Animation Resolutions 2017
1) Join an animation group.
There are a multitude of animation groups out in the world and they are always in need of new members. Check out your school and local community and see if there are animation groups and clubs that you can join. It'll get you in touch with people who share your enthusiasm for the animated arts as well as help you discover new series and films that you may not have otherwise. If there's nothing local, there are always broader groups such as Women in Animation and ASIFA Hollywood. While membership in the aforementioned groups is geared more towards industry members, they do have affordable membership plans for the enthusiast that will still gain you access to group events such as panels and members-only screenings. I personally plan to join both in the coming year.
2) Become involved in something animation related.
You can do this by volunteering at an animation event, taking a class in animation to learn more about the art, or writing on the industry. All of us at Animation for Adults write for this website as a way to get involved in the industry that we love and adore. Even though I'm not artistically inclined and have found my calling as a pediatric nurse, I still wanted to be a part of the animation industry in some way. Writing for this website has allowed me to do just that. So even if you're like me and can't draw to save your life, there are plenty of other ways to become involved. If you're looking to work in the industry, think outside the box and look into production and assistant jobs which tend to lean more towards administrative tasks.
3) Support animation from both large and independent studios.
View animated series and films through legal means so that the studios that worked so hard to bring them to you are able to continue bringing more films and shows to the world. These artists work hard and deserve to be compensated for their work. Also check out Kickstarter and Indie Go Go for animation projects to back and send a few dollars their way if you enjoy them and are able to. Be sure to branch out and attend local animation events as well such as screenings and festivals, you never know what you'll discover!
4) Attend animation related events.
There are plenty of animation events to attend throughout the year. Comic conventions are excellent for finding animation panels and if you live in Southern California or happen to be in the area, be sure to check out Gallery Nucleus which plays host to great animation galleries and panels. Annually in November is the can't miss CTNX in Burbank which showcases a multitude of animation artists and is the best way to meet your favorite animators and artists as well as score lots of great art. This year introduced a $20 exhibit floor only wristband option making the event affordable for anyone wishing to attend.
5) Work on your own drawing skills.
If you're looking to break into the industry, make sure to continually be drawing every single day. You can't improve if you're not drawing and pushing your own boundaries. Showcase your portfolio and seek constructive criticism. Keep applying because eventually someone is going to say yes to you.
6) Read up on animation and the industry.
There are plenty of books out there on animation if you want to learn more about it. The classic text The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation by Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas is an excellent place to start. Also be sure to check out Drawn to Life: Volumes 1 and 2 by Walt Stanchfield, and The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams. Art books for various films and series are also great sources for studying development and gazing at mind boggling art. Personal favorites of mine include Rise of the Guardians, Spirited Away, and How to Train Your Dragon.
7) Recommend animated series and films to friends and family.
If you find a great animated series or film, don't keep it to yourself! Be sure to recommend it to friends and relatives that you believe would enjoy it as well. When I first discovered the witty brilliance of Phineas and Ferb, I couldn't keep my mouth shut about it and managed to get several friends as well as my sisters to check it out and fall in love with it as well. Same goes for Green Lantern: The Animated Series and Gravity Falls. If it wasn't for recommendations, I probably would have never watched Avatar: The Last Airbender or Bojack Horseman.
8) Continue to squash the myth that animation is easy to create and a genre.
This is one that really grinds our gears at Animation for Adults. Say it louder for those in the back. ANIMATION IS A MEDIUM, NOT A GENRE AND IT TAKES A MULTITUDE OF PEOPLE FROM A VARIETY OF BACKGROUNDS TO CREATE!
From all of us at Animation for Adults, we hope that you have a productive and animated new year!
