Networking in animation

So iv had a bit of a delay getting to my blog as iv moved back to uni now and had no Internet for a short while but back to business and regular animation updates now.



Been helping out a few new first years on my animation course recently. Today I going to the pub later to meet them all at a scheduled networking do, mainly for first years to talk to each other and us second/third year animation/games/VFX students about what to expect in the course and give them advice.



Any time people say the word networking its often received differently depending on how experienced the individual is and how its used. Proper networking is a great idea, everyone in the industry does it and everyone needs to do it, its how 70% of us in the animation industry get jobs.



So how to do it properly? well first off don't go straight it asking for a job far to many desperate and inexperienced students do this and its off putting. This is the exact negative stigma that is put on networking and more experienced people in studios don't want to be constantly hassled in the pub for a job. Talk a bit, make sure you show them you share the same interests in animation, this is great because it builds up a connection and shows them your a real person not just a begging student but also gives the opportunity for them to see that you are talented and have some sort of expertise without you pushing a demo reel under their nose (although you will have to do this some time).



I say this because when I go to the pub later, I am actually hoping to find a first year animation student or two who are capable enough to contribute some assets to my film next spring. So small jobs like this are out their, and its a great thing to sink your teeth into, it always helps to get your name on the credits of a film for just a few well made models when your in your first year. That means you'll have worked in at least 3 films instead of 2 at the end of the degree.



I'll post up tomorrow to show how that went.