Here is a great article on animation career … really useful tips !

” In my own experience, being good at what you do and having an ‘easy-to-get-along-with’ attitude are key to being considered for a promotion.

If you rock the boat too much at work or you’re too outspoken it’s probably not going to help you, but at the same time being too aloof and not communicating with people isn’t well received either.

You want people to want to work with you again, so here’s eleven ways to put yourself in good standing in the animation production environment and increase your chances of getting a promotion….(in no particular order)

1. Take time to produce the highest quality animation that you possibly can. This one sounds obvious, but if you can impress them with your animation your name will become known around the studio.

2. Mentoring others. This is really important. We’ve promoted people because they were doing this (among other things mentioned in this list). Helping others who are having trouble in production – could be with software or animation skills. If your successful in helping someone else to improve their knowledge and skills, you’ll be seen as a leader.

3. Take direction well. Don’t get irritated with retakes/revisions, or at least don’t show it.

4. Offer suggestions when you see an issue or problem in production. Don’t overdo this one though, you could come off as overzealous. You don’t want to step on the toes of your supervisor or lead (or director). Take the opportunities to offer solutions to a problem that has been identified by someone else.

5. Try not to go to your supervisor with every question or concern that you may have. Make an effort to figure it our on our own first. If they feel like they have to hold your hand, they’re not going to promote you. Besides you are better off answering your own question at your workstation than answering it while standing in front of your supervisor or directors desk. (you will often answer your own question when you start to talk about it out loud).

6. Be easy to get along with and try to maintain a positive attitude. This is important in any work place. Try and stay on good terms with everyone. May not always be easy but try your best. That one person you don’t get along with could end up becoming your supervisor!

7. Work at least eight hours per day or what’s being asked by the studio. Sounds obvious, but most studios don’t have a specific start and end time. It’s usually understood that you are a responsible adult and won’t take advantage. It’s also understood that you have integrity and you’re there because you want to be there.

8. External Contacts. It can come in handy if the studio is staffing up for a production and you’re able to refer them to some good people.

9. Diversity in skills. Having experience in both 2D and 3D Animation makes you a valuable asset to the company. 1.) You’ll be able to work on any type of project that comes through the door. 2.) You can train others in 2D or 3D to work on those productions.

10. Always be willing and ready to help out with any last minute ‘fill-ins’ (work that won’t get done in time), or animation tests that need to be done for a potential project. Sometimes, when you work on an animation test you’ll get promoted if the studio is awarded that project. Show an interest in it and make it clear that you would like to work on it.

11. Be professional. Don’t talk nasty about the director or any other people while you’re at work. Stay positive while your there. If you can’t your better off being quiet. You can vent later at the pub or coffee place.

Follow these suggestions when possible and you’ll likely be in good standing in any production studio. Remember not to be too overanxious or pushy. If you know there is an animation test, ask to work on it but don’t be a pest – that will hurt you more than help.

If your studio offers any on-the-job training, take it. Especially if it’s learning a new software package. Your getting a free course and it shows your employer that your ambitious. Plus your likely to draw from that information sometime in the future. I always have. “

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