CompuServe Thread

<<As you can see, 3d animation is something I really want to do. Learning the software is the least of it. Effective 3d animation involves a wide variety of skills. Modeling is like sculpture; dramatic lighting benifits from study of painting and film lighting; motion of characters is often better understood by traditional animators than software experts; all the skills that are needed for effective film/video work and then some. The software is much less important than these fundamental skills. Even the best software (3ds) wont be effective in the hands of someone who hasnt made a study of color, motion, lighting, acting, etc. I think its very significant that a lot of game outfits hire folks with traditional animation education from, for example, the Cal Arts character animation department. where they teach traditional cel methods. Ed

Hi Phillip, Do what I did ! I'm a student myself and I was lucky enough to find a company that has use for an animator…..fortunately I joined in as a half-time freelancer since they only pay student-fees so there it doesn't pay at the moment 🙁 But there are others, and business is expanding, slowly in Germany, and at the moment I'm more working than studying. Keep sticking to this forum, it's an excellent source of information and read the Take 5/want ads section, there's often an announcement for animators (especially in the US).

Phillip, The answer from the other student was right on target, but may I suggestsomething? I am sure that there is a local 3D Studio Retailer in New Orleans. Go to them, volunteer your services for free. Do anything for them from Demos to emptying trash. But get them to give you time on their equipment. The critical thing about working with the retailer is that they are a focal point for all the local 3D Studio users. When they buy systems often they need an experienced operator. Having done well, your retailer should recommend you. Another good thing about working with the retailer, is that they have all the latest equipment. You will be training yourself on state-of-the- art. When opportunity does come, you will have the latest skills. If there is a 3D Studio Users group in New Orleans, attend the meetings. That's were the people doing the real work are. If there is no User's Group in New Orleans start it. There is no better way to get exposure than that. See if the local retailer might let you hold meetings there? Well, I hope that this helps. Believe it or not, in 15 years of doing computer graphics, I don't think that it has ever been as easy for an animator to get a job as now. I had to write my own 3D program before I could do any animation, and when I asked about doing 3D animation for them they just scratched their heads in puzzlement. The market for 3D animators has exploded in the past five years. Good luck.