Is there any job for animator?

[FiBi]

Konban-wa! =)

I am 24 years old and have graduated as an animator last summer (high school diploma). Always wanted to make cartoons so studied animation for 6 years (as no less is possible in St.Petersburg). Now can't find my place in the city for it's very hard to be payed reasonably for that kind of activity...

So I wonder is there any chance to study animation in Japan for free or to move there for working without really knowing japanese? Know how difficult question is...but I always believe in "if" and "chance" =)

I have some of works on youtube but not sure that is would be correct to post them here.

[Glenski]

A high school graduate from Russia will find it practically impossible if not 100% impossible to find work in Japan. No Japanese skills and no degree pretty much mean no chance at a work visa.

I'd say look into whatever study programs you can get, see if they sponsor student visas, and try for those.

Just remember that Japanese animators abound here. You will be competing with them for jobs.

[FiBi]

Hm. What does degree mean?
In Russian education system I've passed almost everything (I am magistr,4+2 years, a specialist with best diploma on course) and the only way to improve education is to teach students in my university for 2 more years... Nothing else is possible =( Is it a degree?

[Derfel]

Its a small misunderstanding. What you possess is not a high school diploma but a university postgraduate degree.

[FiBi]

Oh. I see =( Sorry for my bad English.
And... in that case... Should I try myself in looking for a job in Japan? I learned to read katakana and hiragana. I know it's a very small plus but I feel strength and a wish to know more.

[Derfel]

Frankly, I don't know much about business life & work in Japan, but I think you need a little more than kana for a proper job that makes full use of your skills and pays well.

[epigene]

First, I must tell you that I know nearly nothing about how to become an animator. But, from what little I know about the industry, I think the chances may be low but are still there.

If you want to work in Japan in the field, it is absolutely necessary for you to learn to at least speak the language. Of course, reading and writing reasonably well would be a big advantage. Hiragana and katakana are only the first step to learning the language, since the language is a mixture of hiragana, katakana and kanji.

I also think that you should promote yourself diligently and more aggressively on YouTube and other video websites, since Japanese animation company people are watching them, too. If you can attract their interest, they will surely contact you. And, catch every little opportunity you can get!

Considering that Japanese animation companies have started to commission animation productions to companies in South Korea and the Philippines, I'm pretty sure that they are willing to recruit talent, regardless of nationality.

Work on your Japanese and good luck! :wave:

[dreamer]

A friend of mine is working in the art field and from what he told me, it's very difficult to get into the field if you don't already speak the language since you need to collaborate with other people. Most jobs require any foreigner to have at least a JLPT2 exam level, but I have yet to see a job offer for any animation studio.
Now, you might still try your luck because I believe that if you have the required skills and motivation, you can do it.

[FiBi]

Thank you all for the replies! I need to think a lot from now on... And as I can see first of all I still need to work here because learning japanese will cost a great part of my every month salary =(

You know, frankly speaking in times like I feel now I hate my country =( Because I gave it everything I could and have nothing... Only stress. People say that I am "too polite for living in Russia". I guess my grandfathers would kill themselves if they knew that one day their children will be "too polite". (Sorry for the offtop.Think I am really in depress...)

[Derfel]

Honestly, you don't have to spend that much cash on Japanese if you do self-learning. Its way more effective than most courses as well.

[FiBi]

That's what I do now... There is correspondence learning (by post mail) by ESHKO. 1 magazine per month. Moreover I've seen tones of animation and moves in japanese with subtitles. But being down to earth in that_learning_question I know how hard it is to study without really speaking and hearing... But a good side is - I like to study that language and do it with pleasure =) Even though I'd like to have a companion in that uneasy quest...

[dreamer]

Well...animes are something else...and when you see japanese people talking together, you might start to freak out because some of them speak very quickly. Anyway, better start somewhere and obtain a good knowledge of grammar, vocabulary and kanjis. I for myself am going to "start" learning Japanese in a couple of months in Tokyo and as usual, I believe that direct immersion is still the most efficient method.

[Derfel]

Yeah, dreamer's right, if you've got the chance, go to Japan for a while, it will work out well.
I mean, when im watching anime with subtitles, I can understand much less of what they say, because I know the subtitles are there, and subconsciously I work my brain less, but its a different matter when I watch them raw, honestly, if you don't have a chance but to understand, you will shortly understand it.
What you need is not a companion, just self-confidence and some fire. :D
Anyhow, best of luck!