Animator's Journey
Episodes
How to Know You’re Ready for an Animation Job — Q&A with Lucas Ridley
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Animator’s Journey Podcast, Lucas answers seven real questions from Instagram Live — covering everything from beginner anim...
Pursue or Ponder? The 3D Animation Dilemma
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Deciding to Pursue 3D Animation: A Deep Dive into Commitment and ActionIn this episode, the host discusses the challenges and considerations for indiv...
Navigating Career Change to Animation
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Animator's Journey Podcast, I share my thoughts on a question from Kyle, who is considering a career change from software e...
Evolution Of The Animators Workflow
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Your process will change over time. This episode we discuss the specifics of how it might and what to look out for.
Animation Career Secrets: Ex-ILM Talent Manager Indiana Wilson
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of the Animators Journey Podcast, host Lucas Ridley interviews Indiana Wilson, a seasoned professional in the visual effec...
What Is Happening In The Games Industry!?
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Back to back layoffs last week spurred this episode.
Become A 3D Animator in 2024: Progress not Perfection
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the tips I've learned over the past year from mentoring students, becoming a parent, managing time, and the pitfalls I see many students fall...
Starting at 40: A Producer's Shift to 3D Animation
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
James started his 3rd career at age 40 in 3D animation. Discover the challenges and considerations he made when successfully switching careers and now...
2023 Gift Guide for 3D Animators
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Need ideas for the animator in your life or better yet... suggestions for other's to get you?I always hear I'm hard to buy for, so I put th...
Top 10 Animation Exercises for Beginners
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we'll learn where should you start your animation journey. These are my top 10 animation exercises for beginners to start with and maste...
First Job Jitters: What to Expect in Your Animation Career Debut
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"First Job Jitters: What to Expect in Your Animation Career Debut" peels back the curtain on the anticipation and reality of entering the an...
40 years old Geologist to 3D Animator
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how James left his PhD behind to become a professional 3D animator. If you want to do the same, get started in the Beginner course at https:/...
The Best Animation Rig for Beginners?
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this quick episode I announce a new free rig I'm releasing on AnimatorsJourney.com you can download and start animating now! And I discuss what...
Reality Check: Starting an Animation Studio [Student Question]
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We tackle a pressing student question about the intricacies of launching an animation venture. We'll dive into the often-unspoken challenges that ...
Advice for 19-yr Old Beginner Animator
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week I chatted with a 19-year-old during my webinar and I think they indicate a common misplaced focus the younger crowd tends to have. Let's...
I'm Leaving VFX Animation (Again)
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating career adjustments can be difficult. Here's my latest one and the factors at play, not just for me, but for anyone in the industry.
Student Question: A.I. and How it's affecting Animation?
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A student recently asked this question so I wanted to share my most recent thoughts on it as every week there's something new happening with A.I. ...
Marvel's Union Shift: The VFX Game Changer?
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the pivotal moment when Marvel's VFX artists chose to unionize, reshaping the dynamics of the industry. This episode delves into the moti...
10 Essential Demo Reel Tips for New Animators: Overcoming Scope Creep & More!
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Animators Journey, host and industry veteran Lucas Ridley shares his top ten tips for creating an effective demo reel. With 12 ye...
The Animator's Toolbox: What Computer You Need for 3D Animation
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve into the technical requirements and best computer options for beginners eager to explore the dynamic field of 3D animation....
Elevate Your Animation and Step Away
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in on a real conversation with a student to uncover one of the biggest advantages you can give yourself when animating: taking a break. It'...
The Animation Smear Debate: Is it a Gimmick?
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week's podcast is an excerpt from a student question during our Animator's Journey office hour to review work and answer student question...
Chronicles of an Innovative Animator & Studio Co-Founder Olov Burman
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we embark on an exploration with a trailblazing animator who has inspired me since the beginning of my own animation journey. As a co-found...
5 Methods To Become A Better Animation Student
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the traits I've seen successful students employ after I've watched thousands of people go through my courses. Use these 5 strategies to advan...
