Hello! I am a modeling student. I'm not as good at animation, that's something I want to improve. I get stuck in negative thought loops all the time, and I graduate in December. I often get stuck even before most of what you're speaking about comes into play. I haven't even gotten a chance to try yet but am at points so certain that my work won't even be good enough for any company's entry level positions, but as you said in the beginning, I can't imagine doing anything else with my time. I know that this is what I want to do, and I hate the fact that I get so scared that I won't be able to even do the first step. I loved the balance between negative and positive that you talked about here. I need to learn that. I also didn't know about the workshops that you mentioned at the end, I might indeed go for those. I hope that I can learn to be like you and continue when faced with all of the negative parts.
Emma Fulkerson I absolutely know what you’re feeling. I’m sorry that you’re going through that. All I can say is that what helped me is to keep going and repetition and practice plus feedback helped me to get better and gradually you build up confidence.
Ooh this is a series I'm stoked about. And the advice in this is fascinating- I haven't heard a lot of this info and the way you tackled these topics is so authentic. LOVE this one. Thanks for sharing :)
Amazing advice!! 100% agree, you gotta out your stuff online. I just graduated and got a job at a studio that I didn’t even apply too. They saw my stuff online and reached out for an interview. Places are still hiring, you just gotta put yourself out there! You never know who’s watching.
Thank you so much for this video ❤️ Even I'm not an animator, I'm a environment/prop artist working in the AR/VR/Gaming industry for approximately 5 years. I am deeply related to this video. The struggle and grind are real, but worth it to me. But I do believe people need to know what they are getting into before they decide to join this industry.
The animation studio I worked for closed business. I gradually got into freelance storyboarding and illustration. I never stopped animation but I only work on my personal projects, do related research or polish my skills. One thing that sucks is that in this part of the world the industry is relatively young yet the audience and any client one is lucky to land expects regular, quality output similar to a well funded studio. Self doubt too is a daily experience but it has been eight years I wouldn't trade for time in another career.
Your most honest video ever, well done, i really liked it, its good to be happy and positive but also to keep in mind the reality, so we don’t sell the idea that is all amazing, i love my job and i enjoy it as much as possible every day and im really grateful to be able to develop myself in such an amazing industry full of talented creative and kind people.
I get it now. I remember watching this advice before graduating and now I've been working in a small vfx studio and it's been hard to deal with because of bad practices, management, and lack of investment from the ceo. And coming back to this video just makes me feel better and motivated once again, in some way. Your words made me remember why I started this journey. And the situation I'm going through is just a bump in the road. Thanks JD 😊
Thank you. Got a grab on perspective so realistic but balanced. Thinking about putting my son in to this industry. Knowing about these things and getting to terms with it all will be really helpful. So thanks again for sharing your views.
Thank you for being honest and great tips. We all are kind of familiar with these stuff, but in a bigger scale, living in this modern era where everything is just money and bearing selfish people around, is SUCKS!
In AM right now, almost done with the Fundamentals... I appreciate your honesty 🤣 but I'm going to work hard to have a spoiled job. I really dont enjoy being a welder. The only thing that I am worried about is time with the wife. I want to make sure she is happy. We are going to work as hard as possible to make this work
I'm going to watch this video every time I get discouraged. Being reminded that this industry is in fact a hard thing to get into makes the struggle feel more valid.
I’m an animation student who just had my first child. I was aware of a lot of what you said, but hearing you say it really got me scared for the future. I’ve been loving animation so far and really been pushing myself. I’m worried about if this is a good path to go down considering the moving situation and being away or relocating family too often. :/ I’m questioning whether it’s worth it. There’s just not much else I can think of that I’m willing and enjoy putting most of my days towards. Thanks for the reality check. Even if it hurts.
Definitely tough with kids. I have two kids as well. You might be limited in terms of where you can work since you may not want to move your kid in and out of kindergarten and school. All depends where you live and what opportunities you have there. I turned down an offer in LA because I wanted to stay in SF. There will always be compromises.
Truer words have not been spoken!! Completely agree 100%! I do add to my students the following point: Hold on to the thrill you get when looking at your work come alive after that first polish pass is done. With every shot. Every time I was done the first polish pass and you see the work start to get in shape, it always was a joy! So as long as you hold on to that joy, that should take care of the rest. It balances out the negative stuff.
Excellent points :) I think it's all ultimately worth it if you love that the hardest thing about your day is this constraint switch or arc or pose...for this animation shot...that's your job, repeat after me how cool that is. It took me 7 years of going through other departments, working on shows and then at the end of the day doing online workshops until my reel was strong enough. I was paid badly, lived in the coldest apartment, the hours aged me I swear....but then if I could go back and tell little teenager me what I do now and how cool my shot is going to be for this thing, she'd lose her mind. I should point out that now I have good pay, good hours and a nicer home hahaha luckily I was in my 20s when I had to do the hard grind.
