Landing an animation internship requires a strategic blend of talent, perseverance, and targeted preparation. The most effective way to secure a coveted position is to build a strong portfolio that showcases relevant skills, proactively network within the animation industry, and tailor your application materials to each specific studio and role. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates your dedication and increases your chances of standing out from the competition.
Building a Portfolio That Pops
Your portfolio is your most powerful weapon in the internship application process. It’s the first thing studios will see and often the deciding factor in whether you get an interview. Don’t treat it as a mere collection of your best work; think of it as a carefully curated narrative that tells your story as an animator.
Showing, Not Telling
The adage “show, don’t tell” is paramount. Your portfolio should demonstrate your skills through visual examples rather than relying on descriptions. Focus on showcasing:
- Fundamental Animation Principles: Demonstrate your understanding of timing, spacing, squash and stretch, anticipation, staging, follow-through and overlapping action, exaggeration, appeal, and solid drawing.
- Technical Proficiency: If you’re aiming for a specific role (e.g., 3D modeling, rigging, character animation, VFX), ensure your portfolio highlights your capabilities in the relevant software and techniques.
- Character Design and Storytelling: Include examples of character designs that are visually appealing and convey a clear personality. Even short animation tests can hint at your storytelling abilities.
- Diversity of Styles: While specializing is beneficial, showcasing versatility with different styles and mediums can impress studios, particularly smaller ones or those with diverse projects.
- Finished Pieces: Don’t just showcase works in progress. Include polished, finished animation sequences, even if they’re short. This demonstrates your ability to bring a project to completion.
Tailoring Your Portfolio
A generic portfolio is a missed opportunity. Research the studios you’re applying to and tailor your portfolio to align with their style and project needs. For example, if you’re applying to a studio known for 2D animation, prioritize showcasing your 2D skills over 3D, even if you’re proficient in both.
Online Presence and Presentation
Your portfolio’s presentation is just as important as its content. Use a professional-looking website (Behance, ArtStation, or even a simple personal site) to host your work. Ensure the site is:
- Easy to navigate: Visitors should be able to quickly find what they’re looking for.
- Visually appealing: The design should complement your work, not distract from it.
- Mobile-friendly: Many recruiters will view your portfolio on their phones or tablets.
- Up-to-date: Regularly update your portfolio with your latest and best work.
- Includes a Reel: For animation-heavy roles, a short, compelling reel that showcases your best animated sequences is crucial.
Networking Your Way In
The animation industry is built on relationships. Networking is vital for discovering opportunities and gaining insider knowledge.
Attending Industry Events
Industry events like CTN Animation Expo, SIGGRAPH, Annecy International Animated Film Festival, and local animation meetups are excellent places to meet professionals, learn about studios, and even get your portfolio reviewed. Be prepared to:
- Have business cards ready: Keep them professional and easy to read.
- Practice your elevator pitch: Be able to succinctly describe your skills and career goals.
- Be respectful and professional: Treat every interaction as an opportunity to make a positive impression.
- Follow up with contacts: Send a thank-you note or email after the event.
Utilizing Online Platforms
Online platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and animation-specific forums (e.g., Reddit’s r/animationcareer) can be powerful networking tools.
- Engage with the community: Share your work, offer constructive criticism, and participate in discussions.
- Connect with professionals: Reach out to animators whose work you admire and ask for advice. Be polite and respectful of their time.
- Join relevant groups: Participate in groups related to animation, specific software, or particular studios.
Informational Interviews
Consider reaching out to animators working at studios you’re interested in and asking for an informational interview. This is an opportunity to learn about their experiences, gain insights into the studio’s culture, and get advice on your portfolio. Be prepared to:
- Do your research: Know about the animator’s work and the studio’s projects.
- Prepare thoughtful questions: Focus on learning about their career path and the studio’s culture, not just asking for a job.
- Be respectful of their time: Keep the interview concise and thank them for their time.
Crafting Compelling Application Materials
Your resume and cover letter are your first impression. They need to be polished, professional, and tailored to each specific internship opportunity.
