5 Tips for Building Strong Animator Connections

Published on 1 August 2023 5 min read

Attend animator events and workshops
Use social media to your advantage
Join animation networking groups
Collaborate on projects
Share your work and ask for feedback

Are you looking to join the animation industry, tap into its potential, and widen your network? You've come to the right place. If you're wondering how to build connections with animators, this blog post will guide you through five practical steps to strengthen your animator network. Let's dive in.

Attend animator events and workshops

One of the most straightforward ways to build connections with animators is by attending events and workshops in the industry. This allows you to meet like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and learn from the best in the business. But how exactly can you make the most of these events?

Choosing the Right Events

Not all events are created equal. Some might be more beneficial to you than others. If you're just starting out, beginner workshops or intro-level meetups might be a good fit. As you grow in your craft, you could start attending more advanced seminars. Look for events that align with your interests and skill level.

Networking at Events

Do your homework: Before attending an event, learn about the speakers and attendees. This can help you initiate meaningful conversations.
Break the ice: Starting a conversation can be hard. A simple compliment about someone's work or a question about their presentation can work wonders.
Follow up: After the event, send a quick note or connect on social media to keep in touch.

Learning at Workshops

Workshops are not just about networking—they're a great place to learn as well. Take notes, ask questions, and don't be afraid to show your eagerness to learn. Remember, the more you know about animation, the easier it is to connect with other animators.

Attending animator events and workshops is a surefire way of how to build connections with animators. It's not just about getting to know people—it's also about learning, growing, and contributing to the animation community.

Social media is more than just a platform for sharing cat videos and food snaps—it can be a powerful tool for building connections with animators. But how can you use it to your advantage? Let's explore.

Follow and Engage

Start by following influential animators and animation studios on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. But don't just follow—engage. Comment on their posts, share their work, and participate in discussions. This can get you noticed and start a dialogue.

Post Your Own Work

Portfolio Showcase: Social media is a great place to showcase your work. Regularly post your animations, sketches, or anything that reflects your creativity and skills.
Work-in-progress: Don't be afraid to share your work-in-progress pieces. It shows your growth, your process, and it might even attract constructive feedback.
Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to ensure your work is discoverable. For example, #animation, #animator, #motiongraphics, etc.

Join Online Communities

There are many online communities where animators hang out. Sites like Reddit, DeviantArt, and CGSociety host forums where you can ask questions, share your work, and, most importantly, connect with other animators. Make sure to follow the community guidelines and be a respectful member.

Social media, when used strategically, can open doors to numerous opportunities. It's a practical answer to how to build connections with animators, providing a platform to engage, share, and learn.

Join animation networking groups

Ever heard the saying "It's not just what you know, it's who you know"? This rings especially true when trying to build connections with animators. Joining animation networking groups can help you meet like-minded individuals, learn from their experiences, and get your foot in the door of the animation world.

Local Animation Groups

If you live in a city with a thriving animation scene, chances are there's a local group you can join. These groups often hold meetups, workshops, and other events where you can meet and connect with fellow animators. You'll be surprised how much you can learn from just talking to people who share your passion.

Online Animation Forums

If there aren't any local groups in your area, don't worry! The internet is here to save the day. There are plenty of online forums where you can join discussions, ask for advice, share your work, and make friends with animators from all over the world. Some popular ones include CGSociety, Animation World Network, and AnimatedBuzz.

Professional Associations

Consider joining a professional association like the International Animated Film Society or the Animation Guild. Not only do these organizations offer a wealth of resources for animators, they also host events and conferences where you can network with industry professionals.

Joining animation networking groups is a solid step in your journey of how to build connections with animators. It allows you to be part of a community that can support, guide, and open new opportunities for you in the animation world.

Collaborate on projects

Nothing brings people together like working towards a common goal. Collaborating on projects is a fantastic way to build connections with animators. It gives you the opportunity to learn, to share, and to create something unique together.

Student or Indie Projects

Are you a student or an indie animator? You can reach out to your peers and propose a collaboration. It could be a short film, a game, or any creative project that involves animation. The process of bringing an idea to life together will not only improve your skills but also create lasting bonds with your team.

Animation Jams

Animation jams—like Ludum Dare or Global Game Jam—are events where animators and game developers come together to create a project in a short amount of time. It's intense, it's fun, and it's a perfect opportunity to meet other passionate animators like you. Plus, who knows? You might end up creating something really cool!

Freelance Work

If you're a freelance animator, consider joining a project or starting one yourself. There are numerous online platforms like Upwork or Freelancer where you can find people in need of your skills. By working together, you can build connections with both clients and other freelancers in the industry.

Remember, the goal here is more than just creating a successful project. It's about the journey, the learning, and the relationships you build along the way. This collaborative approach is a practical answer to how to build connections with animators.

Sharing your work publicly can be nerve-wracking, but it's one of the most effective ways to build connections with animators. By asking for feedback, you'll demonstrate your dedication to improvement and open up dialogue with other animators who might have valuable insights to share.

Posting on Animation Forums

Animation forums are a great place to start. Websites like CGSociety or 11 Second Club have vibrant communities of animators eager to share their work and feedback. Post some of your animations, ask for constructive criticism, and don't forget to return the favor by commenting on others' work. That's a sure-fire way to start building meaningful relationships.

Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn are not just for selfies and food photos. They are also a platform for showcasing your work. Use relevant hashtags like #animation or #3Dmodelling, and don't be shy to tag animation studios or famous animators that inspire you. Engage with people who comment on your work—it's a two-way street!

Joining Portfolio Review Events

Many animation festivals and conventions hold portfolio review events. These events allow you to receive direct feedback from industry professionals. It can be an invaluable experience and a chance to connect with industry veterans and fellow animators.

So, not only does sharing your work and asking for feedback improve your skills, but it also answers the question of how to build connections with animators. It's a win-win situation!

If you enjoyed our blog post on building strong animator connections and want to learn more about animation, be sure to check out the workshop 'Bringing Your Art To Life With Animations' by Farid Sukurov. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques to enhance your animations and elevate your artistry.