Reader’s Question:
I urgently need some advice regarding animation. I’m aspiring to be an animator and currently working in a job unrelated to art to save up for school starting next year. Recently, I’ve been receiving direct inquiries on X about original drawings for TV anime and a certain popular anime
film. I believe they think I have experience, but the truth is, I have no commercial animation experience, and I don’t know how to create layouts or write timing sheets. The only thing I have is my artistic skills, which I believe are good. I’ve mentioned in my bio that I’m not accepting work, yet I still receive these inquiries. Each time, I have to decline due to my lack of experience, but I feel like I’m missing out on great opportunities, and it’s becoming increasingly discouraging. I’ve been told that it would be a waste not to try to get into an animation company. I would like to take on these opportunities if I had some knowledge, but I worry that I would be a burden in my current state, so I hesitate to accept. I have no experience as a key animator, and jumping straight into that seems irregular and challenging. However, I really want to do it. If I could learn about layouts and key animation on my own before starting school, I would love to start right away. Is it possible to self-study these skills? If you have any recommended books, I would greatly appreciate it. Additionally, I would like to know if it’s better to learn in school before pursuing a career as an animator.
Chasing the Animation Dream
So, the other day, I found myself deep in thought about a friend’s journey into the world of animation. He’s in his early 30s, just like me, and has been working a job that’s far from his passion for art. He’s been saving up for school next year, dreaming of becoming an animator. But here’s the twist—he’s been getting hit up on X for original drawings for TV anime and even a popular anime film! Imagine that! Now, the thing is, he has no commercial experience. He’s got the artistic skills, no doubt, but when it comes to layouts and timing sheets? He’s in the dark. Every time someone reaches out to him, he has to decline, feeling like he’s missing out on golden opportunities. I can totally relate to that feeling—it’s like being invited to a party you really want to attend, but you’re stuck at home, worrying you won’t know anyone there. He’s been told it’d be a waste not to try and get into an animation company, and I can see how tempting that sounds, right? But he worries he’d be a burden with his current skill level. And honestly, that anxiety can be paralyzing. I mean, who wants to jump straight into a key animator role without having the slightest clue about the process? It’s like trying to dive into a pool without knowing how to swim!
The Learning Curve
We started chatting about self-study, and I recalled my own awkward attempts to learn something new. I remember trying to pick up guitar a few years back. I thought, “How hard can it be?” Spoiler alert: I was terrible! But I did discover some amazing online resources and learned a few chords. Maybe my friend could find similar resources for animation. There are definitely books and online tutorials out there about layouts and key animation. A few standouts include “The Animator’s Survival Kit” by Richard Williams—it’s like the holy grail for animators. And “Timing for Animation” by Harold Whitaker could help him understand the mechanics of timing sheets. Both are packed with insights that could give him a leg up before school. But here’s the kicker: I also think that while self-study is invaluable, there’s something about being in a classroom, surrounded by like-minded individuals, that can’t be replicated. The energy of a studio, the real-world experience, and the constructive feedback from instructors and peers can be worth its weight in gold.
Taking the Leap
I suggested to him that if he’s feeling confident in his artistic skills, maybe he should consider taking the plunge and applying for animation positions, even as a beginner. He could learn on the job! It reminded me of when I first tried stand-up comedy—I bombed, but boy, did I learn a lot from those awkward moments! Sometimes you just have to jump in and see what happens. He was a bit hesitant, of course. But I told him about my friend who went to a specialized school for animation and how that experience helped him network and grow exponentially. Maybe there’s a balance to strike here—self-study paired with formal education and a sprinkle of daring adventure!
Sharing the Journey
After our chat, I felt a sense of excitement for him. It’s all about taking those small steps, right? Whether it’s diving into books or applying for an internship, every little bit counts. I’d love to hear from you, too! Have you ever pursued a passion with little to no experience? What’s your best advice for someone stepping into a new field? Let’s share our stories and tips in the comments!
