Expert: Russell Calabrese - 7/31/2007

Question
QUESTION: I am currently in the military taking classes at the Art Institute Online with hopes of starting a career in animation after I get out.  I have heard major motion picture companies hire animators in other countries to reduce the cost of production.  I am worried there won't be very many animation companies hiring in the US.  I am also worried if a job as an animator will pay the bills or if I'm better off serving the country and doing animation on the side as a freelance artist.  Any advice would be appreciated

ANSWER: It seems like being in the military is one of the few jobs that doesn't suffer from outsourcing.

There are still alot of jobs here the US where you can work as a Designer, Storyboard Artist, Director, Art Dirctor, Layout Artist etc.

Mostly the Animation and Assitant Animation work is sent to cheap overseas
studios.

If you don't mind working on other peoples stuff, which isn't always good and/or fun, but excellent for learning how to and how not to, then a job might be suitable. If making your own films is more up your alley, I'd keep it as a hobby.

(If you would like to show me your work I'd be glad to look at it to see if the job market or 'keep it as a hobby' is better suited for you.)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the feedback!  So, most animation work is sent overseas, but what about Pixar, Dreamworks, or one of the many gaming industries like Blizzard or EA games?  There are government jobs such as Dynamic Animation Systems that specialize in simulations.    How do those job areas look now and towards the near future?    

I have some of my drawings, both traditional and computer generated along with a short animation showreel I put together before I started at the Art Institute, on my Myspace page @
http://www.myspace.com/jedininja82

Thanks again for your feedback, and look forward to hearing from you again!

Answer
There are studios that have in house animators and talented people are always getting jobs. The gaming biz is booming so there are a lot of jobs in that field. I know this may sound geeky, but I love playing Warcraft. I met a few folks from Blizzard and it seems that's a great place to work. Call different companies and see what jobs are available. You'd probably start at an entry level position and then move up as your skills improve. Good Luck.

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