Here's how you can make a lasting impact in animation job interviews.

Key framing is needed to improve the animation's smoothness. and the elemental graph. Typography needs to be visible and client-oriented. Slides that carry the storyline must be connected.

The first 30 seconds of your reel and the first four pages of your portfolio are crucial. If you're an animator, showcase solid foundational skills like weight, dynamic timing, posing, and character. Designers should communicate their understanding of design, spacing, type, expression, and design thinking. Use a case study layout – include the ask, solution, and creative rationales. As someone who assembles teams of animators, designers, and creators, I see folios daily. Your work must be presented with energy and get straight to the point. People reviewing folios are time-poor. Put your best work up front. Brand yourself clearly – your folio should reflect your unique strengths. I hope this helps. Feel free to reach out. Happy to help.

Your portfolio is your chance to show people what you're about. Showing your skills and work is a big part of it for sure. Just don't forget to animate yourself into it. Give people an idea of who you are, but don't give everything. Keeping a sense of mystery peeks people interest. Like any animation we want to get people hooked, so they keep watching. Curiosity is a powerful thing. The goal of any portfolio is to start a conversation. To invite people to engage with you and make them curious enough they want to engage. People don't connect with you because of your skills or your work; they connect with your personality. With enough time everyone can learn a skill or craft, but no one can learn to be you. Show it, use it, animate it!

Definitely having your portfolio with your best work is needed, and showing what you can and can't do. Most studios want to see your work but also know how you approach things. So having a few case studies where you go into your problem solving skills is vital. Personal projects are a great way to showcase that. But also, studios want to know how well you'd fit in their team. No one wants a creative who is great but difficult to work with, as long as you can contribute to the team and are great to work with on projects.

Being a strong observational artist, adding the nuances that make characters come alive and seem real. (Keep a journal!) I strongly believe 3D animators should study hand drawn 2D, and keep it smooth on at least 2s.. Full frame is the way to go!

Now the secret is out ?? This is verbatim what one should do when applying to a new firm. Learn the company you are trying to join. It shows respect.

If they're hiring an artist with attention to details it's your obligation as their future employee to find that detail they're missing.

I think it's important to show that you can brainstorm and develop original animation storylines that speak to the problems and demands of society. Thus, exhibiting distinctive and original characters, sequences, and content that can successfully surprise, amuse, communicate, and persuade will undoubtedly generate attention in your abilities in any professional competition.

One thing I have found necessary is to demonstrate the ability to ideate and create unique animation story lines that resonate with societal needs and challenges. Therefore in any professional contest, showcasing original and unique characters, sequencies and content able to effectively, surprise, entertain, communicate and influence will definately pool interest towards your skills.

I can't make stories on my own but I can represent them in my style. I make simple things including day to day activities or a basic story look amazing with my art and animation. Hence knowing your strengths is one of the key ingredients. Play to your strengths ??

I agree with the school of thought that says your personal story is huge part of the inteview process, the rest being your artwork and skills. In a way, your new teammates can know what motivates you, how you arrived here and how far can you go.

Let me tell you a story, In a galaxy not so far away, there was this kid that had to draw on everything; even the walls that just got wallpapered. Yup, that kid was me. Everything I drew was linked to a story, something I experienced or my imagination going wild. Over time my drawing improved a lot by going to art school, studying graphic design and picking up hobbies filming and writing a long the way. I always had a passion for movies especially animation movies. For every new movie that came out I had already created my own stories on how it would go. Developing my storytelling and visualizing skills still helps me a lot to tell and visualize the stories of other people. The best place to start is by telling your own stories.

I can't add a great deal to this discussion as I'm a freelancer and don't go for animation interviews in this sense. However, when I'm speaking to new client (which is my type of interview I do a lot) you have to remember that you can't do it all. If I'm shown a style that I know that I can't do then I'll be honest and tell them. I've been animating for 15 years in After Effects and I feel like I'm still only proficient in 40-50% of it. So I think that being honest in an interview is key.

Express your enthusiasm for animation and the specific company you're interviewing with. Discuss how your passion for animation aligns with the company’s projects and goals. Professionalism is key, so ensure your portfolio is polished and effectively showcases your best work. Being genuine during your interview can help you connect better with the interviewer. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication to animation. This personal touch can make you memorable and help establish a rapport with the interviewer.

Here, knowing the literal basics of animation like the 12 principles of animation has helped me in interviews. As an animator, one should have a specific style of working. I will write about mine. 1) I always exaggerate and view animation through the lens of humor. Exaggeration is one of the most important principles of animation. 2) Having a little knowledge about films, I fuse it with animation. When I talk to clients, I talk using words like an action cut or a jump cut. This puts weight on my idea. 3) The body language becomes an integral part. This is purely opinion. I am a jolly and chirpy person. Hence I often act out things which I can't describe in words ??. It has worked out for me.

I lost count how often my technical skills saved the day. A lot times people see technical skills and creativity as opposites. I however see my technical skills as the toolbox for my creativity. Your toolbox goes both ways. I strive to learn many different aspect in design, film, photography, 3D, motion graphics, etc. even sales, marketing, webdesign, etc. I'm a true creative centipede; still learning everyday. I not only love to learn the latest and greatest new thing but also delve into the past. Understanding where animation came from really expands your horizon. Learning those old techniques gave my creativity an immense boost. Adding that extra nostalgia to your animations really helps when engaging with a specific audiences.

Over the years I have found that what employers most seek is a strong work ethic more than anything else. So being passionate, hardworking and eager to learn, grow and contribute is vital along with honesty and authenticity. Just being yourself.

What we refer to as your profile's added values are your knowledge and interpersonal abilities. Seek assistance, as it can be difficult at times to be either modest or overly self-aggrandizing about these facets of ourselves.

Ce qu'on appelle, savoir-être et savoir-faire sont les plus-values de votre profil. Fa?tes vous aider, car parfois il est pas aisé d'être trop modeste ou trop vantard sur ces aspects de nous-même.

After the interview, send a thank-you note reiterating your interest in the position and reflecting on any specific points discussed during the interview. This not only shows your gratitude but also reinforces your enthusiasm and professionalism. You can make a lasting impression that not only showcases your animation skills but also your professional demeanour and genuine interest in the role.

Concentrate on your preparation, presentation, and personality to leave a lasting impression during an animation job interview. Start with a neatly arranged portfolio that highlights the variety of styles and techniques you have used in your work. Provide thorough explanations of how you contributed to each project, emphasizing your inventiveness and problem-solving abilities.

It's not just about what you already know, it's what you want to know that matters. At the end of the interview, ask what their company goals are and what kind of candidate would be ideal to help shape that future. This shows that you're interested in both your future and the success of the company, which is equally important.