How to Land Your Dream Animation Job at Sony PlayStation
Imagine working as a character animator on massive, blockbuster video game franchises like God of War. For many aspiring 3D animators, that’s the ultimate dream job. But how do you actually get your foot in the door at elite animation studios like Sony Playstation?
In this post, we’ll share insider tips on achieving your dream animation role at a top studio.
I recently interviewed my friend and animator Cody, who landed his dream animation job as a cinematic animator at Sony Playstation, working on the famous God of War Ragnarok.” new title
We discussed his background, how he got the Sony playstation job, and advice for new freelance animators looking to work at leading studios and how to work for playstation.
Watch the full interview here to get the inside scoop and start crafting your own success story!
Let’s dive in!
Cody’s Path to Becoming a Cinematic Animator at Sony Playstation
Cody’s journey into animation was unconventional.
He initially studied engineering in high school and college. But through projects modelling 3D trains, Cody discovered a passion for bringing objects to life through 3D animation.
As he shares:
“I just remember, even though the engineering stuff is super easy for me I had so much more fun in those three weeks just making the animations happen. I was like oh my God, this is what I really want to do.”
Once he found his true calling in 3D animation, Cody was determined to turn it into a career.
He completed an online bachelor’s degree in computer animation through Full Sail University. This taught him different skills like 3D modelling, rigging, and animating.
After graduating, Cody gained experience across various roles at smaller studios to build up his versatility:
“I started small doing graphic design, updating product images…once in a while, they’d have me do a little animation on their website.”
He took on projects ranging from 2D animation, to motion graphics to 3D. This allowed Cody to develop well-rounded animation skills.
But he had his sights set on character animation.
In his spare time, Cody worked to improve his skills and animation reel:
“Anytime I could, I was working on personal stuff too. I’d animate something that I thought was cool, add to my reel, and get feedback from people”
“Anytime I could, I was working on personal stuff too. I’d animate something that I thought was cool, add to my reel, and get feedback from people.”
He shares how this dedication over 7-8 years was crucial:
“You’ve got to put in that work and like doing personal work as well. Not only helps you do stuff that you enjoy, it keeps the passion alive as well.”
Cody also focused on building connections by attending industry events like CTN Animation Expo, where he could learn from professionals.
After years of honing his skills, Cody saw a LinkedIn post for a cinematic animator role at Sony Playstation and applied. He landed the job thanks to his strong reel and some luck in Sony’s hiring timing.
This was his first full-time position in the gaming industry. And it was a dream come true for the avid gamer:
“For being like my first job in the industry, I couldn’t have worked on a better one; that’s just insane.”
Keys to Getting Hired By Top Animation Studios
Based on Cody’s experience, here are the critical factors that can help you get your foot in the door at elite animation studios:
1. Build an Impressive Animation Reel
Your reel is the most vital element for getting hired. It must impress recruiters and demonstrate you have the necessary skills.
Cody explains:
“I think whoever you are, if you don’t have the raw talent, you need to have just that inexplicable passion, desire…if you’ve got that, then I would say just don’t give up, just keep trying to better yourself.”
Your reel should include high-quality examples of your best work:
- Character animation
- Facial animation
- Action shots
- Other styles based on the studio’s needs
Show recruiters your potential, even if you lack industry experience.
2. Gain Versatility but Develop Specializations
While it’s important to have broad animation skills starting out, Cody advises developing specialities over time:
“Towards the middle of your career, end of your career, it’s much more marketable to be specialised.”
He got started as a generalist animator doing a bit of everything, but later focused more narrowly on character and facial animation.
Think about what unique style and niche motivates you most. Tailor your skills and reel over time.
3. Continuously Improve Your Skills
You can’t rest on your laurels, even after getting industry jobs under your belt.
Be open to critiques and actively seek feedback from others. Identify weak areas in your reel and keep practising to level up.
As Cody emphasises:
“Always trying to better yourself and keep looking for feedback and finding ways to improve yourself for your specific situation.”
