Back to back layoffs last week spurred this episode.

Discover the tips I've learned over the past year from mentoring students, becoming a parent, managing time, and the pitfalls I see many students fall into on their Journey. Lean into what's working, avoid the mistakes of the past, let's make progress this year together. Mentored courses available: https://animatorsjourney.com

James started his 3rd career at age 40 in 3D animation. Discover the challenges and considerations he made when successfully switching careers and now working on his first feature film as a 3D animator next year. As mentioned in the podcast: Trainee program James went through: https://www.screenskills.com/ Demo Reel that got James into that program: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/496443097 Animator's Journey Beginner course: https://animatorsjourney.com/beginner-course/

Need ideas for the animator in your life or better yet... suggestions for other's to get you? I always hear I'm hard to buy for, so I put this list together if you ever hear that, some of these are affiliate links: Books: The Illusion of Life This is the most classic book for animators that covers the history of Disney animation and really all modern Western animation with anecdotes and stories of a bygone era. Game Anim Written by my good friend and ex-Naughty Dog co-worker, Jonathan Cooper gives a great overview of all the aspects of game animation. It doesn't go super deep, so this is really for people who would be new to animating for games. Break Into The Animation Industry Here's my book, which recently had a 5-star Amazon review: " Great book for teenagers looking to get into animation as a career! This was a gift for a teenager that is considering animation as a career. It was a HIT! " Gear: Logitech Vertical Mouse This is the mouse I use to keep a healthy wrist and proper ergonomics for the long hours I put in animating. I have started to like this more than a tablet, because to hold a tablet pen you have to keep your hand squeezed tighter than the open position of a full mouse like this one. My hand use to cramp with a tablet pen so I've moved to this mouse full time. Benq Monitor This is also the brand of monitor I use, it's what I bought when I just wanted to be done with comparing models and knew this was going to be a monitor that would be great quality, resolution, and last me a long time. Increase your RAM! One of the easiest home PC upgrades you can do is adding more RAM. It allows you to run bigger animation scenes and more programs at the same time. Installation is as easy as it gets for the non-technical, just open your desktop PC and plug it into the right place (there is probably also one or two screws to secure it.) I have had 64GB of RAM in my PC for the past 4 years and it keeps chugging! Headphones I've Owned for 13 years Bose Quiet Comfort 15! I prefer these over-ear wired noise-cancelling headphones for many reasons and these have lasted me since I was an animation student! You can also find them used on eBay for cheap! And then you can buy replacement over-ear cushions on Amazon so you get a fresh start on the used aspect. I've replaced the ear cushions every few years on mine. I like wired too because there are never any technical difficulties like you can get with Bluetooth not connecting. The cord is also replaceable. The replacement parts and the fact it takes a single AAA battery and doesn't have a built-in battery are how I've been able to keep these headphones going for so long. Here's a link to the replaceable ear pads if you buy the headphones off eBay you'll want to start fresh with these: earpads Course: Finally, for anyone who's starting out in animation and confused on how or where to start, they can get a clear path with me as a guide in my course: Animator's Journey Beginner. Happy Holidays!Lucas

This week we'll learn where should you start your animation journey. These are my top 10 animation exercises for beginners to start with and master. If you want to see examples of each of these, watch my YouTube video: https://youtu.be/qFLsNoiZts0

"First Job Jitters: What to Expect in Your Animation Career Debut" peels back the curtain on the anticipation and reality of entering the animation industry. We discuss the typical scenarios, surprises, and learning curves that green animators face as they step into their very first role. Listen in for candid advice, practical tips, and moral support to smooth out those first-job nerves and set the stage for a successful animation career.

Discover how James left his PhD behind to become a professional 3D animator. If you want to do the same, get started in the Beginner course at https://animatorsjourney.com/

In this quick episode I announce a new free rig I'm releasing on AnimatorsJourney.com you can download and start animating now! And I discuss what makes a rig appropriate for a beginner to use.

We tackle a pressing student question about the intricacies of launching an animation venture. We'll dive into the often-unspoken challenges that come with establishing a studio, from financial hurdles to industry competition. This episode offers an unfiltered look at the animation business, providing aspiring animators with the critical insights needed to make informed decisions about their entrepreneurial dreams.

This week I chatted with a 19-year-old during my webinar and I think they indicate a common misplaced focus the younger crowd tends to have. Let's discuss their questions and where the focus for someone around this age should really be!

Navigating career adjustments can be difficult. Here's my latest one and the factors at play, not just for me, but for anyone in the industry.

A student recently asked this question so I wanted to share my most recent thoughts on it as every week there's something new happening with A.I. Reply on Spotify with your own questions! Become a student at AnimatorsJourney.com

Explore the pivotal moment when Marvel's VFX artists chose to unionize, reshaping the dynamics of the industry. This episode delves into the motivations, challenges, and potential ripple effects of this significant decision. Join us for an insightful look into the evolving world of visual effects and the artists championing change.

In this episode of Animators Journey, host and industry veteran Lucas Ridley shares his top ten tips for creating an effective demo reel. With 12 years of animation experience and 6 years of teaching, Lucas dives into the common pitfalls that new animators face and offers practical advice to overcome them. From understanding scope creep, acknowledging your worst work, and not getting too attached to your shots, to the importance of mastering body mechanics and the need for practice and variety, he lays out a clear roadmap for success. He also emphasizes the importance of updating your reel as your skills evolve, and the value of showing finished pieces. Whether you are just starting or looking to advance your animation skills, this episode is packed full of useful insights. Learn more about Lucas's mentorship and courses at animatorsjourney.com and join him in this exciting journey towards becoming a better animator. Don't forget to subscribe and share these episodes to help others in their animator's journey!

In this episode, we delve into the technical requirements and best computer options for beginners eager to explore the dynamic field of 3D animation. Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge to make an informed decision and kickstart your animation journey with the right tools. I'll share my computer specs and how much it cost. We'll explore how to create an ergonomic workspace that marries comfort with efficiency. Discover the secrets behind my setup and gain insights to enhance your own animation journey.

Listen in on a real conversation with a student to uncover one of the biggest advantages you can give yourself when animating: taking a break. It's hard to do, and often when we need it the most, we're the worst at choosing the break over continuing to work.

This week's podcast is an excerpt from a student question during our Animator's Journey office hour to review work and answer student questions, this one a few topics but mostly are smears worth learning at the beginning of your animation journey? Are they a gimmick?

This week, we embark on an exploration with a trailblazing animator who has inspired me since the beginning of my own animation journey. As a co-founder of multiple studios and an accomplished artist in the world of commercial animation, his remarkable career trajectory is a testament to his talent. Join us as we unravel the story behind his current freelance career and glean invaluable insights to propel you forward on your own animation journey.

Discover the traits I've seen successful students employ after I've watched thousands of people go through my courses. Use these 5 strategies to advance your own animator's journey.

Kris Theorin has amassed 100k YouTube subscribers while winning Clinton Jones' (@pwnisher) animation competition and working with big clients like LEGO. We discover the journey it takes to create your own short films and get paid working with clients. Kris shares his insights into how he's been successful and we talk about some technical mumbo-jumbo as well as cautionary tales of biting off more than you can chew! (Don't do it.) Here is Kris' YouTube Channel if you want to see more of his work: https://www.youtube.com/@KrisET As always you can begin your animation journey at https://AnimatorsJourney.com