Dealing with people who are already ahead.
I am an animation student (with a background in fine arts). I have friends who have advanced knowledge and skills. When they network they have work to show and discuss. I dont. I am in my final year and honestly not skilled enough, and with college I dont have time to be. But these people are and its enough that they work on personal (skills) projects and also do college projects last minute. Why am I talking about this? I need a mentor or tangible advice on how to help myself and improve. . . . . I also have fine art skills oil, arcylics. Not being able to give them time with college but yes thats were my heart lies. How do I integrate that with my present. Any advice?
Its great that people are hustling around you - appreciate them, encourage them. You do you; and you havent figured out what “you” is - Try new things :)
Like its said in animation often - Be a better observant of life - more than technical animators, industry has always needed artists who can replicate life and make it better. Softwares, and future AI tools will be just that - tools. If you love animation as an art form, deep dive into the art of observing the world, see if you fall in love with it.
And if you dont, you will find new ways to show your art n the world. Dont worry about the hustle just yet, plenty of opportunities for hustling as you keep growing (in age and in wisdom)
Sincerely, Ex animator/vfx guy :]
Thank you for your wise words.