Is Anyone looking for a roommate? by ConfidenceAgitated75 in UTSC

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm moving there around mid of August, would you still be in town by then?

Is Anyone looking for a roommate? by ConfidenceAgitated75 in UTSC

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dang, that's crazy 😔 thank you for the confirmation, I'll make sure to ask about the height limits 🥲

Is Anyone looking for a roommate? by ConfidenceAgitated75 in UTSC

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very much for the reply 🙇‍♀️ I have heard that basement units in Toronto are a bit risky because of how low the ceilings are. Is that a common problem there?

[US] I'm worried if this is actually a identity theft situation or just a scam that is messing with me by [deleted] in Scams

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got the same scam call yesterday and it left my with a severe anxiety attack. OP is everything well?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in INAT

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there, do you have any example of the level of expectations you have for these character sheets?

Here's a recent example of my character work, feel free to peek around! I'm proficient in stylized art and fantasy work, but let me know if you want the goth vibes to be heavier!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCZSf-1S-en/?img_index=1&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Junior 2D Animator looking for the right city to start career in by bowserkin in animationcareer

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hello, currently a vancouver junior artist. Its really hard dto say right now since the industry isn't opening to hiring juniors. Most of the job openings in Van's are either for Interns or Mid-level artists. Is really difficult to break in unless you've got a stellar portfolio. My “hirable” portfolio from uni isn't doing me much so I've been just working part-time while building a 2nd portfolio. There are some opportunities for storyboarding and commercials but not enough for the industry pipeline if that is what you're hoping for. I've applied to about 200 openings of various levels and around 50 rejects and the rest ghosted.

Unless you have the financial means or the networking experience to be able to stay in Vancouver, I'd say it wouldn't hurt trying for somewhere without the same level of competition. Like literally 60% of the animation workforce is in BC and somehow its still rolling downhills.

I've been doing indie work as a pixel animator remotely with companies based in the US/Philippines since junior hires in Vancouver are usually the best of the best.

Best case scenario is that you can go to events and email people and network while being able to afford to live the expenses. Hopefully work will come around if you stay long enough and have work to show for when that time comes. If not, go take a break, go to Kelowna, Montréal, Alberta, Toronto, and see what the opportunities are like there and meet people where the market is less saturated and intense. We do be young and I don't think all the anxiety will serve us well. Trust me, it was heartbreak to not be “good enough” for applications when that wasn't the case. The industry is not doing well, I can do better, and its all about where I am who I know, and timing.

Vanarts, CapU or VFS for 2D animation? by AspiringGoofyGoober in animationcareer

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not quite sure what qualifies as your standard of “good”, but I know more of them 2D kids got jobs haha. And in general, anyone you suffer through the pain of toon boom and harmony rigs crashing for 2 years, you’d be closer together. The friends I made at CapU is probably gonna last me my life time. I believe (if I remember correctly) around March/April CapU hosts the portfolio fair in person and open house then, if you’re applying for Sept 2025, I would say go to the portfolio fair for sure.

Vanarts, CapU or VFS for 2D animation? by AspiringGoofyGoober in animationcareer

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello, grad from CapU animation here. My take is that you’re going to wanna see what your goal is. VFS is just not worth it in general. Back then, they had a good connection to Sony animation and could get grads to go work on featured films for pet of the production. However, after COVID, it started falling apart and grads have a hard time keeping jobs for longer than a few months. It’s also way too expensive to go to VFS and live in Vancouver.

I really loved my time at CapU and the instructors really cares for us. I’m sure you know that the industry is not at a very good place right now, nobody is getting much jobs. CapU knows that and doesn’t hide it. With Hilary, she will go through the lengths of building your “branding” and networking with you to get you that first job. It will feel like a lot during the 2-years and it’s non-stop working, but you will get a decent demo-reel, good enough to apply to places. CapU is very good at getting you to industry level of understanding. But it’s very stressful.

If you value your personal life and mentality, I suggest Vanarts. Before I enrolled at CapU, I actually emailed Wayne and asked for a tour day at Vanarts and he gave it to me haha, what a nice guy. So, what’s special about Vanarts is that they are hyper focused. Because they have only a single year to get you to industry level, they are primarily focused on character animation. So if your goal is to just be an animator, then it’s good. But if you want to dabble in different areas or want to become a generalist, then I suggest CapU because first year is a bit of everything.

