Are animating jobs possible straight out of high school?

I'm really into animation and want to pursue a career in it right after high school. Are there any entry-level animating jobs that don't require a college degree? What skills should I focus on to improve my chances?

Absolutely, there are entry-level jobs you could get in the field of animation without the necessity of a degree. However, please note that animation is an industry where your demonstration of technical skills and creativity usually matters more than a formal degree. Here are some potential entry-level jobs:

1. Junior Animator: Junior animators often work under the supervision of a senior animator to create designs and storyboards, and animate characters or scenes.

2. Freelance Animator: You might also explore freelancing where you work on a project-by-project basis for clients. This could include a variety of tasks from character modeling to visual effects.

3. Animation Assistant: Animation assistants work hand-in-hand with animators and usually take on tasks such as drawing frames or modeling characters.

4. Inbetween Animator: You could also consider becoming an Inbetween Animator, who creates the frames between key frames to create smooth and seamless animation.

More importantly, cultivating a strong skill set is necessary to land an animation job and for success in the field. Here are skills you could focus on:

1. Artistic Ability: This includes basic art skills like drawing, and understanding of colours, textures, and light.

2. Technical Skills: You may consider learning different animation software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender.

3. Creativity & Imagination: Animation involves creating worlds and characters that captivate audiences.

4. Storytelling: Many animations are narratives, and therefore, knowing the basics of storytelling can be a valuable asset.

Remember to create a strong portfolio of your work, as employers will likely ask for samples. Your portfolio is a chance to showcase your creativity, originality, and technical prowess. Also, consider networking or finding a mentor within the animation world, who can provide you with advice and possibly job opportunities. Examples of experienced professional animators could be those who worked on productions like Pixar or Disney films. It is definitely a field where passion, creativity, and a knack for storytelling can help you stand out and succeed.