I can't thank you enough for what you do, this channel is a goldmine for me. I'm an animation student and I'm gonna graduate in a few months. There aren't many job opportunities for animators where I live and my teachers haven't really done much to guide us, they haven't really told us anything about the industry so I'm trying to figure it out by myself. I am at least relieved to know that there are some studios I could apply to a couple of hours away from my house, but the problem is that at school I've done a little bit of everything, from traditional animation to digital to cutout to 3D, and also a bit of storyboard, character design and layout. Which means I can do a bit of everything but I'm not particularly good at any of it. It was useful to help me realize what it is that I wanna do, which is 3D animation, but I'm not confident in my skills enough to apply to a studio yet. Especially since I haven't seen anyone look for a 3D animator so I wanna get better to convince them to give me a chance for an internship. I wish I could afford an online course but unfortunately they're all very expensive so I'm trying to make do with tutorials. I've only discovered your channel a few days ago but it has already helped me more than years of school. If you know any other online resources I could use to learn more about Maya I would be eternally grateful 🙏 thank you so much
I’m so happy that the channel is helpful!! Maybe my workshop is affordable enough? Http://spungellaonline.blogspot.com/p/faq.html Check it out and email me even if it’s too expensive. Let’s see how I else I can help you!
It was really nice hearing you. I'm going through a process of frustration in this moment for some of those reasons you mentioned. Not happy with cutout, wanting to work with traditional, but the business is just so tough... And having a family to support. I wanted to go to another area where I could draw more and do projects that would really inspire me and other, but you said exaclty THE thing: it can suck as well. Thank you for droping this reality check
This was so awesome, JD! Thank you for being 100% honest about the reality of this industry. I'm still fairly new to being in it as a games animator, so hearing all of your advice from your experiences was tremendously helpful.
20 years of the military taught me from day one... "Embrace the suck!" This really applies to any industry you choose to become a part of. I stayed in the military because I loved it; even when it sucked worse than I ever thought it would. Spending 3 to 6 months away from home... Being away from family and friends for 200 days out of a year... But when you love what you do, you choose to embrace "the suck." As you said in the video, there's lot of things that suck... but why stay... Because you love it. If you love what you do, if you love the people, if you love the company... You can make a choice; embrace the suck... prepare for those hard moments, market and position yourself on the path you want to follow... By marketing yourself, means you need to make sure you're seen as a good employee along with being awesome at your job.
Absolutely spot on! It is so refreshing to hear this Jean. I have been a CG animator in Australia for 15 years. Everything you have said is the exact same experience for me. I love it though and couldn't do anything else. I teached in downtime but always told my students it's very difficult and you will mist likely need to move countries. I've followed you from the beginning and have been a huge inspiration and still are! So Thank you!!
I’m currently a few months into my animation degree and I’m completely new to the world of animation and the industry, watching this was very discouraging but when I actually think about what I want to do in life there is nothing else I can think of that I would love to do and be happy. Now I just have to become extremely focused and dedicated
It’s important to be aware of the pitfalls and I can imagine that it can be discouraging but like you said, you are dedicated to it so that’s already a great start and attitude to have!
This video is like a alarm clock, you hate the sound of it, and it ruining that perfect (but weird) dream, but by the end of the day, your glad it was there to wake you. Definitely appreciate the more rough side look. also looking forward to the new series! its harder finding any good mid level advice in a more collective area, but definitely appreciate it! Kind of like finding so many how to draw books for the absolute beginner, but almost nothing for the mid level artist. "heres how to draw some faces, BOOM! your a artist!" bot that dont mean your a good artist, nor have good technique. Im currently self taught, but I am working to get into animation mentor, and to do so I am working retail, which it really sucks! but its just another sharp rock in my shoe, eventually I'm going to get rid of it and move on. Thanks for all the great info, and looking forward to more!
I always love animating and bringing a character to life ever since I was a kid. Sure the process can be tedious, time-consuming and painful sometimes but after I went through all those and seeing my character come to life it so rewarding. I'm passionate about animating and after hearing the reality it's kinda hurt but that's just how is it. After watching this now I have more idea of what I'm gonna be facing in the future. Thank you for being honest I have a question, I'm still currently in high school. Can I still get into the animation industry if I dropped out? Again, thank you for all your info and advice
Same! It’s so rewarding!! And I can’t really answer the question, it will depend on so many factors, like where you live, if you want to work there, or another country with work visa requirements, etc. Your reel is the deciding factor (simply put, but then if you have an interview it’s also your personality, you might also get recommendations that help, etc.).
Wow sir, also you REPLY all comments really that's best of you. Is it good idea to get both 3d modeling and animation with rig by my self ? also I am self taught learner. I love to do both.Thank you!
If people take the time to watch my clips the least I can do is reply to their comments. 😁 And sure! If you like both doing both is totally fine. All depends what you want your job to be.
@@jeandenishaas Thank you sir! Getting tips and Advice from a person who is way better than you about what you want and have experience I think that's make my life easy and stay happy also it is one of best life shortcut!
100% accurate yet I still love it! I think we have a new international introduction video for every new student (including every other department). Now we just need to translate it in every language.
This video DID NOT suck :) Thank you JD for bringing the both sides of the truth about what we go through in this Industry! Congrats 2020 Grads! Welcome to The Grind!
Yesterday was my first day at my first job in the animation industry. It lasted 5 hours before the studio announced it was shutting down. You know what? It sucks. But at the same time it was also very awesome. I know that I'm capable of landing a job in the field and I can do it again. I got to see amazing work that the public may never see. I got to see original story boards from past projects that completely changed the released film. I got to see how a real pipeline works. I learned more in a day at a studio about how teams work together then I learned in a year of classes. I got to meet awesome people supporting each other making awesome stuff. And then when things were bad I saw those same people come together to support each other. Supporting each other across departments and even other companies through social media in ways I've never seen elsewhere. It is like they have all seen it sucks and share a common bond because of it. As much as it sucked, I would still go back and do it all over again.
