Demo Reel Do's and Don'ts

The end of the school year is coming faster than we can all keep track of and many of us are on our way to college. Anyone going for animation is going to have to learn how to assemble an effective demo reels to present to future employers. Far too often, students make the mistake of adding some of their mediocre work, making it too long, and ruin the experience with far too many titles and transitions. These can make the reviewer loose interest very fast and will definitely hurt your chances of landing a job or whatever else you're trying to do. Don Kim, a director and animation supervisor, offers some helpful tips to all the up and coming animators of today and tomorrow.

First, always include only your best work in a demo reel. Just because a particular clip has sentimental value doesn't necessarily mean that it is your best work. Don suggests having a peer review your work so they can give you an objective point of view on the work.

Next, keep it short, 1-2 minutes tops. Start strong, keep interest, end strong. Reviewer time is limited, so if you can get them hooked within that brief time frame, then you're golden. It's also important to maintain a sense of rhythm with the highs and lows. Overall, keep it engaging and interesting.

Lastly, a lot of studios will also want to see a portfolio which should include some of your other creative work. Perhaps an animatic, some life drawings, a short film, etc. Only present what you're most proud of and be sure to make a good impression.

• I think this article is very useful for someone who wants to join the animation field in the future. Not only does it provide a list, it also provides visual examples of effective reels.
• I feel like I knew most of the information already, but a refresher is never a bad thing, especially when it's about a demo reel.
• Is there ever too much to put in a portfolio? As long as it's all relevant, does it matter how much work is fitted into a portfolio?
• Demo reels and portfolios are super important in the animation field or any other digital visual arts field. These tips should always be kept in the back of your mind wherever you go.