Don't Bite Off More Than You Can Chew: Kris Theorin Interview
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kris Theorin has amassed 100k YouTube subscribers while winning Clinton Jones' (@pwnisher) animation competition and working with big clients like...
10 Ways To Avoid Becoming An Animator
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What are ways in which you can avoid *wink wink* becoming an animator. There are so many ways you can derail yourself, here are a few ways in case you...
Viral Animation: Kevin Parry's Journey from Stop Motion Movies To YouTube Success
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to stop-motion animator and social media sensation Kevin Parry who has now over 1.7 million YouTube subscribers. He shares his journey from cre...
The Downsides of Pursuing a Career in 3D Animation
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked downsides of pursuing a career in 3D animation. From long hours and tight deadlines to creative const...
Avatar Animator: The Way of Kevin Lan
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the journey Kevin took from studying engineering to now working on Avatar: The Way of Water at Weta and learn from his advice on working on g...
Becoming Your Best: Strategies for Improving Your Animation Journey
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of your Animator's Journey podcast, you'll explore the strategies and tactics that will help you become your best as an animator while...
Bringing Animated Creatures to Life: A Conversation with Brendan Body
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Brendan Body, a highly acclaimed animator who has brought countless creatures to life on the big screen. B...
From the Woods to the Screen: Navigating Career Changes and Life's Challenges
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join me as I take you on my journey from the woods to the screen. I'll be sharing my personal story of how I went from a forestry graduate to becoming...
Become a 3D Animator in 2023: From Dreams to Reality
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's important to set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals when pursuing a career in 3D animation. This can help y...
Is A.I. Coming For Our Jobs?
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode's description was generated by AI: "In this episode, we explore the role of artificial intelligence in the world of animation. As AI tech...
The Versatile Animator: An Interview with Delano Athias
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When I was in film school 11 years ago I was watching and learning from Delano's tutorials. So it's a real pleasure to introduce you to someone who's ...
Overcoming Rejection in the Animation Industry
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week I discuss the context behind a tweet I wrote that ended up receiving 10k likes in 48 hrs that was basically a joke about getting rejected fo...
19 Yr Old Self-Taught Pro FPS Game Animator
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How to skip college and start working professionally at 19 years old in games as a 3D animator? Marvin Friedrich did it and we discuss how. Visit Anim...
The #1 Mistake New Animators Make
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I've seen frustrated new animators time and time again. They all have this one thing in common when I see their demo reel animations. Visit AnimatorsJ...
Mechanical Engineer in India to Dreamworks 3D Animator
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From studying Mechanical Engineering in Bangalore, India to animating blockbuster characters for Dreamworks in California, discover the journey that P...
Does 3D Animation Require Coding?
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Prospective animation students might feel overwhelmed with everything they think they need to learn. One common question from parents of budding anima...
39 Years Old Switching Careers to Animation
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is it too late for me? That's the question I hear from people of all ages from 18 to 65. Today we'll hear from Tom Engelhardt who switched careers at ...
Full-time YouTube Minecraft 3D Animator Interview
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder how someone got to 250k YouTube subscribers and animates their own projects just for YouTube as a full-time job? You're in luck! I speak w...
Software Engineer to 3D Animator
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we hear from Jason Lei who left behind his successful software engineering job to become a 3D animator. Visit AnimatorsJourney.com to begin ...
2-yrs Of Self-Study to Become A Pro
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Iweanya is this week's guest to share his animator journey over the last 2 years of self-study until landing his first few jobs in the industry ...
What 3D Animation Software to Learn?
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the first questions that comes to a new or aspiring 3D animator's mind is: "What software should I learn?" There's so many options available th...
Zero to Hired in 4 Months From Ukraine - Part 2
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for Part 2 of 3D animator Anna Petrovska's journey who was recently hired into her first 3D animator job and began her professional career aft...
Zero to Hired in 4 Months From Ukraine - Part 1
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In our very first episode, we hear the story of Anna Petrovska who was recently hired into her first 3D animator job and began her professional career...
Animator's Journey Launch Announcement
11 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thanks for listening to this brand new podcast about transforming into a 3D animator I hope the techniques and insights shared in the upcoming episode...