Have you spent countless hours learning animation, building a website, editing your reel, and establishing a social media presence, only to struggle with breaking into the industry as a professional

No matter how skilled you are, finding a job can be tough if the right people aren’t seeing your work.

The key is networking. Unfortunately, there aren’t many courses on effective networking in animation, and the word itself can feel daunting.

Don’t worry—we’ve been there too. In this post, we’ll share our top networking tips for making valuable connections in the industry, both online and in person.

The Key to Networking Properly

Don’t think of networking as merely getting others to see your work – you can do that through job postings and similar avenues.

Instead, view networking as an opportunity to get to know others in your industry on a personal level. By building these connections, you may come to mind when job opportunities arise.

Think of it like this – if you heard of a job opening that was perfect for a friend of yours, wouldn’t you recommend them for it? 

That’s exactly why building personal connections in the industry is important.

In the next few sections, we’ll explore tips on this networking approach in various contexts.

How to Network at Conferences

Ever been to an animation conference, met someone you admire, handed them your business card, and then found yourself at a loss for words?

If so, you might be approaching networking the wrong way (unless you’re dealing with a studio collecting business cards).

Instead of viewing networking as a tedious business tactic, think of it as an opportunity to make genuine connections.

In the animation world, people like working with and hiring their friends. So, if you make friends with fellow animators, you’re more likely to find work through them.

But how do you make friends at animation conferences?

The answer: be yourself (and put yourself out there).

People, including you, can quickly sense someone’s true intentions. If you approach others with the sole aim of getting them to look at your reel or discuss job openings, the conversation won’t last long. However, if you genuinely try to get to know them and connect over shared interests, you’re more likely to make lasting connections.

Remember, unless you’re speaking with someone or a studio that is actively hiring, it’s much better to just be yourself and get to know people for the sake of getting to know them.

How to Network on Instagram and Twitter

Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter have made it incredibly easy to connect with artists worldwide.

However, no one logs into Instagram expecting to see a bunch of random job requests in their DMs.

Instead, focus on building a strong profile showcasing your animation work. Follow artists and studios you admire. Like their posts. Comment on their work. Take a genuine interest in what they’re doing.

The goal is to build authentic connections with other artists, who may reciprocate your engagement and get to know your work as well.

When an opportunity arises, you might already be top of mind among your peers, making you a natural fit for the job.

How to Network on Linkedin

Networking on LinkedIn couldn’t be easier. Simply find people with similar job descriptions to what you’re seeking and connect with them. Most will accept the connection within a day or two. When they do, send them a DM with a few simple questions. Mention that you’re looking to follow a similar career path and ask how they got their first break in the industry.

Most artists love sharing their stories and want to inspire and help others. You’ll receive practical advice from those willing to share, including the courses they took, how they applied for jobs and the feedback that improved their reels.

Take all the advice seriously and work on improving your reel. Follow up with connections who show interest in your work, and the next time they hear of a job opening, you might be the first person they think of.

How to Network with Studio Websites

The advice here is straightforward: make a list of all the studios you’re interested in and email their general inquiry or careers contact.

Your goal is to make the studio aware of your work and your interest in working with them.

Even if they’re not currently hiring, many studios will take note of your demo reel. Then, if they open a role that fits your skills, you may already be considered among the applicants.

Here’s a simple email template you can use:

Hi [studio name],

My name is [your name], and I’m interested in working with you. I’m a big fan of [XYZ projects they’ve done] and believe I’d be a good fit for the team.

I’ve put together a short reel highlighting some of my work that I think would be a great fit. I’d love it if you checked it out and shared your thoughts:

Link to reel

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best,

[your name]

Even if you don’t get a response right away, it’s a good idea to follow up in a few weeks. This follow-up might remind a recruiting manager to check out your work, and who knows, they might need a new hire they haven’t advertised yet.

Additionally, asking for feedback on your reel can help determine if you’d be a good fit. While not everyone will respond, if a studio does, be sure to update your work with their critiques and send it back to them. This shows you’re capable of learning and are actively interested in working with them.

Final Thoughts

Breaking into the animation industry requires more than just honing your skills and building a portfolio. Networking is essential for making the right connections – and even though “networking” can seem daunting, just remember it’s more about building lasting genuine relationships rather than handing out your business card and expecting results.