Learn a new program or skill.
The animation industry is always changing, meaning that there’s always something new to learn. Whether you’re an old hat looking to move from traditional to digital, a greenhorn just starting off in animation school, or a cutting-edge digital animator looking to pick up a new program, there’s always something out there that you can learn to round out your experience and pick up new techniques.
Get a new animation job.
Bored with shuffling paperwork, or stuck mapping textures when you really want to be doing 2D Flash animation? Make 2007 your year to find that dream job that you want and do everything in your power to attain it: from learning the requisite skills to hunting down open job postings and preparing for both application and interview.
Strike out on your own as a freelancer/start your own business.
Freelancing can be difficult, but it has its rewards - starting with being your own boss. All right, maybe the coffee is your boss, if you’re like me and can’t function out from under its rule; either way, striking out as an independent contractor or even as an independent business owner is a great goal to set for a new year. Just make sure you know the pros and cons of freelancing, and of operating a small business…or you may find yourself in over your head, and struggling to separate your work and home life.
Win an award for your independent work.
Do you have a stash of independent animations just screaming to be recognized? Why not enter them into an independent animated film competition? You may win an award – and whether it’s cash or just a nifty title that you can tote around, it always looks great on the resume and brings a feeling of satisfaction.
Do a bit more networking in your industry.
You never know when that over-friendly fellow you met at SIGGRAPH might turn out to be the one who gives you your next big career break, or the opportunity to work on a wholly new project. Get out there and meet others in the animation industry whenever you can; make friends, make professional acquaintances, but most importantly make connections.
Learn a new style of animation.
There are many classically recognized styles in animation, from the tried-and-true Tex Avery styles to the newer sharp-edged style of Japanese animation. We all have our own individual style that we develop concurrent with our tastes and skills, but it never hurts to try out a new style…even if that “new” style is sometimes older than we are. Even if we don’t adopt a popular style, we can still learn from it – and you’re never too old to keep learning.
Polish up your portfolio and demo reel.
You know your portfolio’s been sitting in the closet for years, and your demo reel is still showing off those tired old scraps from your first animations. Sure, you’ve been meaning to get to them for a while, but work just keeps piling up, and you always seem to have something else that needs to be done. Make it your resolution to make time for it this year – that way you’re always ready to show off your latest and best work whenever an opportune moment crops up.
Whatever you resolve, I hope that you resolve to have a happy and prosperous year in 2007, and that you attain the goals that you set for yourself.