Oh no I’m so sorry! Your positive attitude is not easy to have, good for you! I don’t know if you were part of Tangent but sudden studio closures are such a terrible situation for everyone involved!
@@jeandenishaas Yes, it was the Tangent shutdown. It is especially rough for those of us from the Winnipeg studio. Unlike Toronto, there isn't another studio to move to. Although with everything remote it isn't as much of an issue for now. I was lucky to have my old job take me back. It will give me a chance to improve my skills, watch more JD videos, and come back even stronger!
It's always important to lay down all the facts so that people get make informed choices. As far as I'm concerned this is important information to get out
Wow....This Sucks. (Not the video, this video is amazing). I graduated in animation because My Single Mother and I can't afford the Game Design program at a college (my dream career). I learned a lot of things from the classes but realized years after I graduated that I was doing the wrong things as an animator. Like creating a model, rigs, etc. Instead of being upset. I just see it as another experience points in my arsenal. I'm glad that I found this Channel and Sir Wade's
@@jeandenishaas Don't be JDH. Animators needed to know what they're getting themselves into especially from a person who has a lot of experience. As for me I am going to make the most of it by working hard and get where I want to be. This video is better late than never in my opinion.
I may be wrong but isn't this the case for most creative jobs? I work currently as a motion designer in an agency. And most stuff you say rings true here.
what you said is absolutely right sir ! actually i am facing the same situation right know... any ways big fan of your tips sir. keep posting more videos
I loved this. I haven't seen a video this direct and this forward In a while. I knew all this stuff while I was in school but this video was a healthy reminder! The music also made it urgent and frantic, I absolutely loved it. 10/10
I've finished my Master in 3d and imagery technologies and I found a Job as a Mocap TD even if I want to do cartoony animation. I took this job to pay the bills, I try to improve my skills by continuing animating from home almost every night I found it exhausting but by doing this every day I start to love what I do even if I'm not being paid for this by now. my question is if I keep doing this can I became like a mid animator from home? or I'm going to be considered as a Junior because I haven't work for series, games or films? thanks for all your videos I improve a lot from your tips and tricks.
That’s a good question. If the work is good you could skip the Junior Animation position. Not sure though, depends on the company and their hiring practices.
In two weeks I am going to finish my bodymechanics course 💪🏽 I have learned a lot of things and I am very excited to continue learning 3D animation 🤗 Thank you for this TIPs!! All sucks but your videos are cool 😛
Hey JD thanks for being honest. Yes this industry sucks, but at the same time its awesome when you finish a shot and you can make someone feel something with your work. Also My wife too is a fibers artist who does textile and surface design along with teaching and yes she faces exactly what your wife has, so I feel the pain. But i am never giving up
Wow, I thought ILM was much more stable for an animator at your level. Sounds like it was more like permalance. I'm surprised to see you share like this given your normally rosy delivery in videos but I really like that you delivered it this way since it's undeniably true for most people. I'd like to hear how you spend so much time on animation related work and still spend enough time with your family. That's key.
Thank you, I'll share this with my graduating coursemates! I've been focusing on getting a vfx creature reel together, though that seems to be exactly the style there are least likely to be jobs for at the moment for obvious reasons. Would you recommend putting a pause on that and working on stylised anim for the while? I'm asking a number of people to get different perspectives. Thank you for your time and all you do for us ✨
Hmmm good question. I think so yes? But the moment the film industry has figured out how to proceed I can see a rush of work flooding the market to make up time and money.
I'm graduating this year, and generally since my 1st year in animation school I've been working with a lot of students and clients as a freelancer which was hard to juggle because I'm studying full time but I wanted to taste the experience anyways , and I totally relate to almost everything you said because I know that I am still going to encounter difficult clients and colleagues and also stressful deals, but I'm really happy to hear that the feeling is mutual. I only had one question: Do you have classes, courses or books that talk about the business side of animation, my school is under staffed and unable to teach us and I'm really stressed about it because I don't even know how draft my own contracts and so much more
Elenten Designer I unfortunately do not since I only worked (still do) at one company so my perspective is very tunnel vision-y and without any freelance experience. Sorry!
@@jeandenishaas That's what my 3D lecturer said too, he also started teaching as soon as he graduated, hopefully i will also start working immediately and not have to worry about to many things
Hi Mr. Hass, this is Paolo. I am currently junior studying animation and hope to work in the industry. I have been a fan of your channel and have a question. I am not an American citizen and have an interest in interning or working in the United States do you know from your experience if there is a process I would need to do? I acknowledge your feedback and would be curious to know your answer. Thank u once more
Thank you for being a fan! If you want to work in the US you will need a work permit/VISA. If you want to be an intern then that would have to be through a school you’re attending here. I would look at the immigration/work permit information pertaining to your country.
Then someone explained what I feels finally about this industry. I knew it, in my early careers as 3D Generalist, even this industry is sucks. But, I keep go ahead cause I loved it and care...
Thank you for making this video! I just graduated from the animation program at Sheridan College and was just about to receive an offer to a feature studio I wanted to work at in my city. Due to the pandemic they said they will reach out to me once things clear up. I was wondering what your take on this is? Apply somewhere else and quit once they contact me? Apply somewhere else and just stick with that studio? I am also thinking of joining Animation Mentor or AnimSchool.
Adrian Abbruzzino You’re welcome! And that’s a tough question only you can answer. Do you have the financial means to wait and pay bills? How easy is it going to be to quit that other company?
