Suggestions

[cupacafe]

Hi,

My brother is a brilliant guy - a totally creative preson with artistic talents. But, he took the old beaten path with a bachelor's in Finance and an MBA in Fin & Marketing. Now, he works with a bank. But, this doesn't make him happy. He wants to move into something that he enjoys doing...at the same time, he also wants to make sure he is not jeopardising his earning potential as he has to pay back his educational loan.

We were thinking about the Animation industry, but I am unable to find much on the internet. Does anyone have any expert advice on the same? What kind of course in Animation is recognized? Is it possible to get a job in the US on a work visa (H1B) with specialization in Animation? What exactly does the job involve? Any info would be useful as I am starting the research from scratch.

Thanks.

[cardano]

Here's a good place to start:
Welcome to The Computer Graphics Society

Their forums is a great place for animators as well as other CG artists to mingle and discuss art, freelancing, and lifestyle.

[Joely]

Speaking as a writer who has just made the leap to seriously pursuing my dream, my first recommendation is that while your brother works, whatever direction he chooses to express his creativity, he should spend as much time as possible when he's free to build up a big portfolio/back catalogue. It's much, much easier knowing you've done a ton of work already when you approach your new career and you're not going to be sitting there waiting for inspiration to strike.

[bravebluemice]

Joely is absolutely right. I'm about a year behind her, as I just started putting together my masterpiece. I'm still a wage slave, as I have financial commitments above and beyond myself, but I'm channeling my creativity into what I love best, Science Fiction, and in a year or so, with at least one of my epics under my belt, I'm going to go freelance, and join the community of full time authors.

Best suggestion I can give you: Don't walk into a publisher/producer/studio empty-handed. Have your best work, the work you're most proud of, ready to show them. Else be laughed out of the office. (Can say from personal experience...)

Good Luck,
~BraveBlueMice

[Joely]

Originally Posted by bravebluemice

Best suggestion I can give you: Don't walk into a publisher/producer/studio empty-handed. Have your best work, the work you're most proud of, ready to show them. Else be laughed out of the office. (Can say from personal experience...)

Damn, that sounds harsh! I wish you all the best - it's a fun game when you get into it.