Shotgun

Here is a screen shot of my schedule I used to complete this tutorial in just over a month. I planned it out so i had time to render my final animation as i knew this would have some issues to it, as it did!

What I need to work on

Here is a list of things that by using my research for the job role of an animator, has shown me I need to work on:

• Showreel/demoreel
• Have a Degree
• Rigging knowledge
• Basic scripting knowledge
• Several years of experience in the industry

As well as all of the above, I need to improve on my animation skills as a whole. Looking at the principles and just animating more. The only way I am going to get to where I want to be is to just do it.

Industry Skills

Here are some companies I would like to work for. I have researched what they look for in the job role of an animator. This will help me understand where I am at, and what I need to do in order to get to where I want to be.

Framestore:

Animators should be comfortable using Maya, and ideally should have previous experience of working on large scale Film projects. Successful applicants should have the ability to work well as part of a team and should have proven ability to meet deadlines.

• Several years of experience in a similar role.
• Experience in creature and character animation.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• A thorough knowledge of Maya

Pixar:

Responsibilities:

- Receive with each assigned shot: storyboards, story reels, recorded dialogue, set layout, and direction.  The Director shows each new sequence in layout and describes what is expected for every shot at a "blocking meeting"
- Read soundtrack and plan shot
- Block in movements in rough animation and show for the Director's approval in a daily review
- Finish work for Director approval in a timely manner
- Attend animation dailies

Qualifications:

- Degree or certificate in classical animation, film, or related field, or equivalent production animation experience
- Must have a DVD demo reel that demonstrates application of the principles of animation to tell a story with meaning through movement
- Ability to work collaboratively
- Must be open to direction and able to embrace change
- Proven storytelling skills
- Ability to use acting skills, which bring characters to life, as well as clearly communicate simple ideas with which an audience can empathize
- Strong understanding of traditional animation principles
- An art background, which shows a thorough, understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture, and form
- Computer animation experience preferred but not required 

Double Negative:

Needs To Do

• Work closely with the animation lead/supervisor to create believable animation with convincing performances and motion
• Be aware of project schedules and be capable of delivering work to deadlines
• Must communicate well and be willing to take notes and direction
• Must work well in a team

Needs To Know

• 3+ years CG experience, ideally within feature films
• Ability to perform visual and analytical problem solving in 3-dimensional space, including the ability to accurately interpret 3D layouts and analyse 3D form
• Ability to problem solve and predict potential problems with assigned tasks
• Thorough knowledge of Maya

Needs To Be

• Well versed in the principles of animation
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Highly motivated
• Adaptable
• Must communicate well and be able to take notes and direction

Measures of Performance

• Must achieve set quota per week/month

Blue Sky Studios:

Purpose of the job:

Our Animators are responsible for implementation of complex character animation and for the "movement" in computer animations, included but not limited to, timing, acting and posing of characters.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

Work with the Director in establishing character design and movement.
Take models and/or rigged models (set up for animation) to finished animation.
Work with modelers, riggers, and technical directors to implement the animation.
Maintains a consistent level of productivity while meeting deadlines and producing high quality work

Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience Required:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Computer Visualization, or Computer Animation required or equivalent work experience.

Skills, Abilities, Special Licenses or Certificate:
 
Demonstrated expertise in the following: animation, rigging, sketching and/or drawing skills.
Knowledge of Unix and shell scripting; expert knowledge of Maya, proprietary and other software programs.
Demonstrated artistic ability with a strong understanding of traditional animation principles.
Must be open to direction and able to embrace change.
Ability to work collaboratively

My current skills

Before attending Ravensbourne I knew I wanted to be in the animation industry but wasn't sure what specifically i wanted to do within it. Now from learning a little bit of everything, I am set on becoming a character animator.

I am confident with using Toon Boom for 2D traditional animations and Maya to animate in 3D to a level which I feel is progressing fast. 3D animation is where I want to go towards. From doing other areas of the VFX industry for past units, I feel comfortable modelling to a basic level, texturing, UV mapping and lighting. I am also confident in using the Adobe suit to a high standard as I used to do a lot of digital photo manipulation and designing when I was in sixth form.

Character animation has always fascinated me and this is why I like it so much, and every chance I get to see something new, I will. I use past animations that I have seen by more experienced animators than myself to make my own work better with both understanding whats happening, and how they did it. I work well in a team, and its my favorite way of working too. Helping each other out and collaborating with people is what its all about for me. I have good time management kills too, and I am very well organised.

Last summer I had work experience at a post production house in London called Framestore. I was lucky enough to speak to the head animators about what industry level work is like and it made me want to be apart of that even more.

Here is an outline of my current skills:

• Confident in Maya
• Confident in Toon Boom
• Confident in Adobe Suit
• Good team player
• Time management skills
• Good understanding of Animation Principles
• Very observant and have a good eye for what looks right/good