I Am a student , Just graduating from a 3 years course of Animation . The college didn't teach much of animation , more focused on vfx and designing . I was really stressed after the start of video 😅 but you really put things in perspective ! I've been following your Fna and other videos from long time . I am from India and I don't know how things would change after this pandemic ! But I wanna do this ! Animation brings that pure joy of creating something and I can't trade it for anything . I'll definitely work hard , not just for a job but to become one of the Finest Animator ! Because that's my dream . Thank you for such an awesome content ! Hoping for new videos in this Playlist 😄 Stay safe ! Maybe someday You could review my work 😋
I'm coming closer to my graduation, and it's getting scarry, mainly because my skill level isn't where I want it to be as an animator, I'm a generalist which would be good for smaller companies however there are a secer lack of those kind of job opportunities right now. I think in a sense I'm kind of relying on my graduation film to take me somewhere and work as my portfolio but that's not necessarily a great plan.
Sorry to hear that! With the pandemic still going on I think there are more animation productions going on than ever, you might be okay! This is terribly self serving but I have workshops in case you’d consider that in order to develop your skills further? Maybe I can help you?
Guna have to disagree with you in the beginning JD. Animation doesn't suck, you really wanna know what does suck? Working 7 days a week, making ends meet, while still learning how to animate on the side. That sucks, but as someone who love animation I am willing to lose sleep to learn a thing or two. Not complaining but letting you know that working for the industry doesn't suck. Sure I didn't get the animation dream job after I graduated from a 4 year University back in 2018, but the motivation and inspiration is still there. My 2 Cents.
I watch this for the 3rd time now, bc I love how everything sucks and it is so true but is just one side of the coin, and that basically everything sucks^^
Me personally? At work it’s creatures, digital human stunt doubles, vehicles, cameras, previz, postviz, all geared towards a realistic look (with exceptions like Space Jam 2). Mostly physical and action shots.
@@jeandenishaas everything honestly said, Thank you, not everyone talks about the negative aspects of the industry I have been subscribed to your channel for a long time, didn't know that you have such useful videos
Are you graduating? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments! Also, congratulations!!
thank you for your tips. Can you turn on the sub, my english not so good. Thank you sir!
Hoang Nam Nguyen I have to catch up a lot in terms of subtitles. Sorry!
Hello! I am a modeling student. I'm not as good at animation, that's something I want to improve. I get stuck in negative thought loops all the time, and I graduate in December. I often get stuck even before most of what you're speaking about comes into play. I haven't even gotten a chance to try yet but am at points so certain that my work won't even be good enough for any company's entry level positions, but as you said in the beginning, I can't imagine doing anything else with my time. I know that this is what I want to do, and I hate the fact that I get so scared that I won't be able to even do the first step. I loved the balance between negative and positive that you talked about here. I need to learn that. I also didn't know about the workshops that you mentioned at the end, I might indeed go for those. I hope that I can learn to be like you and continue when faced with all of the negative parts.
I would love to pick your brains on your views on education / degreee / online etc..
Emma Fulkerson I absolutely know what you’re feeling. I’m sorry that you’re going through that. All I can say is that what helped me is to keep going and repetition and practice plus feedback helped me to get better and gradually you build up confidence.
Ooh this is a series I'm stoked about. And the advice in this is fascinating- I haven't heard a lot of this info and the way you tackled these topics is so authentic. LOVE this one. Thanks for sharing :)
Sir Wade Neistadt Thank you very much!
Hey Sir Wade, do you ever plan on joining a major studio again? Or are you sticking to independent stuff?
Same here!
Cool stuff
Amazing advice!! 100% agree, you gotta out your stuff online. I just graduated and got a job at a studio that I didn’t even apply too. They saw my stuff online and reached out for an interview. Places are still hiring, you just gotta put yourself out there! You never know who’s watching.
Anna F That’s awesome! Good for you!!
Are you allowed to say where you got hired?
@@christopherquinn6188 Sure! I'm working at ILM.
Thank you so much for this video ❤️
Even I'm not an animator, I'm a environment/prop artist working in the AR/VR/Gaming industry for approximately 5 years. I am deeply related to this video.
The struggle and grind are real, but worth it to me.
But I do believe people need to know what they are getting into before they decide to join this industry.
Thank YOU for watching! Glad to hear that it’s worth it to you! 🔥🔥🔥
The animation studio I worked for closed business. I gradually got into freelance storyboarding and illustration. I never stopped animation but I only work on my personal projects, do related research or polish my skills. One thing that sucks is that in this part of the world the industry is relatively young yet the audience and any client one is lucky to land expects regular, quality output similar to a well funded studio. Self doubt too is a daily experience but it has been eight years I wouldn't trade for time in another career.
Well said! I wouldn’t trade it either.
Wow this is possibly the most honest video about the industry, I have ever seen my friend.
HAHAHAH IT SUCKS!
Your most honest video ever, well done, i really liked it, its good to be happy and positive but also to keep in mind the reality, so we don’t sell the idea that is all amazing, i love my job and i enjoy it as much as possible every day and im really grateful to be able to develop myself in such an amazing industry full of talented creative and kind people.
Happy to hear that!
I get it now. I remember watching this advice before graduating and now I've been working in a small vfx studio and it's been hard to deal with because of bad practices, management, and lack of investment from the ceo. And coming back to this video just makes me feel better and motivated once again, in some way. Your words made me remember why I started this journey. And the situation I'm going through is just a bump in the road.
