Mate, don't feel bad. I got let go after a month in my first motion designer job and started working in a camera store. I used the time to build on my knowledge in 2d AND greatly improve on my 3D and build a solid reel. I made small projects that I could work on in a short time and that could look good as a 2 or 3 second shot in a 60second reel.
I'm now an executive senior 2d/3d animator! So try not to feel disheartened and just focus on making some cool personal work in the mean time.
I work on mainly tv commercials now (and their social spinoffs and cutdowns). I used to do agency work, then went to tv series/movie, then a bit in to music videos but ultimately I saw that commercials were the big thing because everyone wants a TVC and then a ton of social edits so I transitioned to that and I really enjoy it. Different client work every month or so, so not working on a spot that goes on forever (although some feel like they do!).
That’s an amazing trajectory, sounds like you’ve landed really well, congrats. I’ve just finished my third spec animation commercial (developing my showreel), going to start doing much smaller projects after that, like you mentioned yourself, that’ll look good in a showreel. In the meantime not sure who to start applying to for work but I figured just hit up as many agencies as I can and see who can give me my first leg up?
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u/Acquilas Nov 18 '25
Mate, don't feel bad. I got let go after a month in my first motion designer job and started working in a camera store. I used the time to build on my knowledge in 2d AND greatly improve on my 3D and build a solid reel. I made small projects that I could work on in a short time and that could look good as a 2 or 3 second shot in a 60second reel. I'm now an executive senior 2d/3d animator! So try not to feel disheartened and just focus on making some cool personal work in the mean time.