Hi, I’m Thomas. In this blog, I’ll be sharing my journey from university to my current role at Content Creatures as a Creative Assistant, along with some tips to help you on your own path.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or about to finish your studies, I hope my experiences can offer some valuable insights.
The Backstory: My Journey at University
I graduated from the University of Bristol, where I studied film and television. The course offered a variety of modules, but it was the animation module that left the biggest impact.
Here, I learned the key principles of animation and got hands-on experience creating a stop-motion short film. This was my first taste of bringing characters and stories to life through animation.
In my final year, I took on the role of creating an opening title animation for our end-of-year film project. This was my first introduction to animating with After Effects. Although I would be embarrassed if anyone saw that animation now, at the time, it was incredibly rewarding and inspired me to push myself further and become more comfortable with After Effects.
Securing a Role at Content Creatures
After graduating, I knew I wanted to work for a creative agency with a particular interest in motion design. I applied to Content Creatures through their autumn internship program. The application process was straightforward and focused on showcasing your skills. It required a showreel and a website link, which allowed me to effectively demonstrate my abilities.
The next stage involved a creative task: creating a short animation of a basketball going through a hoop. I was provided with an After Effects project that had the scene set up, and encouraged to be as creative as I liked. This task was a great opportunity to interpret a brief and highlight my animation skills.
Finally, there was the interview. We discussed my approach to the creative task, and I learned more about the role and the company. The interview was a great chance to express my passion for animation and my eagerness to learn and grow within the industry.
My Role as a Creative Assistant
As a Creative Assistant at Content Creatures, I have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, helping to create animations and edit videos for different clients. The diversity of work is something I really enjoy, as each project brings new challenges and learning opportunities.
Developing a range of skills at this early stage of my career has been incredibly beneficial. Despite being in an assistant role, I’m entrusted with responsibility and have had the chance to work on projects for major clients like Olam Agri and Hayfin. The trust and support I’ve received has boosted my confidence, motivating me to continue progressing and striving for more.
The workflow at Content Creatures is highly collaborative. The team is always there to support you, whether it’s with new techniques or any uncertainties you might have.
One of my favourite aspects of university was the teamwork involved in taking short films from ideation to completion. I’m thrilled to continue working in this collaborative environment in my current role.
Growing Through Feedback and Continuous Learning
One of the most valuable aspects of this role has been seeing the full creative process, from receiving the brief to creating style frames, storyboards, and animatics, and finally producing the animation. Understanding this process not only makes the workflow more efficient but also boosts confidence in the animations you create.
Since starting at Content Creatures, I’ve become much more proficient in After Effects. I’ve learned about various useful scripts and shortcuts that make the workflow faster and more efficient. My understanding of easings has improved, making my animations more dynamic and engaging.
Timing animations to music has also become a skill I’m more comfortable with.
Moreover, I’ve grown more confident in asking for help and seeking feedback. This openness to learning and collaboration has been crucial in my development.
Advice for Aspiring Animators
For those of you aspiring to enter the creative industry, here are a few pieces of advice:
- Build a Strong Portfolio: Your portfolio is key. Even if you don’t have professional experience, personal projects can showcase your skills and creativity.
- Self-Learning: Before joining Content Creatures, everything I knew about After Effects was self-taught through YouTube tutorials. If you’re passionate about learning something, go for it. There are countless resources available online.
- Create Personal Projects: These projects are a great way to demonstrate your skills and creativity. They show potential employers what you can do and how you think.
- Stay Connected: Follow animation accounts on social media and LinkedIn. This is a great way to learn about new techniques and industry trends. Networking can also lead to job opportunities. I found the job advert for Content Creatures through LinkedIn.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the potential for growth at Content Creatures. The company is dedicated to development and training, and I can’t wait to work on more amazing projects in 2025.
A year ago, I had no idea I’d be in this role, working in animation. There were setbacks along the way, but resilience and hard work paid off. If you’re passionate about a creative career, keep pushing forward and you will find the right role for you.
Content Creatures is currently hiring. If you are interested in pursuing a creative career, make sure to apply! You can explore the role below.
