Here's how you can succeed as a game animator on high-profile projects.

I would actually take this one step further and say, until you've mastered a ball, or multiple sizes and weights of balls bouncing, there is no point in even firing up a game project at all. Once you do that, everything from that point is going to be much easier, still hard, but easier! Then, and only then should you get into things like using a game engine like Unity or Unreal, or dabbling in Mocap. If your core animation skills aren't solid, none of the other stuff you learn will matter, so just start as simple as humanly possible.

As an animator, I completely agree with the importance of mastering animation fundamentals before diving into advanced techniques. Understanding principles like weight, timing, and squash and stretch forms the backbone of creating believable and engaging animations. Whether it's for high-profile projects or personal endeavors, honing skills in keyframe animation, rigging, and motion capture refinement is crucial for delivering top-notch results. Building a diverse portfolio through personal projects or collaborations in indie games not only showcases proficiency but also allows for continuous growth and exploration in animation.

To succeed as a game animator on high-profile projects, it's crucial to master industry-standard software like Maya or Blender. However, true success often requires going beyond just knowing these tools. Embrace new technologies such as virtual reality and procedural animation techniques. Additionally, leverage generative AI to enhance your creativity and efficiency. Research projects on GitHub to learn from cutting-edge developments and explore engines like Unity and Unreal extensively. Experiment with new platforms that incorporate AI in design to stay ahead of the curve. Being adaptable and staying updated with technological advancements will make you an indispensable member of any animation team.

As an animator, I fully agree that proficiency in industry-standard software such as Maya or Blender is essential for mastering the technical aspects of game animation. However, to excel in high-profile projects, it's crucial to not only be proficient in these tools but also to embrace emerging technologies like virtual reality and procedural animation techniques. Adapting to new technologies and staying updated with advancements is key to staying relevant and becoming an invaluable member of any animation team. By combining technical skills with a forward-thinking approach, animators can create groundbreaking experiences that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

I think that being fully aware and dabbling in everything is very important, especially during interviews and for communicating with other members of your team. However, animation in itself is an entire lifetime of learning, and even then you still probably won't fully master it. Back to my previous point, if you haven't fully grasped executing beautiful animation on all types of situations and characters and objects, there's no point in then spreading yourself thin trying to master all tech. I will say it does need to be more than knowing of the tools, but I would not go out of the way trying to master every technology, because there will be people on every large production where it is already their job to master that technology.

As an animator, I completely agree that animation is a collaborative effort, especially in larger projects. Working effectively with departments like design, programming, and audio is essential. Understanding their requirements and limitations helps in creating animations that not only visually stand out but also integrate smoothly with other game components. Strong communication skills are crucial; being able to clearly express your ideas and incorporate feedback is vital for refining animations to meet project goals. By fostering collaboration and communication, animators can ensure that their work contributes effectively to the overall success of the game.

Animation has to collaborate more than all the other disciplines in many cases. In order for animation to work, there's a lot of other specialists involved in that. There will be times where you want something for a scene or gameplay and you're told it can't be done. Other times you'll be told that, but you know in your heart how much it is going to improve the project. You must strike a balance here and know when to push and when to go with the flow.

Yes, you never want to be the person that just says "I'm an Animator". That is like saying "I've mastered biped, quadruped, 3d, 2d, mocap, hand key, gameplay, cinematics, tv, film, creatures, face animation, and all animation." Each one of those could take a lifetime to master. Drill down to what you really are good at, don't force it if you aren't good at something. The biggest mistake I see is aspiring animators only focusing on what they aren't good at, instead of strengthening what they are good at. Be precise!

YES! There's more than one way to skin a cat here. I have preferred to use Linkedin to spread my knowledge and gain connections that way, and it has been invaluable to my career. I'm not a conference person, so that works for me. But if you are outgoing conferences are definitely a great route to go. Joining online communities via Discord or Reddit or Cara.app and participating there are also great ways to network with people on a deeper level. These networks won't pay off right away, it may take years, but it's 100% worth it!

To excel as a game animator in a high-profile project, focus on honing your skills, staying current with industry trends, and working closely with the game development team to create animations that elevate the overall game experience. Attention to detail and a commitment to quality will help you stand out in the competitive world of game animation, ensuring success in your projects.