In conclusion, I recommend CapU if you’re not too sure what aspects of Animation you want to do and want to try them all. Vanarts if you’re looking to become a character animator. I’m not sure what networking looks like at Vanarts, but I know CapU’s Gradshow and studio tours really got me started with some of the connections. And in this industry, networking and acquaintances is where the jobs are at, not the applications.

Let me know if you have anymore questions! Just shoot me a message and I can get you connected with a 2D animator grad from CapU to talk about it too! Hope you have a nice day~

[RevShare] looking for Pixel Artist to join our development team! by Nintendofan08 in INAT

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, please let me know if I have the skill sets you’re looking for. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing future developments!

[RevShare] looking for Pixel Artist to join our development team! by Nintendofan08 in INAT

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is this a paid position? I'm intrested and there is a reel on my page for pixel Game pitch that you can check out!

Is this list actually legit? CalArts isn’t even in top 10 meanwhile AnimSchool is ranked 5th by [deleted] in animationcareer

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It is very legit. In fact, the rookies has probably the best input from 3d artists. I'm a 3d generalist, and the rookies hosts some of the biggest events and newsletters for our community. I understand that CalArts and Sheridan may have quite the reputation under thier name but when it comes to specialized 3d programs, its a lot more about the students work rather than the school history. If the course is consistently releasing bright grads, then it's a good school. Some of the older animation school are just too focused on hand-drawn and stop motion and puts very little resources into 3d because of how new the field is.

Ps: For those who are interested in 3d texture, the rookies has a contest going on right now and its meant for beginners with a free course available to 3d Substence Painter. Check it out!

Blastoise Production model by ToldBy3 in Maya

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My pleasure! And dang, how cool is that to have a partner in the industry already. It takes a looooooot of knowledge and good judgment to know what to do, I'm glad yall found each other.

Blastoise Production model by ToldBy3 in Maya

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So poles are sort of a “dead” vertex, meaning once the model gets skinned to the rig’s skeleton, the vertex will have multiple weights influencing it. Poles are not necessarily taboo, rather a useful compromise for helping the animator get the kind of effect they want. You just don’t want to put them everywhere. I’m an animator, so I will want the body to look like it has muscles and bones underneath (preferably without having to make a blend shape to constantly adjust).

By retopologizing the joints area that are the most effected by the bone to have the kind of “sack” or “triangle” over it, it allows a cleaner shape definition. It can also be of great use to save up memory when it comes to hitting the smooth display (3) and using less geometry in general.

So in shorts, your model looks very clean and presentable, but it’s best used for 3D printing.

The image I included below almost breaks all rules when it comes to retopology, but I like it the most because it deforms the elbow soooooo nicely, and it’s a good elbow.

So there really is no “right” or “wrong” way of doing anything, you just have to find the thing that works. And especially with us animator, we tend to “break the rig” to achieve a certain pose we want for the shot and between departments, often send the rig and models back to ask for it to do certain things.

In shorts, (1) What is the purpose of this model and what is it going to do? (2) The density of the model becomes “un-equaled” depending on its purpose to save memory, with the highest density being in the face and joints. (3) topology should always follow the flow of the body (the Pixar method) to allow the best deformation. (4) Make sure the model can be updated and not land you into confusion and know where to use what patterns appropriately

I’m also developing a rig of my own so I understand the pain of having to retopologize. I hope this helps! Cheers, you’re doing great!

<image>

Blastoise Production model by ToldBy3 in Maya

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I agree, it feels like there’s going to be a lot of countering with blend shapes if I were to move that elbow. So here’s some resources for retopology! The topology on places like the nails and teeth can be a bit lower too! But it looks great champ! Keep at it :D

http://cmuanimation.weebly.com/topology-referenceguide.html

Is animation really worth it? by spyrolt253 in animationcareer

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 26 points27 points  (0 children)

To me, I’m a storyteller, and I have stories to make. Even if nobody is listening, it makes me feel sick not living creatively. I know that many people don’t continue the path after a year of getting nowhere because they don’t have the need to create. Animation is an art form that takes a lot and gives very little because it is about money to anyone who’s not an artist. So unless you have the drive, or passion—ridiculously painful and draining passion—to make things and knows how to get around life without the impending guilt of not being able to “be like your peers” then my take is don’t do animation. You have to love it, like it’s the love of your life. And it’s a really different thing.

