Connecting with Like-Minded Animators: Find Your Animation Communities Now

The Top Animation Communities, Groups, and Forums for Networking and Learning.

If you’re an animator or animation student, seeking out a supportive and creative community is essential for success. Animators often face challenges when it comes to perfecting the art of movement, storytelling, and technical skills. Having access to people who understand the craft can make a big difference in honing your skills. There are plenty of animation communities, groups, and forums to build relationships with fellow artists from around the world. I’ve outlined some of them later in this article.

What is the importance of networking in the animation industry?

Joining animation forums, communities, and groups is one of the most important ways for animators to network and learn more about their craft. Let’s face it, the majority of us animators are introverts. Networking allows animators to make contacts and form relationships with other animation professionals, exchange advice and tips, discuss animation ideas, and stay updated on animation trends. These animation groups offer a unique opportunity to gain knowledge from experienced artists, allowing newcomers to hone their animation skills quicker than ever before. Taking advantage of the resources available through animation groups can help animators stand out in a competitive field. About 50% of an animator’s success in the industry is dependent on not what they know, but on whom they know.

What types of Animation Communities, Groups, Associations, and Forums are available to animators?

There are many different types of animation groups, associations, communities, and forums, each with its focus and purpose. Here are some examples:

• Professional associations: These are organizations for professional animators, writers, and other industry workers to network, share resources, and promote the field. Examples include ASIFA, Animation Guild, and Women in Animation.
• Student groups: Many universities and colleges have animation clubs or groups where students can learn, collaborate, and create projects together. At the college where I currently teach, there are quite a few clubs for character animation, 2d animation rig building, and 3d rigging just to name a few.
• Social Media Groups and Pages: These are online communities on platforms like Facebook Groups, Twitter, Instagram, Discord Servers, and LinkedIn, where animators can connect and share their work, tips, and experiences.
• Hobbyist groups: Some groups are focused on animation as a hobby rather than a profession. These groups may offer resources, tutorials, and support for amateur animators.
• Special interest groups: Some groups are focused on specific aspects of animation, such as stop-motion animation fabrication or 3D animation rigging for example. These groups can offer specialized resources and networking opportunities for animators with similar interests.
• Regional groups: There are many animation groups and associations focused on specific regions or countries, such as ASIFA South or the Canadian Animation Resources.
• Diversity-focused groups: There are groups focused on promoting diversity and representation in animation, such as Women in Animation and LatinX in Animation.
• Animation Forums: These are online discussion boards where animators can connect, share knowledge, and seek advice from peers. Examples include Animation World Network, CGTalk, and 3DTotal Forums.
• Animation Workshops and Classes: These are educational programs that offer courses, training, and workshops to help animators improve their skills and knowledge. Examples include Animation Mentor, School of Motion, and AnimSchool. These forums are open to students of these programs.
• Animation Festivals and Conferences: These are events where animators can showcase their work, learn from experts, and connect with others in the industry. Examples include Annecy International Animated Film Festival, SIGGRAPH, and Ottawa International Animation Festival.

Overall, these groups and associations offer valuable resources and opportunities for anyone interested in the animation industry, whether they are professionals, students, or enthusiasts.

Tips for Networking Successfully in These Communities

Animators looking to get their foot in the door of the animation industry should take advantage of networking opportunities found in various animator groups, communities, and forums available. This is a great way to build relationships and explore new ideas, not to mention open up possible job opportunities. To ensure your networking efforts are as successful as possible, put your best foot forward when engaging with fellow animators. Showcase your work, be open to constructive criticism, and try to offer assistance rather than continuously focusing on what others can do for you. Here are a few more tips for networking online:

• Build your reputation: Focus on quality and consistency when posting online.
• Engage with others: Comment, share, and respond to other people’s posts.
• Connect through meaningful conversations: Don’t be afraid to start a conversation or ask questions.
• Expand your reach: Share your work and content across multiple platforms.
• Follow up: Don’t forget to follow up after initial contact and stay in touch with your connections.
•  With just a bit of effort and the right approach, animators can find success by building meaningful connections within these useful networks.