Thanks JD 😊
Wow, that’s I think the first time someone commented with a new perspective after gaining experience. That’s so interesting! Thanks for commenting!
Haha loved this video! More reality checks, I want it to feel like a ran headfirst into a brick wall!
HAHAHA!
Thank you. Got a grab on perspective so realistic but balanced. Thinking about putting my son in to this industry. Knowing about these things and getting to terms with it all will be really helpful. So thanks again for sharing your views.
Milind Chitale You’re very welcome and good luck!
Thank you for being honest and great tips.
We all are kind of familiar with these stuff, but in a bigger scale, living in this modern era where everything is just money and bearing selfish people around, is SUCKS!
Yep!
In AM right now, almost done with the Fundamentals... I appreciate your honesty 🤣 but I'm going to work hard to have a spoiled job. I really dont enjoy being a welder. The only thing that I am worried about is time with the wife. I want to make sure she is happy. We are going to work as hard as possible to make this work
Love the fire! Good luck! You can do it!
Hey JD ..! Great reality bath :) always awesome stuff on your videos.Thanks!!
Thanks!!
I'm going to watch this video every time I get discouraged. Being reminded that this industry is in fact a hard thing to get into makes the struggle feel more valid.
It’s definitely a struggle. Hope it gets better for you! Keep going!
Into this industry for 6 years & this is so relatable. Sooooo true & authentic !! thanks man ❤
Sure thing! 😁
Work is work and life is life keep it separate. That's what I wanna do but still trying. Taking care of yourself.Love your videos .Thank You.
It’s not East! All we can do is try! (and thanks!!)
I’m an animation student who just had my first child. I was aware of a lot of what you said, but hearing you say it really got me scared for the future. I’ve been loving animation so far and really been pushing myself. I’m worried about if this is a good path to go down considering the moving situation and being away or relocating family too often. :/ I’m questioning whether it’s worth it. There’s just not much else I can think of that I’m willing and enjoy putting most of my days towards. Thanks for the reality check. Even if it hurts.
Definitely tough with kids. I have two kids as well. You might be limited in terms of where you can work since you may not want to move your kid in and out of kindergarten and school. All depends where you live and what opportunities you have there. I turned down an offer in LA because I wanted to stay in SF. There will always be compromises.
my advice is pursuing freelancing for now. You can work from home and during your own time
Truer words have not been spoken!! Completely agree 100%! I do add to my students the following point: Hold on to the thrill you get when looking at your work come alive after that first polish pass is done. With every shot. Every time I was done the first polish pass and you see the work start to get in shape, it always was a joy! So as long as you hold on to that joy, that should take care of the rest. It balances out the negative stuff.
Carlos Arancibia Love that!
Excellent points :) I think it's all ultimately worth it if you love that the hardest thing about your day is this constraint switch or arc or pose...for this animation shot...that's your job, repeat after me how cool that is. It took me 7 years of going through other departments, working on shows and then at the end of the day doing online workshops until my reel was strong enough. I was paid badly, lived in the coldest apartment, the hours aged me I swear....but then if I could go back and tell little teenager me what I do now and how cool my shot is going to be for this thing, she'd lose her mind. I should point out that now I have good pay, good hours and a nicer home hahaha luckily I was in my 20s when I had to do the hard grind.
Thanks! And I’m glad it worked out for you!!
I can't thank you enough for what you do, this channel is a goldmine for me. I'm an animation student and I'm gonna graduate in a few months. There aren't many job opportunities for animators where I live and my teachers haven't really done much to guide us, they haven't really told us anything about the industry so I'm trying to figure it out by myself. I am at least relieved to know that there are some studios I could apply to a couple of hours away from my house, but the problem is that at school I've done a little bit of everything, from traditional animation to digital to cutout to 3D, and also a bit of storyboard, character design and layout. Which means I can do a bit of everything but I'm not particularly good at any of it. It was useful to help me realize what it is that I wanna do, which is 3D animation, but I'm not confident in my skills enough to apply to a studio yet. Especially since I haven't seen anyone look for a 3D animator so I wanna get better to convince them to give me a chance for an internship. I wish I could afford an online course but unfortunately they're all very expensive so I'm trying to make do with tutorials. I've only discovered your channel a few days ago but it has already helped me more than years of school. If you know any other online resources I could use to learn more about Maya I would be eternally grateful 🙏 thank you so much
I’m so happy that the channel is helpful!!
Maybe my workshop is affordable enough? Http://spungellaonline.blogspot.com/p/faq.html
Check it out and email me even if it’s too expensive. Let’s see how I else I can help you!
It was really nice hearing you. I'm going through a process of frustration in this moment for some of those reasons you mentioned. Not happy with cutout, wanting to work with traditional, but the business is just so tough... And having a family to support. I wanted to go to another area where I could draw more and do projects that would really inspire me and other, but you said exaclty THE thing: it can suck as well.
Thank you for droping this reality check
I’m sorry to hear that. 🙁
This one was awesome, and very accurate haha. Also Congrats on 15K wooh!
Thanks!!!
This was so awesome, JD! Thank you for being 100% honest about the reality of this industry. I'm still fairly new to being in it as a games animator, so hearing all of your advice from your experiences was tremendously helpful.
Ricky Robinson Great to hear!
Choose you work wisely in general - Agree with that!
Frosty Dog 👍🏻
I love a realistic person. Thanks for sharing your tips here! :)
You’re very welcome!
