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This is a ways down the road for me but I am curious about how things work in the world of motion graphic and effects. Is it entirely freelanced based? Did you get your 'break' in the industry by building up a portfolio of Craigslist type freelance gigs or did you get hired right of school based on your graduate credentials and student portfolio?
I worked my way up in post audio (I career I am eagerly in the process of transitioning out of!) by starting as a runner. I made coffee, went on runs, learned from those above me and eventually moved up the ladder.
Is there an equivalent to this type of career path in the motion graphics/effects world? Are there jobs that are considered 'entry' level? Is there a way to continue garnering chops while already working in the industry or are empoyers already expecting most AE artists to be able to hit the ground running?
I worked my way up in post audio (I career I am eagerly in the process of transitioning out of!) by starting as a runner. I made coffee, went on runs, learned from those above me and eventually moved up the ladder.
Is there an equivalent to this type of career path in the motion graphics/effects world? Are there jobs that are considered 'entry' level? Is there a way to continue garnering chops while already working in the industry or are empoyers already expecting most AE artists to be able to hit the ground running?
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Los Angeles
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Re: How did you get your start? 'Entry' level positions in the industry?
Sun, October 28, 2007 - 2:50 AMIf you don't know someone, pretend you have credentials.
I've never even *heard* of anyone getting a job via a reel. It's always been "I know someone..."
I was lucky in that someone knew me.
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Re: How did you get your start? 'Entry' level positions in the industry?
Sun, October 28, 2007 - 8:23 AMI got my editing position by first demonstrating animation ability in Flash. This was mainly done via internet banner ads. This is a great way to practice animation on a daily basis. Internet banner ads have a 15 second limit for most distrbutors. So you get 15 seconds to delivery a mini story and copy. I did this for about a year and also took up the banner of becoming the guy who could duplicate DVDs. This simple act of copying media for people put me in a position where if someone wanted anything video, they would ask me first. I ended up doing some After Effects work and it grew from there. I did not show a reel or "know" anyone.
While you may consider trying for jobs in major studios, do not overlook PR firms who often hire studios to produce their work. This is a great way to get in between the process. Working at a PR firm, you can manage the hiring of other larger fims and offer up in house solutions while keeping the buget "in-house". The downfall of this, is that it can be a "hot-seat" where you do have to put your money where you mouth is and come through with an animation solution once you commit to the project.
In my city, there are probably 4-5 times as many PR firms as there are production houses. these firms all use the same production houses. Most firms use multiple houses as well. I wish someone had told me about PR firms years ago.
Good Luck! -
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Re: How did you get your start? 'Entry' level positions in the industry?
Tue, October 30, 2007 - 6:45 PMThanks for the responses. Much appreciated! -
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Re: How did you get your start? 'Entry' level positions in the industry?
Fri, November 2, 2007 - 8:21 PMIn response to Loki's post. Don't under-estimate the demo reel. I got my first and second motion graphic job based on my reel soley. (they didn't care about my education) All of the designers we hire at my work, we look at their demo reel first. Then, if we liked that, we'll read the cover letter and resume. Although, if we are friends (good) designers that are looking for a job, we'll contact them first. (easier than posting a job ad on a website and getting hundreds of demo reels) But so far, I don't know anyone who got a full-time job based on connections. But, if you're a freelancer, having connections is a way of life. -
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Re: How did you get your start? 'Entry' level positions in the industry?
Mon, November 12, 2007 - 11:33 AMThanks Jake, good to know. -
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Re: How did you get your start? 'Entry' level positions in the industry?
Sun, January 6, 2008 - 11:19 PMotis college of art and design - digital media design major. your reel is everything. i've never gotten a job without it, even if I did know someone, they still ask for it. knowing people definitely helps though. but knowing all the people in the world won't help if you don't have a good reel or at the very least a good piece of work to show. i worked once with a guy who was hired on 15 seconds of pure amazingness.
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Re: How did you get your start? 'Entry' level positions in the industry?
Mon, November 26, 2007 - 4:46 AMTrue; I'm speaking as a freelancer. I should have mentioned that.
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Re: How did you get your start? 'Entry' level positions in the industry?
Sun, January 6, 2008 - 11:22 PMmost places expect you to know AE already, but every now and then you hear about a photographer or editor who learned AE and ended up being an animator or designer. there is very little or no on the job training - it helps to start out at a place with several AE artists so that you have a panel of brains to pick when needed.
