While I was teaching and after, my students and a few other people asked the same question a lot.
" ...Does it take a long time to break into the business and what are the steps..."?
-There is no one answer to that question. Obviously hard work and dedication are going to take you a long way, but there is going to be other factors that come in to play. Timing is a big part of the equation and you have to know what jobs to take and how to utilize every minute while you are there. I knew I wanted to work in features but I never neglected my duties as an animator at the game studios. I tried to apply the same level of work to the game studios as I do in feature. Believe me, there are animators that can animate circles around a lot of guys in feature film. I worked at the office and when I got home, because I wanted to be better. There are many people still doing this.
The big thing for me is not forgetting that. If you busted your hump in work and after work, keep doing the same. Granted the hours you spend working at home may be considerably less, but that is the thing that got you to where you are. Take some time to continue working on your craft. Teachers still go to lectures and workshops to improve on their skills, singers still practice so that their voice is always in good condition, and even good mechanics learn how to work on the latest engines so they are always on top of their game.
If you remember to do the things that got you to where you need to be, you will be successful for a while.
Remember to balance it!!