20 years of the military taught me from day one... "Embrace the suck!" This really applies to any industry you choose to become a part of. I stayed in the military because I loved it; even when it sucked worse than I ever thought it would. Spending 3 to 6 months away from home... Being away from family and friends for 200 days out of a year... But when you love what you do, you choose to embrace "the suck." As you said in the video, there's lot of things that suck... but why stay... Because you love it. If you love what you do, if you love the people, if you love the company... You can make a choice; embrace the suck... prepare for those hard moments, market and position yourself on the path you want to follow... By marketing yourself, means you need to make sure you're seen as a good employee along with being awesome at your job.
Robert Goodnight Well said!!
This is helpful 👍🏻
James Leigh Krysa Great!
Absolutely spot on! It is so refreshing to hear this Jean. I have been a CG animator in Australia for 15 years. Everything you have said is the exact same experience for me.
I love it though and couldn't do anything else. I teached in downtime but always told my students it's very difficult and you will mist likely need to move countries.
I've followed you from the beginning and have been a huge inspiration and still are! So Thank you!!
Thank you!!
I’m currently a few months into my animation degree and I’m completely new to the world of animation and the industry, watching this was very discouraging but when I actually think about what I want to do in life there is nothing else I can think of that I would love to do and be happy. Now I just have to become extremely focused and dedicated
It’s important to be aware of the pitfalls and I can imagine that it can be discouraging but like you said, you are dedicated to it so that’s already a great start and attitude to have!
This video is like a alarm clock, you hate the sound of it, and it ruining that perfect (but weird) dream, but by the end of the day, your glad it was there to wake you.
Definitely appreciate the more rough side look.
also looking forward to the new series! its harder finding any good mid level advice in a more collective area, but definitely appreciate it! Kind of like finding so many how to draw books for the absolute beginner, but almost nothing for the mid level artist. "heres how to draw some faces, BOOM! your a artist!" bot that dont mean your a good artist, nor have good technique.
Im currently self taught, but I am working to get into animation mentor, and to do so I am working retail, which it really sucks! but its just another sharp rock in my shoe, eventually I'm going to get rid of it and move on.
Thanks for all the great info, and looking forward to more!
Thank you!
Loved this, thank you for being honest and preparing us newbees for the reality!!
Jaynimation You’re very welcome! Hope it’s helpful!
I always love animating and bringing a character to life ever since I was a kid. Sure the process can be tedious, time-consuming and painful sometimes but after I went through all those and seeing my character come to life it so rewarding. I'm passionate about animating and after hearing the reality it's kinda hurt but that's just how is it. After watching this now I have more idea of what I'm gonna be facing in the future.
Thank you for being honest
I have a question, I'm still currently in high school. Can I still get into the animation industry if I dropped out?
Again, thank you for all your info and advice
Same! It’s so rewarding!!
And I can’t really answer the question, it will depend on so many factors, like where you live, if you want to work there, or another country with work visa requirements, etc. Your reel is the deciding factor (simply put, but then if you have an interview it’s also your personality, you might also get recommendations that help, etc.).
you are the only person telling the truth of industry. nothing changed "Life after Pi" even it's worse. it sucks lol
👍🏻
Wow sir, also you REPLY all comments really that's best of you. Is it good idea to get both 3d modeling and animation with rig by my self ? also I am self taught learner. I love to do both.Thank you!
If people take the time to watch my clips the least I can do is reply to their comments. 😁 And sure! If you like both doing both is totally fine. All depends what you want your job to be.
@@jeandenishaas Thank you sir! Getting tips and Advice from a person who is way better than you about what you want and have experience I think that's make my life easy and stay happy also it is one of best life shortcut!
3D Passionate 😊😊
@@jeandenishaas yes sir! That's mine. Trying develop my skill and also it show me where I am and where I was ( about Skill and Knowledge).
100% accurate yet I still love it! I think we have a new international introduction video for every new student (including every other department). Now we just need to translate it in every language.
Hahaha nice!
This video DID NOT suck :) Thank you JD for bringing the both sides of the truth about what we go through in this Industry! Congrats 2020 Grads! Welcome to The Grind!
HAHAHA nice!
Thanks for the wake-up calll, Jean-Denis! I graduate in a week and will be sure to consider these points when moving into my animation career!
Good luck with everything! Let me know if I can help in any way!
@@jeandenishaas Thats so sweet you! Your TH-cam channel and LinkedIn posts are so helpful already! Keep being you and everyone will benefit haha
CuteNikeChan Too kind!
Yesterday was my first day at my first job in the animation industry. It lasted 5 hours before the studio announced it was shutting down. You know what? It sucks. But at the same time it was also very awesome. I know that I'm capable of landing a job in the field and I can do it again. I got to see amazing work that the public may never see. I got to see original story boards from past projects that completely changed the released film. I got to see how a real pipeline works. I learned more in a day at a studio about how teams work together then I learned in a year of classes. I got to meet awesome people supporting each other making awesome stuff. And then when things were bad I saw those same people come together to support each other. Supporting each other across departments and even other companies through social media in ways I've never seen elsewhere. It is like they have all seen it sucks and share a common bond because of it. As much as it sucked, I would still go back and do it all over again.
Oh no I’m so sorry! Your positive attitude is not easy to have, good for you! I don’t know if you were part of Tangent but sudden studio closures are such a terrible situation for everyone involved!
