Animator how-to

How to Build a Demo Reel

Your reel gets you hired.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Your reel gets you hired. In short: choose; keep; start, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Choose your best shots.

  2. Keep it short, often under two minutes.

  3. Start with the strongest work.

  4. Show breakdowns of your role.

  5. Include contact info.

  6. Tailor it to the job.

Safety reminders for animators

  • Use ergonomic setups
  • Take screen breaks
  • Manage crunch to avoid burnout
  • Respect intellectual property

Keyframe · In-betweens · Rigging · Modeling · Texturing · Rendering: see the full animator glossary.

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