The Art of Getting Hired: Do’s and Don’ts from Industry Insiders
Takeaways from the Annecy 2025 Panel Presented by ArtStation
The path to a creative career in animation can be unpredictable but with the right insight and intention, it’s also wide open. At this year’s Annecy Festival, ArtStation hosted a full-house panel, The Art of Getting Hired, featuring three standout voices in the industry: Kara Oropallo (Vice President, Crew Development at DNEG Animation), Stéphane Biava (Solution Architect and founder of Proj Prod), and David Hubert (Founder of Agora Studio).
Speaking to a crowd of mostly students and early-career professionals, the panelists shared practical, sometimes hard-earned lessons on building a career in a rapidly evolving creative industry. Here are the top do’s and don’ts to keep in mind as you navigate your next steps.
Do: Curate Your Portfolio Toward What You Want to Do
Your work should clearly communicate your strengths and focus. Recruiters want to understand who you are as an artist, not just what you can do.
Do: Include Personal Work
Showing passion projects helps studios see what you gravitate toward creatively. It signals commitment, curiosity, and joy in your craft.
Do: Show Work in Progress
Sharing your process and not just polished final pieces reveals how you think. It demonstrates your problem-solving approach and development over time.
Do: Build Connections
Relationships matter. Building a network isn’t about collecting contacts, it’s about growing your community, staying inspired, and being open to mentorship and collaboration.
Do: Practice Teamwork and Communication
Success in a studio setting often depends on how well you work with others. Learn how to give and receive feedback, navigate group projects, and communicate clearly.
Do: Create Authentic and Memorable Work
Sometimes, a strong concept can stand out more than flawless execution. Work that feels personal or original is more likely to be remembered.
Do: Use Multiple Reels or Resumes When Needed
Tailor your materials for specific opportunities. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely shows off your best fit for a particular role or studio.
Do: Understand Adjacent Disciplines
You don’t need to be a generalist, but knowing a bit about neighboring roles will help you collaborate more effectively.
Do: Treat Feedback as a Gift
The ability to listen to critique and apply it professionally is one of the most valued traits in any creative environment. Feedback isn’t personal, it’s about making the work better.
Do: Build Your Personal Brand
Consistency across platforms like LinkedIn, ArtStation, and your website helps reinforce who you are and what you bring. Treat your online presence like part of your portfolio.
Don’t: Say “I Want to Do Everything”
It’s important to have interests, but clarity matters.
“When artists tell me this, it makes it really hard to know where to place you,” says Kara from DNEG.
Studios need to know where you shine. Focus your portfolio and messaging on what you do best.
Don’t: Worry About Picking the Right Path Immediately
Careers are rarely linear. The job you take right out of school doesn’t define your future. Be open to where your skills and interests might lead.
Don’t: Take Feedback Personally
Notes are about the work, not you. How you respond to critique shows maturity, professionalism, and potential for growth.
Don’t: Let Ego Get in the Way
Team spirit matters. Confidence is valuable, but humility, openness, and a willingness to learn are what make people want to work with you.
The creative industry rewards clarity, curiosity, and consistency. Be specific about what you want, stay connected to your community, and never stop refining your craft. Whether you’re submitting a portfolio, starting a studio, or launching your own IP, the foundation is always the same – honest, focused work, and a willingness to grow.
