DreamWorks Animator Adrien Liv Shares 11 Important Tips for Success in the Business

I am so pleased to share some of my insights into having a successful career in animation. These reflections feel especially timely as our industry faces a period of significant changes.

1. Get your foot in the door. By being proactive and showcasing your work online, via LinkedIn, Instagram, Vimeo and X (Twitter), you can get visibility on your work. The leads and supervisors who review the reels, are artists themselves and go to the same animation websites. You can also reach out to professionals directly on LinkedIn as well. I have answered people who sent a message saying: ”I saw your name in the end credits of this movie, can you have a look at my work?” LinkedIn is extremely useful. If possible, put a note when adding someone to your network. Put in the hours, and keep in mind that a lot of times it’s a matter of being at the right place at the right time.

2. Find time to focus. It was best illustrated by Richard Williams asking Milt Kahl if he was listening to classical music while animating, but it’s worth reminding that animation needs concentration. When animating, I try to be ‘in the zone’; I limit my access to the internet, Gmail and YouTube and try to remove any external distraction. A great way to allow people to see that you’re here but working is to set my status to ‘focus time’ in Gmail. I also bought noise canceling headphones. I only need a few hours of these during the day to really get work done. Animation is concentration indeed.

3. Don’t forget to take breaks. It is important to take breaks, walk, drink water, look far into the horizon and rest your eyes when sitting for an extended period of time, especially during crunch time. Don’t underestimate a fresh pair of eyes on your work, it’s a win-win for your body, which will thank you, and your work will be better.

4. Longevity in the industry. I learned the hard way to invest in equipment that would help my body sustain the hours I spend in front of my computer. Ergonomics is crucial if you want a lasting career. I had the false assumption that it would slow me down and start from scratch if I switched to another device. But my wrist pain forced me to switch to a vertical mouse and then a Wacom tablet, and buying this expensive chair and standing desk have done wonders for my back pain.

5. Develop and learn new skills. It’s important to develop your artistic skills as well as technical skills. They both go hand in hand. You have to learn the constraints, the tools, the parenting, the rotate orders, the baking and the layers. They will save you time. For example, there is a script that locks the feet on the ground without sliding and contacts the topography of the floor. I could do this manually, but that’s the time I could spend on something else. The technology is evolving, it’s great to update your skills and workflow. It boils down to working smarter not harder, but be careful not to become a slave to the tools you’re using. A great idea is always better than the execution itself.

6. Don’t underestimate the value of great “pod buddies.” Find pod buddies you can show your work to, even though it’s harder with remote work. You can ask other animators in your pod, create a discussion without bypassing your lead and supervisor. I always want their take on it and can recall many times that I struggled on a shot and sought my coworkers’ advice or help. The good thing is that you don’t have to listen to the feedback: However, remember the rule of thumb that if two people agree on a note, you should address it on priority. Feedback doesn’t need to be painful.

7. Pick your schools wisely. This piece of advice is geared toward people who want to choose an animation school. You don’t have to look at the prestige of a school. It is better to pick a teacher that has experience in the field and can communicate clearly. I find it unnecessary to put yourself in debt when there are so many online options available. More often than not, the online teachers already have a foot in the industry and can recommend their students if an opportunity arises.

8. To doubt is human. It’s OK to have ups and downs: we’re not as good as our last shot, and years of experience cannot be summarized in one single shot. It’s OK to second guess. There were few times in my career that I thought I couldn’t do a shot within the time allocated, but l I ended up finishing it nonetheless. Not every shot needs to be a masterpiece. Trust the process and have a good workflow that allows you to build confidence in your abilities and you will be better off.

9. Always be a professional. Not only do you need to have high standards and have your shot speaks for itself, but it’s super valuable to be a problem solver. If you find a problem, come up with a solution or more, to give options. Directors and animation supervisors have numerous things to deal with and make hundreds of decisions per day. They would appreciate it if you put yourselves in their shoes and take ownership of what you’re working on. For example, if you’re animating a run of shots, talk to the animators who are working on the shots surrounding yours to hook up seamlessly, share information that you find relevant and helpful. It’s the ‘Open the door behind you’ type of attitude. Treat others like you’d like to be treated.

10. Be prepared for the ups and downs. Animation industry is cyclical by nature: there are downturns every few years. You have to be prepared and be financially responsible and save enough to wave the next round of layoffs. It’s also a time not only to survive but thrive. Take advantage of this to earn new skills (Unreal Fellowship, Blender, etc.). Work on your own creative short film or start a new venture. One thing that keeps me going is learning new stuff.

11. Don’t forget the fun factor! I believe the fun you’re having while animating can be seen on the big screen. Do things you would like to see, and try and be your own audience!

Adrien Liv is a renowned animator whose numerous credits include Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2, Minions, The Angry Birds Movie, Storks, Paddington 2, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Mary Poppins Returns, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Trolls Band Together and The Wild Robot.