For the Unit 3 project, I faced an important decision about which pathway to choose for my final course project. I had to decide between creating a short film or producing a showreel that showcases my detailed animated character performance, including specific scenes, scenarios, or sequences. This decision was difficult, and I felt a lot of self-doubt about whether I was making the right choice.
No matter how many pros-and-cons forms I filled out or feedback questions I received from classmates and tutors, I was still seeking a final answer. In the end, I had to think carefully about what I wanted to achieve from my course at Central Saint Martins and what my goals would be after completing it. Choosing the portfolio/showreel pathway was crucial because it acts as a visual resume. After studying animation for over five years, my next step is to find employment in the field. I want to prepare the essential tools I need to secure a job in the animation industry.
As I near the completion of my project, I made the right choice. My workload is manageable, and I am strictly adhering to my schedule. I am enjoying the challenging aspects of drawing and animating other directors’ characters for their films.
Observing my classmates’ stress and fatigue reinforces the reality that creating a short film independently in 4-5 months is no easy task. If I had more time and a larger team, I would have definitely created my own short film for this unit. However, I’ve won’t lose the opportunity to make a film; my time will come. It’s not impossible to create an animated film independently; it just requires significant time, patience, and dedication.
There are many successful examples of animators and filmmakers who create films on their own. One of my main online mentors for this unit has been Aaron Blasie, who has inspired and reassured me that it is possible to animate a film by yourself. Although it took him three years to create the 2D animated short film “Snow Bear” release in 2024, the result is a beautiful piece of artwork that showcases the hard work and dedication Blasie has put into it.
“Is choosing the 2D animation route still viable?“
After finally deciding to create a showreel, I had to carefully consider how my skill sets and animation techniques fit into the animation industry. I often hear the question from creators and fans: “Is 2D animation dying because of AI and CGI? Should I still pursue it as a career?” This concern has crossed my mind occasionally, but I believe 2D animation is still very much alive! It continues to be produced, although not as much theatrically in the U.S. This situation makes me a bit worried since I have focused exclusively on hand-drawn 2D animation for the past five years. I’m concerned about how difficult it will be for me to find a job that matches my abilities.
Hollywood studios often face challenges in achieving profitability with 2D animation. They typically find 2D animation harder to market, which slows down production and leads to lower merchandising profits compared to 3D films, which can yield higher returns. Following the success of Pixar’s “Toy Story” in 1995, audiences became accustomed to high-quality CGI and 3D rendering. While collaborating with Io Limmer on her 3D animated film, “Star Knight, the Pig Kid,” Io sparked my interest in 3D programming by introducing me to the capabilities of 3D technology, such as Blender and Maya. Additionally, studios have noticed that many audiences are willing to pay more to watch 3D animated films in theatres, making it difficult for 2D films to compete financially. Although major American studios have shifted away from 2D animation, the medium continues to thrive in other parts of the world, particularly in Japan and Europe.