Customer Reviews

Your Career in Animation: How to Survive and Thrive

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(2)
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Thirty years ago, when I went to school for animation, there were precious few books on the subject; mostly "coffee table" volumes, profiling notable feature films. Preston Blair's guides to style and movement were very valuable, but Levy's book on the mechanics of working in the industry is a breakthrough. In many ways, it is an extension of the course he teaches at the School of Visual Arts, and it offers useful, practical, and worthwhile insight into what happens once students graduate. Other books will tell you about squash and stretch--this book tells you how to handle difficult co-workers, how to discover the best of your own talent, how to honor a good boss and to work around a bad one, how to avoid the creative traps animators find themselves in too much of the time, and what to do (and not to do) on an interview. In short, it's the book I wish I'd have read when I was in school, and I would advise any serious student to give it a look. No matter what career we choose, we face obstacles, challenges, and cronyism. Levy's book speaks to these issues and offers solutions at every step of the way, unlike other book by working professionals, which tell entertaining stories but offer no tools for managing conflict, or solving creative roadblocks. Advice from several industry notables rounds out the book's several comprehensive chapters. This is not a colorful fan volume about current animation, it's a thoughtful, useful textbook on how to best prepare for a future in the animation profession. Bravo.

Yup, it's all here. Having worked in the Animation industry, I highly recommend this book to anyone considering a career in Animation, or those who want to get more out of their existing Animation career. David Levy's book gives you insight that normally takes years to learn.

I recently picked up this book upon reading a review. I found the book to be so helpful. I have been a freelance artist for years and enjoyed hearing the stories of the author's career in animation. Animation was always one of my interests that I am now pursuing and this book has really given me insight into the field. Even if you are not an animator, this book is a great read.

I have been engaged with animation for over 10 years now. It is a lifestyle that if one is to embrace it as a career, one understands that not every day is drawing funny pictures in sequential order and making a living. It is a lifestyle that requires a great deal of passion, but a good sense of aspects that go beyond the desktop computer or drawing board. Your Career in Animation: How to Survive and Thrive is an excellent read for any person who takes the career of animation as seriously. He discusses the parts of this career that many have yet to witness and interact with. I know that many of his stories of angst and frustration are true to form because I have been in those very same positions; contracts, work environment, burning bridges categories, etc. I do not read books every day, but I found myself surfing this book quickly because if you are someone who truly truly wants a life in this business as I do...take it from me, David has been there. He writes on a very personable level and communicates his thoughts as humanly as possible without pulling punches and not hitting you too hard with the truth that comes with this life. If you are an animator and you take even a hint of this career seriously, you would be a fool not to pick this book up.

As an Animation Student in the New York area I found this book to be very helpful. The book is mostly geared towards animators working in the City, but there is helpful information for anyone going into the industry any where in the country. I highly recommend this book to other animation students.

If it's an animation career you're aiming for, don't set your sights without consulting YOUR CAREER IN ANIMATION: HOW TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE. Animation is now a big-ticket industry to be in offering big opportunities for new artists - but conversely, it offers far more complexities than in the past. 100 professionals from the industry provide their tips and experiences through interviews with an award-winning filmmaker, creating a comprehensive guide that follows a career from school to the real world. From networking tactics to unemployment and learning on the job, YOUR CAREER IN ANIMATION is the perfect item of choice for any who dream of breaking into the business.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Well this book is the next best thing to interviewing an experienced animator about what it takes to make it as an animator and the reality of success and failure, any aspiring animator must have this book and read it.

This book seems to be a good preview of many events that will come to pass during your education and career as an animator. To go to school or not? Check. Finding a job? Check. Keeping your job? Check again. The book covers all these topics and more, providing an overview of the animation industry and how it works, chock full of advice, insight, and common sense. Being only a student, I haven't yet put this book fully to the test, but it's gotten me much more informed, and information is power. I would recommend this book to anyone hoping to be, or already in the animation industry.

John Serpentelli, my son's mentor in the industry, gave this book to him as a parting piece of wisdom. He's off to college this fall. I picked it up and couldn't put it down. Levy shares invaluable information about the industry...what it's really like, as well as the importance of networking and nurturing relationships. Serpentelli took my son to a festival in Japan while still in lower school to receive an animation award. Were we crazy to let him go? Maybe...but there he made his first connection...an afternoon with Ray Harryhausen which he has never forgotten and even included in his college application. From a true insiders perspective Levy also covers the realities and the basics of job hunting. Even if you are not in the animation industry Levy's book is a must read...Sending the resume and/or an email just isn't enough to land the job! Thank you David.

I have so far read the first 100 pages of the book I must say that If you want to become an animator... GET THIS BOOK!
Not only does it tell you whats it like within Each different job in the industry, but It also has a list of other animation books by different authors
who can help you in getting into what ever job you what be at. background artist, character animator, animation Supervise, director, whatever.