Make time for personal projects you’re passionate about. This will accelerate your learning.
4. Stay Persistent Through Rejection
Trying to break into the competitive animation industry takes extreme perseverance. Prepare for a lot of rejection and radio silence.
Cody applied for over 200 jobs before landing his role at Sony. He stresses this is common:
“From the time I graduated until Sony was about 7 or 8 years, you’ve got to put in that work.”
Believe in your long-term potential. Analyse any detailed feedback you do get. And keep pushing your skills forward.
5. Build Authentic Connections
Having relationships with other animators can be hugely beneficial for advancing your career, as Cody discovered:
“Each time I went back there, I started to find people I liked. They weren’t somebody hiring… but I built friendships with these people.”
If you’re laid off or looking for new opportunities, connections can help you land your next role.
Attending animation events and proactively networking creates relationships – not just contacts.
6. Seize Unexpected Opportunities
Often, luck and timing determine when you get your big break.
Cody took a chance applying to Sony and happened to do so during a hiring surge.
The rise of remote work also created more opportunities unrelated to California locations.
When doors crack open, seize those chances! You never know what possibilities will unfold.
Insights into Working at Sony Playstation
What can you expect if you land your dream job at Sony or a similar top animation studio? Here are some of Cody’s insights into skills training, workflows, and culture:
- Received initial training on Sony’s proprietary tools and custom pipeline
- Teams were specialised – Cody focused on facial animation
- Primarily used Maya with some custom plugins and scripts
- Worked full-time remotely which was still relatively new
- Occasional on-site days allowed for face time with the team
- Remote collaboration over Slack and video calls
- Culture focused on social connections and friendships
Though Cody didn’t work in the office everyday, he made an effort to bond with coworkers remotely. This social glue helps teams thrive, especially in distributed environments.
While environments differ across studios, expect to encounter some proprietary tools and processes tailored to their needs. Training helps smooth this learning curve.
Actionable Tips for Aspiring Animators Landing Dream Animation Job
Here are some actionable tips Cody shared for aspiring animators looking to break into the industry and sony playstation jobs :
Laser-focus on quality reel pieces – Your reel is #1
Build versatile skills, then specialize – Become a unique expert
Practice, practice practice – It takes years of dedication
Learn from critique – Improve and perfect your skills
Apply selectively – Only apply for roles you’re truly qualified for
Expect rejection, persist anyway – It’s competitive but possible
Start at smaller studios – Gain experience before jumping to big ones
Attend animation events – Network and make authentic connections
Develop your signature style – Stand out and become memorable
Keep your passion alive – Stay motivated through side projects
If you focus on continuously improving, building your connections, and showcasing your best skills, you’ll be on the path to landing your dream animation job.
Be patient – it often takes years of effort. But with determination and perseverance, you can make it!
Key Takeaways for Achieving Your Dream Animation Job
- Success takes years of dedication – be in it for the long haul
- Build an impressive reel that shows your potential
- Gain broad experience but develop specialisations
- Improve through practice, learning, and feedback
- Persevere through rejections – it’s competitive but possible
- Make authentic connections and relationships in the industry
- Look for opportunities – they sometimes arise unexpectedly
Cody’s story proves that with passion and persistence, you can land an elite role at studios like Sony.
Remember these tips when chasing your animation dreams!
Conclusion
I hope this post helped pull back the curtain on how to achieve a coveted character animation role at a top studio like Sony Playstation jobs.
Cody generously shared his journey and advice to help other aspiring animators follow in his footsteps.
The key ingredients are:
- Dedication to continuously improving your skills
- Perseverance through inevitable rejections
- An impressive animation reel that stands out
- Making authentic connections in the industry
- Seizing opportunities when they arise
While it’s highly competitive, with the right strategies and unrelenting drive, you can land your dream job in animation.
What stuck out to you most from Cody’s story? Are you motivated to keep working towards your own animation goals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
