Image: Art Besouro (Motion Array)

Author: VANAS Team

Why Saying ‘Thanks’ Can Help Launch Your Career

Table of Contents

1. Why Gratitude Is Important in Animation Studios
2. How to Show Thanks in the Animation World
3. The Power of Small Gestures: Donuts, Books, and a Bit of Kindness
4. Animation Jobs and the Value of Helping Others
5. Building a Positive Culture in Animation Studios
6. The Ripple Effect of Generosity in Animation
7. Frequently Asked Questions

Why Gratitude Is Important in Animation Studios

The animation world is filled with collaboration. Whether you're rigging a character, building a 3D model, or sketching a storyboard, every step involves people working together. In such an environment, appreciation isn't just a polite bonus—it's a key part of success.

When you're part of an animation team, you’ll notice how much goes on behind the scenes. Someone might stay late finishing a render, or lend a hand with a fix right before a deadline. Letting that work go unnoticed drains team spirit. But even small thank-yous (or bigger ones) can recharge a team’s energy like magic.

You’d be surprised how far a simple, “Thanks, that really helped me out,” can travel. It boosts morale, creates loyalty, and even makes people want to work with you again. For a creative field centered around passion—like animation—that matters a lot.

How to Show Thanks in the Animation World

In the fast-paced world of studios and deadlines, many people forget the impact of a well-timed thank-you. But if someone helps you, here’s one key rule: give back.

If a classmate helps you with a character rig or a classmate shares advice that lands you an internship, do something in return. Here are a few ways to show your appreciation in the animation industry:

• Treat them to lunch or coffee
• Write them a short note or email to show your gratitude
• Offer to help them on a project in return
• Recommend them for a future job
• Give them a small gift—like art supplies or animation books

One story that really shows how far appreciation can go comes from a teacher who received a Disney book from their school. It wasn’t expensive, but it was thoughtful—and made the teacher feel valued.

In another example, when a team hits their weekly production deadline, a manager brings in donuts for everyone. This kind of gesture helps people feel seen and reminds them that hard work matters.

That’s especially important in creative fields like animation where the work is sometimes emotional and deeply personal. Letting someone know you noticed their effort can mean the world.

The Power of Small Gestures: Donuts, Books, and a Bit of Kindness

You don’t have to spend big to show someone they're appreciated. In fact, some of the best gratitude comes in small but meaningful packages.

Here’s what a few small gestures can look like in an animation studio:

• Bringing in snacks when someone has worked overtime
• Leaving a note at someone’s desk saying, “Amazing cleanup work!”
• Gifting a book—like a classic Disney animation guide—to celebrate a milestone
• Celebrating one another’s wins with a shoutout during meetings
• Creating a “wall of thanks” to post public notes of appreciation from team members

Small acts make a big difference in teams that rely on mutual trust. In animation, so much of the work is “invisible”—like fixing a glitchy scene or tweaking lighting for hours. When those hidden efforts are appreciated, people feel like their work actually counts.

And they’ll try even harder next time.

Animation Jobs and the Value of Helping Others

Nothing in life is truly free. If someone supports you on your journey into the animation industry, find a way to give back. This could be now, or later.

For example, if someone gives you a referral that lands you a full-time job at a studio, take them out to dinner. That dinner isn’t just about food—it’s about respect and connection.

You might think, “What difference does buying someone dinner make?” But what you’re really doing is showing that you value their time and effort. It also builds your network. People remember gratitude—they talk about it, they share it, and they return it.

This is especially important when you’re just starting out in animation. You’ll likely depend on feedback from peers, help on artistic struggles, and leads from mentors. Showing those people gratitude transforms them from colleagues into advocates.

And that’s how careers in animation are built—through relationships.

Building a Positive Culture in Animation Studios

Every professional animation studio—whether big like Pixar or small like local indie teams—has a culture. That culture is shaped by how employees treat one another.

A culture of appreciation is one where people are more likely to:

• Share ideas without fear
• Stay motivated through long hours
• Take creative risks
• Speak openly about burnout (and get help)
• Help others improve their work

These are the exact ingredients needed to create award-winning animation.

It doesn’t matter if you’re an intern showing your first designs or a supervisor managing a big scene. Everyone can help build a positive studio culture. You just need to recognize others’ help and be open to saying thank you.

So whether you’re in school or working in a studio—or even freelancing remotely—make appreciation part of your daily practice.

The Ripple Effect of Generosity in Animation

The cool thing about gratitude and generosity is that it spreads fast. One person starts it, and it spreads like creativity on a storyboard.

Here’s how it works:

• You help a teammate clean up some animation frames.
• They feel appreciated and decide to help someone else with a tight render deadline.
• That other person gives public credit during a meeting.
• Suddenly, the studio feels fuller—like everyone is rooting for each other.

In an industry where burnout is real and deadlines are constant, this ripple effect of kindness and recognition can change everything.

Because animation isn't just about software, timing charts, and keyframes—it's about people.

Developing a reputation as someone who appreciates others doesn’t just make you nicer—over time, it makes you more successful. People want to work with those who are positive, grateful, and generous.

So next time someone helps you move, gives you feedback, or shares a job lead—don’t just say thanks. Pay it forward.

And remember: VANAS Online Animation School offers Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Game programs to prepare you for this exciting industry. To launch your career, visit https://www.vanas.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy ways to show appreciation in the animation industry?

• Simple acts like offering help, giving public recognition, buying someone coffee, or even writing a quick thank-you message can make a big difference in animation studios.

Why is appreciation so important in creative fields like animation?

• Because animation involves teamwork and constant feedback, appreciation helps boost morale, encourage creativity, and strengthen studio culture.

What’s a good thing to do when someone helps me land a job?

• Taking them out for dinner or sending a thoughtful thank-you gift is a meaningful way to show gratitude and keep your professional relationship strong.

Can showing kindness really affect my animation career?

• Yes. People enjoy working with grateful, respectful colleagues. They are more likely to recommend you, help you, and include you on future projects.

What if I’m just a student—does this still apply?

• Absolutely. Whether you’re at an animation school or working full-time, building habits of appreciation early on sets the tone for your entire career.

What’s an example of a meaningful small gesture in a studio?

• Bringing in donuts when a team finishes a tough deadline, writing a personal note recognizing someone’s hard work, or giving a mentor a book are all ways to show appreciation.

Can appreciation improve team performance in animation?

• Definitely. When people feel appreciated, they’re more motivated, more collaborative, and more willing to go the extra mile—especially in high-pressure creative environments.

Where can I learn how to work in animation and build professional etiquette?

• VANAS Online Animation School offers Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Game programs designed to prepare you not only with artistic skills but also with the teamwork and professional behavior needed in the animation industry. Visit https://www.vanas.ca to learn more.