Networking

          Gaining contacts in any industry you wish to work in is important, but even more so if you plan on working within the games industry because of how close it seems to be. I've spoken to a few animators and if you mention someone's work they always seem to know who you're on about, by either having worked with them or they know someone who has. It's therefore important to keep in good standing with the people you make contacts with, as further down the line they might vouch for you when you're applying for a job. I don't mean putting on a fake friendly face or anything, I just mean when you work or talk with somewhat in the industry make sure you work hard and show off your capabilities, as then you might be remembered when there is a job going and work could be sent your way.

          I have only a limited number of animation contacts at the moment, Sam Malone, Roshin Hunt and Kyle Moody. Contacting them from time-to-time to get some friendly feedback could be a good way of staying in contact with them. In order to gain new contacts though I have to market myself after university.

Animation is somewhat lacking in terms of forums, though there are places such as the 11secondclub.com where I can take part in competitions to win a personal tutoring session from an industry professional. Not only would the tutoring be great, but the possibility to network with them as well as those on the website forums is even better.

I am also hoping to interact and gain contacts with others in the game industry through the release of the Xbox One game I will be working on in Deco Digital after university. Alongside this I hope to increase my connections through LinkedIn, and gain written recommendations on there from industry professionals, as I think being able to say that an industry professional vouches for your work is an excellent position to be in if an employer is weary of hiring somewhat not yet known in the industry.

         This industry seems very close-knit and a lot of hiring happens because of recommendations. It's one of the reasons I chose to acquire (once ArtStation offers the paid option)  the domain name 'aniknight.com', because although it may sound silly I think AniKnight is memorable, if for nothing else than replacing ani-mate with knight, and so if in passing conversation I tell someone my site address the chances are they are going to remember it.