Advice on Breaking into the Animation Industry as a Newcomer

Hi everyone,

I’ve been passionate about animation for a long time and am now looking to break into the industry professionally. I’ve been teaching myself the basics of 2D and 3D animation, primarily using Blender and Toon Boom Harmony, and I recently completed a few online courses covering animation fundamentals. However, I still feel a bit lost when it comes to the next steps.

I’d love to hear from professionals or experienced artists about what worked for you when you were starting out. Specifically:

1. Portfolio Building – What do recruiters look for in a demo reel or portfolio? Are there any common mistakes beginners should avoid?
2. Job Hunting & Networking – Besides LinkedIn and job boards, where else should I look for opportunities? How useful are animation festivals, conventions, or online communities for networking?
3. Freelancing vs. Studio Work – Would you recommend starting with freelance gigs to gain experience, or is it better to aim for an entry-level studio job first?
4. Specialization vs. Generalization – Is it better to focus on a specific aspect of animation (e.g., character animation, rigging, environment design) or to develop a broad range of skills early on?

I’m eager to put in the work, but I want to make sure I’m heading in the right direction. Any advice, insights, or resources would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your time!

Regards

Dellilniyatableau