How To Design A Good Animation Showreel?

Winning a job in the tough arena of animation is a challenge, even for the most talented artists. We’ve made it a little easier for you by explaining the best ways to present your skills, and make sure your application won’t be overlooked – starting with the creation of a killer showreel. The key to a great showreel is quality visuals and eye candy. If your animation or modeling is ‘adequate’ or ‘Ok’, then work on making it better than just average. The more you can impress people with your artwork, the more likely they’ll consider you, no matter what you list on your CV.

It’s important to know what skills a person has but lots of extensive techy software ability won’t get you a job if your animation/modeling is not up to scratch. It is shockingly common to see a CV that lists ‘x years experience with [insert 3D app of choice]’ and then a showreel that only goes to demonstrate amateur CG skills. You also sometimes see great looking artwork, then appalling animation skills, or cool animation skills and bad modeling or visuals.

It’s worth considering showreel duration from a studio’s perspective. They’re likely to receive unsolicited reels on a regular basis, and endure an avalanche every time a position does actually become available. Creating a reel that outstays its welcome is not a good way to gain their attention. All studios look for different skills, so do your research, and tailor the reel to the position you’re applying for. The reel should show some of the work the company deals with. But don’t throw stuff in just because it’s relevant; be sure that it’s great.

Put your best work first. It takes people a few seconds to decide if they want to keep watching your reel. Make sure you have things that grab their attention. Include the original sound for dialogue pieces. A quite un-intrusive music in the background is ok, but is careful with the choice of music – it should not distract the viewer or annoy them, but only act as a connector between the shots. If in doubt – just turn off the music completely.

Give every piece the time it deserves. Don’t edit to music or get too creative, this isn’t a motion graphics reel. In an animation reel you want to present each shot separately (sometimes with a title card before each shot) to let the viewer understand what they’re watching without confusing them. If interested you might want to inquire about the basic animation courses or CGI animation courses that will help you with this craft.