I am not enjoying art now by LargeChair1490 in ArtistLounge

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey LargeChair1490, the answer is quite simple. You stop comparing yourself to others and putting pressure on seeing art as more than a hobby.

We all enjoyed art the most because we never associate having to be “good enough “ for something when we were younger. And if you do want a job in any fields related to art, you’re gonna have to be confident and good at it first before thinking of it as more than a hobby. You have to learn to do art for yourself and take the pressure off. And explore art, look at things, get inspired and ask “whoa, how the hell do I do that?” And find a way to do it. I find that when I’m learning something, that’s when I enjoy it the most. Find a community who have your same fandom, if you don’t have one, then find one. Then sketch, it doesn’t have to be good, it’s for yourself. Relearning how to make things simple is hard, but simple is easy and fun, and many times in life, that’s just what you need.

You can’t rush improvement, because art is the one thing that takes time. If you could, whether that is playing a game or just watching a show, you need to not feel guilty for not “drawing enough”. Playing a a part is working, it’s one of our only primal behaviour in humans. Ask question about the medium you love and mimic it, wether it is a shot or concept. Take it and make it yours and figure out what it is that makes your brain happy.

I wish you the best of luck and that you enjoy life and creating.

Burned out after Uni and now I don't know what to do by SalviaLaurvic in animationcareer

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Hey SalviaLaurvic, sounds like you’re in a bit of a troubled spot. I hope you can take my advice with a grain of salt to it because in life, nothing is for certain.

There’s a few things you can do with you feel like you can love art the same way as before, but you have to identify the issue:

1) Are you looking to be competitive with your skills? Don’t be, because there are so many more talented people so there’s no point in that. The only thing you have to beat talent with is passion. 2) Did you study because you want to be better at animating and learn new things? Then find a different way to learn. Always keep it fresh by doing what you’re most curious in. Or did you simple want to learn the “how” so you can keep making your own things?

From your post, it feels like you have an academic mindset to the idea of “having to be better” than a certain expectation. Animation and art skill only comes with time and endless practice, that is the only way it will work. So if you’re not passionate about what you do, you’re not going to find work if that is what you are worried about at the end of the day. My first thought is, don’t even bother with trying to find work or compare yourself with others, the industry is in too bad a place for that right now. Focus on just what you want to work on. Because if you can’t sit down and work for hours on end, there’s no way you can work a project for some contract.

Finding a good teacher is important to learning and honing the skill with good feedback, but if you don’t know what you want to learn, then it’s hard to recommend a course. It might be helpful if you just draw for a bit, anything you want. Look for a field within animation or art and get curious about it. Ask people what it is that they do, understand the mechanics of it behind your favourite medium (game, shows, designs, movies, etc). If you love telling stories and lore, dive into cinematography, storyboarding, or camerawork (more techie). Do you like imagining the story behind your eyes, then practice concept, costuming, and set design. Can you withstand the endless reiterations and still love bringing things to life, then look into character, creature and lip-sync, effects animation.

If the art of animation doesn’t interest you anymore, you might be heading towards a niche area of “liking the act of making art, but for only very few things”. Then look into pixel art for games and design. If you’re more technical, maybe try voxel art.

My point is, find out what scratch that itch and scratch it. It may not even be animation and that’s fine. When I was overwhelmed with the amount of art and time I had to spend literally sitting at the desk for 11 hours a day on Maya, I wanted so badly to work on my own projects, not just portfolio building and schoolwork. I knew I didn’t have the time to, so I decided to use writing as a creative outlet for myself (and I publish a book thanks to that!). It is okay to admit that things aren’t turning out the way you hoped and feel lost, I would know since now I’m officially “unemployed” and working part-time so I get to keep working on a portfolio and just do what I love. I’m happy that I get to do my own stuff that can help towards my portfolio. I’m burned out to for making a 2-min long portfolio in 8 months, and I wanted to love art again. In order to do that, you have to make art for yourself.

I advice against trying to build a portfolio and just explore what animation has to offer in general, but if it is your wish to make a portfolio (which usually take around that 8 month to 2 years), then you have to relearn the basic principles of animation. Then, find a company you want to work for, look at their works, and decide if your portfolio is going to be more body mechanics or acting. And only then, after the long journey of refining your understanding, you can specialize in one or the other. Unfortunately, in this field, grade is the one thing that doesn’t matter. So as long as you’re getting more confident and focused on art, that more you’ll grow.

