A quick question for any people working in CGI

[Anonymous]

Based on the layout of these forums, I suppose I should be asking questions specifically about Maya, but I am in desperate need of help in terms of general advice in the work field. 

I assume anyone talented enough to be answering questions here (as well as the lofty cost of Maya itself being a hindrance) works as an Animator or Special Effects artist.

THIS is where I am in dire need of advice – from my understanding, this is a field where degrees do not matter as much as knowledge and work ethic. Even without attending a 4-year university, if you have a convincing portfolio/show reel and can demonstrate knowledge in programs like Maya, Zbrush, Aftereffects, etc, you can get a job. And after your first job, your work experience tells more than your school degrees.

So my question to you is: What did you do in high school/college to get started on your career path? Where do you work now? And, based on your knowledge, what would it take to get an internship or position at a firm that creates movies, or maybe … Pixar (pretty large goal, I know) ? What other programs do you recommend I learn?

ANY Advice you can give will mean the world to me – even if it’s something like “hi lol”, the fact that you took time out of your day to read this and reply is just awesome to me.

I know forum mods, TECHINCALLY this is not a question directly about Maya, but really relevant to the people who use it in the field.

A little background knowledge on myself if you have the time to read it:

I’m 16 years old and in a program that allows me to be taking college courses at my local community college full time - the community college in my area is actually one of the top in the nation, and I'm extremely blessed to have this opportunity.

As such, I don’t want to waste it, and I’ve dropped several of my traditional courses in order to take a sketching course and free up time for learning software.

I’m about as passionate as can be and willing to dump hours into anything that will get me closer to my goal – I just need a direction.  

[damaggio]

Sounds like you are already in the right direction attending a good college and with a lot of of enthusiasm , certainly you have a passion for this field and should succeed if you work hard at it.

Don't neglect your art classes, the better you understand traditional art the better CG artist you will become.

You can learn a few softwares along the way, that will give you an advantage as well as some scripting knowledge, you should however have an idea in the next few years where you would like to pursue a career, movies, VFx, games , architecture, animation.

You are lucky you can get a proper education and start so young.... im 50 now...ouch.

I didn't have the same luck, made my way thru animation , advertising and film solely on my portfolio and learning at the job, no education , learned on my own .

This is an amazing field with lots of extremely talented artist in a very competitive market but I believe if you shine you will be noticed.

Stay on your path and much success to you.

[Anonymous]

Wow... that was such an inspirational reply 🙂 Thank you for that. 

I guess that clears up whether or not a 4 year degree or more is required to get a job, although it sounds like you'd recommend it if given the opportunity. 

As a side note, the fact that you started with no experience against the competition of more energetic youngsters with more time is quite amazing in itself. Thank you so much, and I hope you have a great day 😄