Laurus College Blog – Now’s the Time to “Get Reel”

Now’s the Time to “Get Reel”

by the 3D Animation Department at Laurus College

The Digital Arts and Computer Animation Program at Laurus College is designed to teach students the essential skills needed in order to find a job in the competitive 3D Animation Industry.

Our students in the Digital Arts and Computer Animation program asked a very important question.

“What is the most important thing to have when seeking a position in the Animation Industry?”

We have the answer. One of the most important projects that a Laurus Animation student works on is their personal Demo Reel. A Demo Reel is a short video that showcases the work you have done that pertains to the job position you are applying for. The reel not only consists of your actual work, but it also includes your contact information, software you’re most experienced with, and the skills that you have learned throughout your schooling and work experience.

Recently, the 3D Animation Department and Career Services Department launched a weekly workshop that focuses on helping students develop work and projects for their demo reel. This workshop allows students to collaborate on Demo Reel creation in order to better themselves and receive critique on their work. With the help of this workshop, students can continue to expand upon their skills and projects by constantly receiving feedback as they are editing and revising their demo reels, which in turn can help lead to a better chance of landing a job in the Animation or Gaming industries.

If you are wondering what the next steps are for creating a Demo Reel, continue reading below for a few recommendations of ways to help you get started.

– Always remember to include your best work in your Demo Reel because it represents who you are as an artist in the Animation or Video Game industries. For students, the work that’s included in your Demo Reel needs to go beyond your classwork. Although you can use classwork in your reel, it is necessary to put in extra time outside of the classroom to make sure that it’s a finished and polished piece of work.

– Choosing what type of reel to make depends on the position and company that you want to work for. If you are applying to Pixar, it is wise to include projects in your reel that showcase work relative to what they do, but not exactly what they have already done. Leaving out completed work that is not related to the company or position you are applying for, may also help your chances of landing that job.

– The goal of your Demo Reel is to show what skills you have and the software tools you are most comfortable using. You can feature work that involves Shading, Modeling, Rigging, Lighting, Animation, and Compositing; basically anything that can communicate your abilities as an artist as long as it relates to the job you want.

Improving your Demo Reel is a process that comes with practice and patience. The entire process normally takes about 1 to 3 months. This includes constantly updating your reel with newly completed work and projects. Once your Demo Reel is complete, along with an Associate Degree from Laurus College, you’ll be able to start pursuing your new career in the Animation industry.

Learn more about the Online Digital Arts & Computer Animation Program at Laurus College

Students in the Laurus College Digital Arts & Computer Animation Program are invited to attend the “Get Reel” Demo workshops which are held weekly on Friday’s from 2pm-4pm through Adobe Connect.

Contact the Career Services Department at [phone-link location=””] or email: careerservices@tinab22.sg-host.com if you would like more information.