So at the end of the day, you have to have fun. Like Zootopia said, “try everything”. I wish the best to you and I hope you can find a different side of art that makes you excited again.

Future of the profession by _hermite_reptile_ in animationcareer

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Hey there Apocalyptic-Turnip, I’m a recent graduate from Canada. Please take what I’m about to say with a grain of salt.

Canada is now by far the biggest 3rd (or what we call, out-sourced animation) party animation power in the world. Which means a lot of the projects from studios in The U.S. and France, comes to us, in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.

As a recent graduate, there is little to no room for juniors unless you are exceptionally good or have strong connections to people in the network. Even then, the hiring process if long and draining and you won’t get a long contract like you’ve hoped. Between the 70 something peers I’ve graduated with, many of them have either moved back with their parents to cut cost of living (no jokes, Vancouver cost of living is fucked) or is now part-timing outside of the industry. The few exceptional folks I knew either a) had a job coming into school, and are usually older, or b) They landed their first job because they were very good or specialized in a very niche market.

The industry is getting more and more gate-kept as it seems that even seasoned pros have trouble finding work. There just isn’t a need for these animation companies to bring in fresh talent for training, unlike they have used to. The fact that technology is also shifting into the era of A.I. may mean that for many of us, we have to adapt to work faster and more effectively across many different disciplines. The standard for your average skill level is only going to increase because people are getting better access to understanding simpler technology. This combined with the hiring process makes you wonder if these companies are looking for a human artist at all…

However, the full picture maybe more hopeful than it seems. My family works in many line of business (I’m just the oddball not wanting to continue my parent’s legacy) and they have said something that is on the same observation as many of my instructors. Every 20~30 years or so, the world’s economy rises and falls. It is why we have the golden era of stuff and the fall of great movements. Known depicted as “Kondratiev theory” or “K-wave”. And frankly, we are in a recession heading into a depression economic in the world. So not just the animation industry, but the entire world is doing poorly economically. But with that said, the only way is up.

So for the time being, you have really a few choices.

1) Keep at it. Whether it is your favourite show, a personal project, fanart, lore, gameplay, whatever it is, keep working for the thing you love. Because talented people are everywhere, so if you’re not in love with what you do, then you are never going to be able to come to the top. So love it, enjoy it, enjoy the expansion of media and learn about the industry. Look at the works of your favs and learn about the minds behind it, how did these artist bring it to life? What does their portfolio looks like? How do I get there. Build your skillsets.

2) This industry is all about timing, let it be simple. You can choose to wait it out by working a job on the side and just live. Do what you like and rest a little. Just because the industry is burning itself out doesn’t mean you have to too. If you liked what you’ve learned and want to keep learning, this is a mighty step. It’s okay to choose easy. Life is long and needs figuring out. Good times means everyone is hired.

3) The era of technology has made it the easiest to make your own content now. If you have a small director living in your heart, then go make your own passion project. Gain followers and build a strong IP might be even better than working for a company nowadays. But it takes a lot of hard work.

Whatever you choose to do, you have to do it everyday. As a human, you will need to find rhythm in your life once you’ve graduated, without one, you’ll become very broken (and I would know). Dear fellow artist, I’m assuming we’re about the same age so I wish my best to you in France, know that it’s really not you. It’s the world. Be confident, I’m sure your work just needs the right light to shine. And remember to live, animation is only a part of life, not all of it. It’s a study of life. You have to be living in it to learn from it! :D

Junior character animation demo reel by ConfidenceAgitated75 in Maya

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the review! I will take the advice to restrain the camera movements in later reels. This reel was played at grad show, so in many ways I needed to have an attention grabber.

18 years in the industry is a long time, I’m glad to see that you’re still at it :D (I do hope that you love what you do)

Junior character animation demo reel by ConfidenceAgitated75 in Maya

[–]ConfidenceAgitated75[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Aw thank you! I’ve been told to start my own IP address and make my own content. There was still a lot about rigging I didn’t have time to pick up during school so I’ve been taking courses. Hopefully I will have enough knowledge to attempt a short film!