Resume Essentials
- Highlight relevant skills: Emphasize the animation software you’re proficient in, your understanding of animation principles, and any relevant experience (e.g., student films, personal projects).
- Quantify your accomplishments: Use numbers to demonstrate your impact (e.g., “Created 15 character designs for a student film,” “Improved animation workflow by 20% using new software”).
- Use action verbs: Start your bullet points with strong action verbs (e.g., “Developed,” “Designed,” “Animated,” “Managed”).
- Keep it concise: Aim for a one-page resume, especially if you’re a student or recent graduate.
Cover Letter Strategy
Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and explain why you’re a good fit for the internship.
- Research the studio and role: Demonstrate that you understand the studio’s culture and the responsibilities of the internship.
- Connect your skills and experience to the role: Explain how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the internship.
- Show your passion for animation: Let your enthusiasm for animation shine through.
- Proofread carefully: Errors in your cover letter can make a negative impression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What’s the difference between an internship and a junior animator role?
An internship is typically a short-term, learning-focused opportunity designed to provide aspiring animators with hands-on experience in a professional studio. It’s often part-time or full-time during school breaks or immediately after graduation. A junior animator role, on the other hand, is an entry-level, full-time position requiring a higher level of skill and experience. Junior animators are expected to contribute to projects and take on more responsibility than interns.
FAQ 2: How long should my animation reel be?
Ideally, your animation reel should be no longer than 1-2 minutes. Focus on showcasing your best work in the shortest amount of time. Start with your strongest piece and end with another strong piece to leave a lasting impression.
FAQ 3: Do I need a formal animation degree to get an internship?
While a formal animation degree can be beneficial, it’s not always a strict requirement. A strong portfolio that demonstrates your skills and understanding of animation principles is often more important. Many successful animators are self-taught or have backgrounds in related fields like illustration or fine arts.
FAQ 4: What software should I learn to improve my chances?
The specific software you should learn depends on the type of animation you’re interested in. For 2D animation, Toon Boom Harmony and Adobe Animate are popular choices. For 3D animation, Maya, Blender, and 3ds Max are industry standards. Research which software is used by the studios you’re interested in and focus on mastering those tools.
FAQ 5: Should I include unfinished projects in my portfolio?
Generally, it’s best to focus on showcasing finished projects. However, if you have a particularly strong piece that’s still in progress, you can include it if you clearly label it as “work in progress” and explain what you’re planning to do with it.
FAQ 6: How often should I update my portfolio?
Ideally, you should update your portfolio at least once a month, or whenever you have new work to showcase. Regularly updating your portfolio demonstrates that you’re continuously improving your skills and staying active in the animation community.
FAQ 7: What if I don’t have any professional experience?
Don’t worry if you don’t have professional experience. Focus on showcasing your student projects, personal projects, and any freelance work you’ve done. Emphasize the skills you’ve gained from these experiences and how they relate to the internship you’re applying for.
FAQ 8: How can I make my cover letter stand out?
Personalize your cover letter to each specific studio and role. Research the studio’s projects, culture, and values. Explain why you’re passionate about their work and how your skills and experience can contribute to their team. Avoid generic cover letters that could be sent to any studio.
FAQ 9: Is it okay to follow up after submitting an application?
Yes, it’s generally acceptable to follow up after submitting an application, but wait at least one to two weeks. Keep your follow-up email concise and polite. Reiterate your interest in the internship and briefly highlight your key skills and qualifications.
FAQ 10: How important is it to network?
Networking is extremely important in the animation industry. Building relationships with professionals can open doors to opportunities you might not otherwise find. Attend industry events, connect with animators online, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people whose work you admire.
FAQ 11: What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for animation internships?
Common mistakes include: submitting a generic portfolio, not tailoring your application materials to each studio, neglecting to proofread your resume and cover letter, and failing to follow up after submitting your application.
FAQ 12: What should I do if I get rejected?
Don’t get discouraged by rejections. View each rejection as an opportunity to learn and improve. Ask for feedback on your portfolio and application materials. Continue to network, hone your skills, and apply for other internships. Perseverance is key.