@@jeandenishaas Yes, it was the Tangent shutdown. It is especially rough for those of us from the Winnipeg studio. Unlike Toronto, there isn't another studio to move to. Although with everything remote it isn't as much of an issue for now. I was lucky to have my old job take me back. It will give me a chance to improve my skills, watch more JD videos, and come back even stronger!
@@donnewmancanada Great that you got a job right away!!
It's always important to lay down all the facts so that people get make informed choices. As far as I'm concerned this is important information to get out
Yunlong Cheng Glad to hear that!
Wow....This Sucks. (Not the video, this video is amazing).
I graduated in animation because My Single Mother and I can't afford the Game Design program at a college (my dream career).
I learned a lot of things from the classes but realized years after I graduated that I was doing the wrong things as an animator.
Like creating a model, rigs, etc. Instead of being upset. I just see it as another experience points in my arsenal.
I'm glad that I found this Channel and Sir Wade's
RipperRoo92 Sorry!
@@jeandenishaas
Don't be JDH.
Animators needed to know what they're getting themselves into especially from a person who has a lot of experience.
As for me I am going to make the most of it by working hard and get where I want to be.
This video is better late than never in my opinion.
I may be wrong but isn't this the case for most creative jobs? I work currently as a motion designer in an agency. And most stuff you say rings true here.
Frokito Probably yeah! I can’t speak of other industries since I have no experience outside of animation.
what you said is absolutely right sir ! actually i am facing the same situation right know... any ways big fan of your tips sir. keep posting more videos
Thank you for watching!!
I loved this. I haven't seen a video this direct and this forward In a while. I knew all this stuff while I was in school but this video was a healthy reminder! The music also made it urgent and frantic, I absolutely loved it. 10/10
dasorra Thank you! (always happy to hear comments about the music choices 😁)
I've finished my Master in 3d and imagery technologies and I found a Job as a Mocap TD even if I want to do cartoony animation. I took this job to pay the bills, I try to improve my skills by continuing animating from home almost every night I found it exhausting but by doing this every day I start to love what I do even if I'm not being paid for this by now. my question is if I keep doing this can I became like a mid animator from home? or I'm going to be considered as a Junior because I haven't work for series, games or films? thanks for all your videos I improve a lot from your tips and tricks.
That’s a good question. If the work is good you could skip the Junior Animation position. Not sure though, depends on the company and their hiring practices.
In two weeks I am going to finish my bodymechanics course 💪🏽 I have learned a lot of things and I am very excited to continue learning 3D animation 🤗 Thank you for this TIPs!! All sucks but your videos are cool 😛
itsMarviiin Thank you and hang in there!
Thank you for being honest !!! At least i know what i'm getting into.
You’re welcome! Hope it’s helpful!
Hey JD thanks for being honest. Yes this industry sucks, but at the same time its awesome when you finish a shot and you can make someone feel something with your work. Also My wife too is a fibers artist who does textile and surface design along with teaching and yes she faces exactly what your wife has, so I feel the pain. But i am never giving up
We are on the same page 😁
Wow, I thought ILM was much more stable for an animator at your level. Sounds like it was more like permalance. I'm surprised to see you share like this given your normally rosy delivery in videos but I really like that you delivered it this way since it's undeniably true for most people. I'd like to hear how you spend so much time on animation related work and still spend enough time with your family. That's key.
I have a video about time management where it shows how I do things (even though that changes depending on what’s going on in my life)
I'm graduating from Animation Mentor in September. I'm hoping that companies will recovering and hiring again by then
Me too!
awesome video man!
I am a game designer and the gaming industry sucks, a lot. BUT I love make games, anyway!
Paolo Gambardella Thanks!
Yeah, the gaming industry seems pretty tough.
much luv n respect..
👍🏻
I know all the consequences but still I love animation
Same!
Thank you, I'll share this with my graduating coursemates!
I've been focusing on getting a vfx creature reel together, though that seems to be exactly the style there are least likely to be jobs for at the moment for obvious reasons. Would you recommend putting a pause on that and working on stylised anim for the while? I'm asking a number of people to get different perspectives. Thank you for your time and all you do for us ✨
Hmmm good question. I think so yes? But the moment the film industry has figured out how to proceed I can see a rush of work flooding the market to make up time and money.
Fair enough! Thank you
I'm graduating this year, and generally since my 1st year in animation school I've been working with a lot of students and clients as a freelancer which was hard to juggle because I'm studying full time but I wanted to taste the experience anyways , and I totally relate to almost everything you said because I know that I am still going to encounter difficult clients and colleagues and also stressful deals, but I'm really happy to hear that the feeling is mutual.
I only had one question: Do you have classes, courses or books that talk about the business side of animation, my school is under staffed and unable to teach us and I'm really stressed about it because I don't even know how draft my own contracts and so much more
Elenten Designer I unfortunately do not since I only worked (still do) at one company so my perspective is very tunnel vision-y and without any freelance experience. Sorry!
@@jeandenishaas That's what my 3D lecturer said too, he also started teaching as soon as he graduated,
hopefully i will also start working immediately and not have to worry about to many things
Elenten Designer This channel might be of help:
th-cam.com/users/SurvivingAnimation
Well said.
😁👍🏻
Hi Mr. Hass, this is Paolo.
I am currently junior studying animation and hope to work in the industry. I have been a fan of your channel and have a question. I am not an American citizen and have an interest in interning or working in the United States do you know from your experience if there is a process I would need to do? I acknowledge your feedback and would be curious to know your answer. Thank u once more
Thank you for being a fan!
