged in the program because you're trying to Make something. If I could give some advice maybe familiarise yourself with the program a tiny bit beforehand, never hurts! I was also a producer on that film and my confidence to work with others has really been improved where I previously was really shy, overall I think it's improved my professional practise a lot. you'll have such a great time! put yourself out there, Make the most of it, and make some industry friends for life!

[@TonikoPantoja]

Actually the industry is still going with this pandemic, and actually its been doing super well since we can still work offsite. animated movies that were meant to have theatrical releases are being streamed

[@shizzyhomewood]

​@@Swaggerpede hiya, thanks for the advice! Hopefully I'll be able to pick it up along the way, I don't use any digital programs atm so its all new and and a bit stressful (thinking about investing in an ipad for procreate tbh but idk if itll be worth it..) Either way I'm super looking forwards to it all, and if the people are anything like those I met on foundation it'll be sick. Which end of year film did you work on if you don't mind me asking?

[@Swaggerpede]

@@TonikoPantoja That's good to know, I'll keep pressing the offensive, in that case. Thanks! my plan was to meet potential employers face to face with my grad film at festivals. I suppose I just sort of keep on the lookout from home? :)

[@avaranabraham8507]

I use my grades to rate myself so that I can do better

[@meet5614]

Can add subtitles for brazil

[@blankadams3120]

The video title card says 'Advice for going into the industry'... video title? 'Advice for students leaving the industry'... was that supposed to be 'Leaving College'?

[@lyamedia3095]

it says leaving *for* the industry

[@qwerty_artist]

Aye what about us rebels that wanna jump in without going to school?

[@PlaguePriest88]

so animation industry is a workers nightmare from 19th century mixed with superficial politeness? I like how everybody has to point out ''but youuu don't have to grow up, you can do what you love'' etc... you are belittling yourselves with that nonsense.

[@ghostlegs2875]

First