Nov. 1, 2017
Animation Advisory Board Tidbits
https://www.ftanimation.com/advisory-board-notes-oct-26-2017/
Advice from Animation Experts
What’s the secret ingredient for success in this field?
“The secret ingredient is TONS of practice & examples. The better you are at the basics, employers see that you could do anything!”
“A humble and open attitude — hard work can overcome a lack of talent.”
“Practice, practice, practice.”
“Be obsessed with perfection but remember to stay a step or two away for perspective.”
“Think outside the box.”
Is college necessary to work in this industry?
“College can be vital, but ultimately a great portfolio is what makes the difference.”
“NO. Your portfolio gets you jobs.”
“No, college isn’t necessary. Your work is. But some will need college to get their work to that level.”
One thing you wish future employees understood?
“You WILL start at the bottom of the totem pole. Work hard and show your worth.”
“When you start, keep your head down & LEARN as much as you can!”
Most challenging part of your job?
“Organizing time.”
Best part of your job?
“Creativity”
We asked them to let us know if anything was missing in our training.
“Sculpting and animation is key. These extras should never be the focus.”
“Add Substance and possibly MARI and Substance Painter.”
“Integrate Unity early, even if gradually.”
“Lots of jobs in interactive vs. film/tv — works with a lot of other industries.”
“VR modeling – Verto Studio. Focus more on Production engine (Unity/Unreal, etc.) vs. platform.”
We asked about future trends.
“Motion graphics will always be able to get jobs. Be great with the basics.”
“Get into the engine vs. just building assets. Get some programming.”
“Get familiar with digital sculpting.”
“Opportunities for tools/techniques & cleanup – capturing assets will only become more prevalent. Tools for cleanup: Zbrush/Mayo, Topogun, etc.”
Other Things I’d Like to Share
- What Are the Best Schools for 3d Computer Animation? https://www.lifewire.com/best-schools-for-3d-computer-animation-2088
- Do I Need To Know How To Draw For 3D Modeling? https://www.lifewire.com/drawing-and-3d-modeling-2124
- Getting Started in 3D Modeling and Animation…Which Aspect of 3D Should You Learn? https://www.lifewire.com/getting-started-in-3d-modeling-and-animation-2092
- Funko job postings: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/FUN1000FUNL/JobBoard/1c5efc69-f4e3-43fc-813d-8039489adc0b/?q=&o=postedDateDesc
Academic Skills
Work Keys Test… You’ll be testing/practicing in 3 areas: Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, Locating Information. The better you do in your pre-tests, the fewer lessons/practice sessions you’ll need to do, so don’t skimp on that pre-test!
Each week, you’ll spend 1 hour working through this to earn your Participation/Team Player point in your weekly Professionalism grade.
Competition
2 kinds:
- Virtual
- In-Person in Tulsa
Requirements:
- Must have completed all curriculum through Unit 7 of Course 01 by end of this week. This ensures that those who compete will not get too far behind in the course work. We really want you to be advancing in new skills and able to complete the FX Technician Certificate from Francis Tuttle.
- If you are interested in these competitions, send me a Classcraft message. I’ll determine whether you are more well suited to an in-person or virtual event. You can choose from there whether you want to do individual or team event.
Virtual Event-Individual: Virtual Multimedia and Promotion. Create a 1-minute to 2.5 minute digital promotion that highlights a local hero and their contributions (local, home state, and/or national). Qualifying candidates will schedule a time to do a videoconference presentation to a panel of judges. Top contestants will be invited to National Leadership Conference to be recognized for their outstanding efforts.
Virtual Event-Team: Virtual Multimedia and Promotion. Create a 1-minute to 2.5 minute digital promotion that promotes a local, state, and/or national service, including, but not limited to: an emergency service (fire, police, EMS, etc.), a social service, or any other community service initiatives. Qualifying candidates will schedule a time to do a videoconference presentation to a panel of judges. Top contestants will be invited to National Leadership Conference to be recognized for their outstanding efforts.
In-Person – Presentation Management – Individual:
- Various types of technologies
- wearable ID and/or embeddable tech
- biometric technology
- other new technologies
- Advantages and disadvantages of using this technology in your chosen type of business
- Limit your presentation to the products only; not to specific companies that provide the products
- Product lifespan
- Use data to support your presentation
- Follow Copyright Guidelines when using company logos and likeness
In-Person – Presentation Management – Team:
- Identify 1-3 major companies in your state and how they show environmental responsibility
- How physical surroundings will impact small business practices regarding environmental responsibility
- residential, commercial, industrial
- wooded, waterway, agricultural
- Use data to support your presentation
- Follow Copyright Guidelines when using company logos and likenesses
- Teams who do not submit an entry that follows this topic will be disqualified
Other Competition Options
If you’re interested in these, let me know and I’ll help you figure it out…
- Adobe Certified Associate National Championship www.acachampionship.com/us
- Monthly Character Animation Competition http://www.11secondclub.com/
- Draw with Jazza Monthly Challenge https://jazzastudios.com/category/jazza-studios-news/