Probably no other company is as readily identified with an artistic medium as Disney is to animation. It is no surprise that aspiring animators naturally look toward the mouse ears when contemplating a future in animation. Disney willingly fosters new talent through traditional employment methods. It also boasts apprenticeship programs that serve to cultivate raw talents. Whether it's through the front or back door, it's possible to become an animator for Walt Disney Studios.
Instructions
1. Use your experience. If you already are an animator, go knocking on the castle door. For truly skilled animators, Disney will likely have job opportunities. If you’re new to animation, Disney is willing to teach their art form.
2. Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in an artistic discipline from an accredited college or university.
3. Build your portfolio. Before you shoot for the moon, make certain that you have a body of work that will fully reflect your talents. If you do not, keep working and adding to it until you are ready for the big leagues.
4. Create a resume that appropriately reflects your past work and accomplishments as it would most relate to an animation or artistic position.
5. Apply to the Walt Disney Animation Studios Talent Development Program. Fill out their application and submit your resume. Upload artistic samples of your work. Do not send original artwork; send only copies. What you give to Disney will not be returned.
6. Once accepted into the development program, take full advantage of your three to six month exposure to all things Disney. Learn from your Disney Animator mentor and the others with whom you will be working. This is your chance to shine and carve out your own niche in animating history.
7. Seek alternate routes to Disney by first trying to work at one of their subsidiaries. Club Penguin, a recent Disney acquisition, offers flash animation postings that can potentially lead to work with its parent company.