Here is a long list of professional animation communities, groups, associations, and forums to get you started!

1. ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation): ASIFA is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the art of animation and facilitate communication among animators around the world.
2.  Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839: This is a labor union representing animation artists, writers, and technicians in the United States.
3.  Society for Animation Studies: This international organization is dedicated to the study of animation, its history, theory, and critical analysis.
4.  Women in Animation: This is a professional organization dedicated to advancing women in the field of animation. They provide networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and scholarships for women.
5.  The International Animated Film Association (ASIFA-Hollywood): ASIFA-Hollywood is a chapter of ASIFA, focused on promoting the art of animation in Hollywood and the United States.
6.  The National Cartoonists Society: The NCS is a professional organization for cartoonists in the United States, including comic strip artists, editorial cartoonists, and animators.
7.  Animatedviews.com is an online resource for animators, providing access to animation groups, communities, and forums to connect with other professionals in the industry and gain invaluable resources and advice.
8.  Awn.com is an online platform that provides animators with resources, advice, and networking opportunities to help develop their skills and grow in the animation industry.
9.  The ToonBoom Forums provide a comprehensive platform for animation beginners to connect with experienced professionals in the industry. Gain access to invaluable resources, advice, and networking opportunities.
10.  PixarPost is a vibrant discussion forum for Pixar fans, providing an online space to share knowledge. Get feedback and discuss the latest news and updates in the field of animation. This is a great resource for animation beginners, allowing them to gain insight from industry professionals and connect with like-minded individuals.
11.  11 Second Club is a monthly animation contest website where animators compete by creating short videos with animation to an audio clip, judged by industry professionals. Participants can win critiques from animation industry professionals.
12.  CGSociety is a community forum for digital artists.
13.  Newgrounds is a forum for creators of animation, games, music, art, and more.
14.  Blender Artists is a forum dedicated to the open-source 3D animation software Blender.
15.  Simply Maya is a forum for users of the 3D modeling and animation software Maya.
16.  Stop Motion Animation is a community site for stop-motion animators.
17.  Creative Cow is a forum for media production professionals.
18.  Community Foundry is a community for students interested in visual effects and 3D creation.
19.  Unity Community is a forum for users of the Unity game engine.
20.  Polycount is a community for video game artists and designers.
21.  Pencil2D Community is a community site for users of the open-source 2D animation software Pencil2D.
22.  Animate Clay is a community for stop-motion and clay animation enthusiasts.
23.  ZBrush Central is a community for users of the 3D sculpting software ZBrush.
24.  CG Cookie is a website offering training and tutorials on 3D modeling and animation.
25.  Indie Talk is a community for independent filmmakers.
26.  Sketch Club is a community for digital artists using the Sketch Club app.
27.  Synfig is a community for users of the 2D animation software Synfig.
28.  IndieGameDev is a forum for indie game developers.
29.  The Rookies is a community for aspiring digital artists and creatives.
30.  Epic Games Community is a community for developers using the Unreal Engine.
31.  Artstation is a platform for digital artists to showcase their work and connect with others in the industry.
32.  Reddit/Animation is a subreddit for discussions on animation and related topics.
33.  Character Design References is a website offering resources and inspiration for character designers.

Closing Note on Making Connections with Other Animators to Grow Your Career.

An Animation community is more than just an opportunity to connect with other professionals in the industry. They also offer invaluable resources, advice, and even job opportunities. Take advantage of the wealth of resources available online – from online animation courses and tutorials to various communities such as Discord channels and workshops – and learn from like-minded artists about current trends in the animation industry so you won’t be left behind. Making these connections will open doors to more creative collaborations as well as potential job opportunities down the road. You never know what doors may open when networking with fellow animators within these incredible animation communities.