01. ROLES and COMPANIES.
In this section, I will demonstrate examples of different industrial roles that I am interested in and some potential studios.
Interpretations of 2d animator & Storyboarding:
A storyboard is essentially a series of drawings and annotations based on a script or story idea. Once it’s complete, the storyboard is used as a visual guide during the production of the final animated videos, whereas a 2D Animator works from storyboards to create animated scenes. They plot camera moves, edit the soundtrack, animate movement and performance, developing characters. Other duties involve making sure there is consistent design and line quality, and charting information as required for production.
For 2d animation, I used to work on the spine and Live2d animations in a game company, but I really want to seek an opportunity on hand-drawn in London, therefore I have been looking at several studios, such as the line, Picnic, and Blue zoo, Blinkink etc. Then I researched their job descriptions, which inspired me a lot on the CV and what should I prepare for.
Skill summaries based on the JDs summary:
- Software skills: Proficient in PS, PR, AN, AE, TVPaint, Live2d and Spine.
- Hand-drawn skill: solid theoretical knowledge and practical application of animation and art.
- Learning ability: Always secured the spirit to study new techniques within the creative industry.
- Interpersonal skill: well professional quality and energy of unity and cooperation, working seriously and rigorously.
- Comprehensive quality: friendly, motivated, responsible, and strong adaptability.
- Language skills: very fluent speaking in both English and Chinese.
02. CV and SHOWREELS
This section will talk about how I consulted information from the mentor and how I prepared for an internship application.
When back to the easter break, I was still expecting to have a summer break in China, until I realized how expensive the flight tickets are, so I missed the best time to apply for jobs. But it was okay, I finally got awakened at the end of May.
Communicate with the professionals.
Between April and May, I sent a few emails to get in touch with my mentor (Aya Suzuki). She is a Japanese animator, director and story artist who has engaged with a lot of reputed works, The film “Wolf Children” is probably my favourite one. She used to work in Gibili, Warner, Netflix etc — so an absolutely professional artist who worked many years in the industry, I have consulted two questions:
The first question I was always hesitating whether there are any cultural differences in the industry between UK and China. Even though I used to work in the NetEase game, I still worried about if there is anything I should be noticed of, or anything I should avoid, especially whether during the interviews or in working environments.
The second question is about emailing each potential studio, unlike in China, they basically published almost every position that waiting to be recruited on a website, including internships, all you need to do is press the ‘apply’ button. But the most of UK studios I’m interested in, only provide email links, so I was a bit confused about what positions should I say, and whether they have them or not.
Suzuki replies and suggests that there will be no problem, and I should really prepare well on my showreel and cv, then send them to whatever the studios recruiting or not, and this could make sure that in case they have the proper position for me in the future.
Hence I started to set up my CV and showreels, Christina has given me a lot of useful advice, and thanks to her, I accomplished both of them within two weeks, and additionally my website, which I’m really appreciated: https://www.siyuart.work/