Becoming successful in any industry is very difficult. It requires a lot of hard work, commitment, and dedication, but when you finally pull it off you’ll realize that it was all worth it. Unfortunately, some industries are a little harder to become successful than others. For example, industries that involve the arts like animation could be a little more difficult to be successful in simply because the demand for those occupations isn’t the highest. This doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to become successful in these industries, just that it might be an uphill battle to turn these skills into a successful career that allows you to live comfortably. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to greatly improve your chances of becoming successful. Here are a few tips on how to become a successful animator.
Practice, Practice, Practice
When you’re trying to become successful at anything, the number one thing you can do to improve is to constantly practice. Repetition and practice will greatly increase your skills due to a variety of reasons. First, constant practice and repetition will allow drawing and animation to become muscle memory, allowing you to draw and animate much quicker and more effectively in the future. Second, practice will allow you to try new techniques and styles that you may not be used to, eventually expanding your overall ability. Finally, constant practice will allow you to analyze your work consistently. This will allow you to see what you are doing right and what you struggle with, eventually leading to you becoming a much more well-rounded animator.
Study Other Animators
When trying to become a successful animator, you might find it beneficial to study the work of other more successful animators. These animators have already gone through the crucible of becoming a successful animator, and you likely will be able to learn a lot from them. You could learn how they solve specific problems that you struggle with, or you might be able to pick up special techniques that they employ in their work. These animators became successful for a reason, so they obviously know their way around the industry and what they’re doing. You could learn a lot from studying other people’s work, and it could ultimately lead to your own work improving drastically.
Have Another Source Of Income
This tip may seem confusing at first, but it actually is one of the most important steps in becoming a successful animator. The harsh reality is that it is very difficult to make a living off of animation right off the bat. It may be because you simply aren’t that good yet, or maybe you just don’t know the right people or studios that can adequately pay for your work. This is where most artists, writers, and animators fail. They don’t get the funds they need to support their dreams, and after a few years of falling in debt, they are forced to give up on their dreams. This can all be avoided if you find another source of income to supplement your animation. Unfortunately, this may require you taking up a second job and working extremely hard just to make ends meet at first. However, an extra source of income will provide you with the financial security that you need in order to chase your dream of becoming a successful animator.
Network
Networking is important in any field, but it is especially true in animation. Sometimes it’s not about how good your animation is, but rather who discovers and sees it. You could be the best animator in the world, but if your animation goes unnoticed by people in the industry then you will surely have a hard time being successful. Try to network as much as possible. Meet with other animators, try to send in samples of your work to major studios, animation production companies, and well-known animators. All it takes is for you to establish one strong connection with someone in the industry and you’ll be well on your way to being a successful animator.
Look For Inspiration
One way to become a successful animator is to constantly be on the lookout for ideas and inspiration. It’s very common for creative people like writers and artists to experience a block that leads to an inability to think of new ideas. This can be very detrimental to your career, as it could lead to a huge decrease in your productivity. That’s why it is important to take some time to relax and search for some inspiration. This could take the form of meditation or a walk through nature. Maybe a clear mind will allow you to think of some new ideas, or you will see or think of something that piques your interest. It’s important to stay motivated and inspired, so always be on the lookout for new things to draw and animate.
