Your First Animation Reel: What to Include (and What to Skip)

Your demo reel is your highlight trailer. It shows what you do best in the shortest amount of time—and for a first reel, that means simple structure, strong choices, and clarity that respects the viewer’s time.

What to Include (Start With Your Strengths)

Lead with your strongest shot; most reviewers decide fast, so open with the clip that instantly represents you. Keep it short overall (about a minute if you’re just starting) and choose work that proves core skills like timing, spacing, weight, and clear acting choices.

After your opener, show 2–4 more clips that support the same message—if you’re aiming at character work, include performance beats and clean body mechanics; if you’re leaning into games, add a polished cycle or two. End with your second-strongest shot so the last impression is good.

What to Skip (Beginner Traps)

Cut anything that’s just “okay.” One weak clip lowers the whole reel—quality beats quantity every time. Skip long title cards, loud music that competes with the work, and unrelated disciplines (like lighting or modeling) on a character reel; they dilute your message.

If you collaborated on a shot, credit your role clearly; don’t overclaim. Recruiters value honesty as much as skill.

Structure and Length

Aim for 45–90 seconds for a first reel. Order matters: best first, strong middle, second-best last. If you’re targeting a specific studio or role, tailor the clips to that focus so they can picture you in the seat.

Keep lower thirds and text minimal—clean labels like your name, role, email or website are enough. If you host online, a simple Vimeo link with a concise description works well.

Polish and Delivery

Export at a consistent resolution and frame rate; avoid letterboxing and mismatched audio levels. Add a short slate at the end with contact info, and make sure the video link you send actually works; reviewers won’t chase a broken URL.

Want structured practice and feedback while you build shots for your reel?

Final Thoughts

Your first reel isn’t your final reel—it’s a snapshot of your best work today. Keep it short, lead with strength, skip the filler, and update it as you grow. Clarity plus craft gets you watched—and being watched is how opportunities start.

Source Material

• Animation Mentor – Dos and Don’ts For Developing Your Character Animation Reel
• Bloop Animation – Creating an Animation Demo Reel – The Complete Guide
• iAnimate – Animation Demo Reel Tips: Crafting a Reel That Gets You Hired
• Into Animation – Share your work (showreel basics)