If you want to work in the US you will need a work permit/VISA. If you want to be an intern then that would have to be through a school you’re attending here.
I would look at the immigration/work permit information pertaining to your country.
Then someone explained what I feels finally about this industry. I knew it, in my early careers as 3D Generalist, even this industry is sucks. But, I keep go ahead cause I loved it and care...
Yep! It has its ups and downs, but I do love it as well!
I think it’s just working in general that sucks. At the end of the day it’s always a job.
Antonio Garcia It is.
Thank you so much!
You’re welcome!
you are awesome. i loved your advise. i had skin in the game but still i feel i love animating. it is the god job
Rashid Abedini 👍🏻
Thank you for making this video! I just graduated from the animation program at Sheridan College and was just about to receive an offer to a feature studio I wanted to work at in my city. Due to the pandemic they said they will reach out to me once things clear up. I was wondering what your take on this is? Apply somewhere else and quit once they contact me? Apply somewhere else and just stick with that studio? I am also thinking of joining Animation Mentor or AnimSchool.
Adrian Abbruzzino You’re welcome!
And that’s a tough question only you can answer. Do you have the financial means to wait and pay bills? How easy is it going to be to quit that other company?
I Am a student , Just graduating from a 3 years course of Animation .
The college didn't teach much of animation , more focused on vfx and designing .
I was really stressed after the start of video 😅 but you really put things in perspective ! I've been following your Fna and other videos from long time . I am from India and I don't know how things would change after this pandemic ! But I wanna do this ! Animation brings that pure joy of creating something and I can't trade it for anything . I'll definitely work hard , not just for a job but to become one of the Finest Animator ! Because that's my dream . Thank you for such an awesome content ! Hoping for new videos in this Playlist 😄 Stay safe ! Maybe someday You could review my work 😋
You’re very welcome! And you can always email me for feedback!
Loved this one thanks for being honest JD and great choice of music it really adds a lot to the video.
You’re very welcome and awesome that you noticed the music. I always have fun selecting tracks for each clip. 😁
I'm coming closer to my graduation, and it's getting scarry, mainly because my skill level isn't where I want it to be as an animator, I'm a generalist which would be good for smaller companies however there are a secer lack of those kind of job opportunities right now. I think in a sense I'm kind of relying on my graduation film to take me somewhere and work as my portfolio but that's not necessarily a great plan.
Sorry to hear that! With the pandemic still going on I think there are more animation productions going on than ever, you might be okay!
This is terribly self serving but I have workshops in case you’d consider that in order to develop your skills further? Maybe I can help you?
I have been laid off so many times as an accountant, so let's keep it up.
SORRY!
@@jeandenishaas no worries J-D, I accept the challenge anyway
Ender Perez-Lopez Animations 👍🏻😁
Wow I was not ready! Intense & Raw ❤️
👍🏻😁
I can tell you this, working in TV news sucks ahahaha!
Hahaha! Sorry!
Guna have to disagree with you in the beginning JD. Animation doesn't suck, you really wanna know what does suck? Working 7 days a week, making ends meet, while still learning how to animate on the side. That sucks, but as someone who love animation I am willing to lose sleep to learn a thing or two. Not complaining but letting you know that working for the industry doesn't suck. Sure I didn't get the animation dream job after I graduated from a 4 year University back in 2018, but the motivation and inspiration is still there. My 2 Cents.
Danny Morales Well agree to disagree. You might like it, but someone else is going to hate it. I love it, but there are sucky parts to everything.
Unfortunately I only can give you just one Like. But This video deserves tons of it. Thank you!
Too kind! Thank you!
So true and accurate.
👍🏻
I watch this for the 3rd time now, bc I love how everything sucks and it is so true but is just one side of the coin, and that basically everything sucks^^
HAHAHA
Hey question if you don't do comedy what is your type content as a animator
Me personally? At work it’s creatures, digital human stunt doubles, vehicles, cameras, previz, postviz, all geared towards a realistic look (with exceptions like Space Jam 2). Mostly physical and action shots.
What is a reel? I keep thinking it’s some sort of sequence that plays back and forth
A demo reel. A collection of your best work, in our case 3D animation.
Any posing tips for the self taught with tones of tutorials and knowledge shared by awesome animators give us a tip in posing, posing is animation.
Posing FNA is coming!
Well said
Thank you!
Best video ever.
👍🏻😁
I GONNA DO IT!
LET’S GOOOOO!!
The likes of this comments are how many times he said "sucks"
🧐
Amazing content!
David Yanko Thank you!
Lolol I laughed through the first half of the video!!!
😁
Such a good video!
Thanks a lot!
Man, I really like this video.
👍🏻😁
He said SUCK 39 times
don't thank
Madvaer He did?
I think I heard you saying that it sucks XD
I might have said that once or twice.
Everything sucks
Boom
походу он сам запутался)
Leonid U 🤷🏻♂️
@@jeandenishaas i said this video is very useful. thank you)
Leonid U Hahaha! Thanks!
Lol... sucks
It does!
Pro tips: this industry sucks🤣
It does and it doesn’t. 🤷🏻♂️
@@jeandenishaas everything honestly said, Thank you, not everyone talks about the negative aspects of the industry
I have been subscribed to your channel for a long time, didn't know that you have such useful videos
@@azizbekkhamroev9535 Happy to help! Thanks for watching!!