Step One

So... I've been looking around for anyone who has a very detailed blog as to how they made it to the big leagues, and well, for me as a student, it's hard to know what right steps to take in order to increase my chances substantially to get to where I'm wanting to get to. Let me lay it down for you, I am not saying by any means the methods I am about to take are the same steps that anyone else should take, I mean, you do you buddy, but I just want to take you all through as much as my employers will allow in order for you to experience my ups and downs, acceptances and rejections, headway and disappointments, you know the whole deal. This is so you too see that achieving your dream is not a straight and easy path! I have gotten to a place where I can actually start living the dream I sought out as a child. It is exciting, nerve racking, joy inducing and down right scary, but I am going to accomplish my goals! It's just a matter of time. So with that being said, here we goooo!

Step one, internships. I'm arriving at the end of my first year at Trinity Western University studying Computer Science and theatre. It's been an awesome journey and lots of fun with lots of things learned. That being said, this summer I have taken a leap and I am applying to animation studios EVERYWHERE! Yes that means Disney, Blue Sky, and Pixar too. 

This is the reel I sent to these studios:

Ere Santos Spring 2016 Demo Reel from Ere Santos on Vimeo.

In addition to just applying to these studios, I have been STUUUUUUDYING! Getting edumacated on what a good reel is! Looking at past internship reels as well as looking at the reels they presumably applied with... Meaning that if they interned summer 2012, then I'd watch spring 2012 to see what their reel looked like... And for those who were so inclined to post often about their lives, I would study what they were doing in their with their lives before they got those internships. The reason I do this is to learn more about the people behind the amazing art. I would also reach out to those whose art genuinely inspired me and some of them even replied!

My advice for those reading in the present and future is (and I CAAAANNOT stress this enough) edumacate yourself on deadlines, program requirements, and anything else that would hinder you from getting ANY interview you're looking for. Know your employer and know what type of employees they are looking for. Next one is to realize that the devil is in the details. The more care to take with an application, the more the employer with see that you care about the job you are applying for. Don't ever think that, "oh they won't notice if I forget to put my address on my demo reel/resume" it may be obvious, but you'd be surprised. My next piece of advice is the most important. THIS REQUIRES A LOT OF HARD WORK PATIENCE AND DEDICATION. I'm not talking about a couple weeks of hard work or a couple months of dedication, it requires years and years of all this stuff to start getting anywhere. Don't you worry too much about making it to the big leagues so quickly darling that will all come with time! Concern yourself with this first stages, then the next, then the next, and so on so forth! Everything else will come with time. And most importantly, don't give up on your dream dear sister/brother, stay passionate! See y'all in the tomorrow!