Animation organizations, associations, unions, or simply networks play an important role in an animator's career development. They offer opportunities to learn about trends, job offers, new software and tools, and to meet and connect with people in the field. They even offer seminars, workshops, and trainings to keep you updated with animation's continuing developments. Here are 9 Animation Organizations you can join:

1. The Animation Guild (TAG)

TAG, Local 839 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), is a union that represents and helps professionals in the animation industry get decent wages and better working conditions via collective bargaining. Once dues are paid, members have access to a wide variety of benefits and valuable resources, such as training programs and access to the Animation Guild’s quarterly magazine.

2. Society for Animation Studies (SAS)

The Society for Animation Studies (SAS) is an international organization dedicated to the study of animation history and theory. The Society holds a conference every year in different locations, making it possible for members to attend and to present their recent studies. At the same time, it provides information on the latest news in the world of animation.

3. Quickdraw Animation Society

Quickdraw Animation Society is a member-driven not-for-profit that fosters a creative community through resources and opportunities that further animation arts and culture. They promote the art of animation through courses, workshops, screenings, and production resources.

4. Women In Animation (WIA)

WIA is the only organization dedicated to advancing women in the field of animation. They envision a world where women share equally in the creation, production, and rewards of animation, and they provide resources and connections to make it happen.

5. International Animated Film Society (ASIFA)

The International Animated Film Society is a non-profit corporation devoted to cultivating and promoting the art, craft, and profession of animation. ASIFA pursues its goals through a variety of activities (networking, gatherings, workshops, projects, etc.) both held locally and internationally.

6. Animation World Network (AWN)

The Animation World Network (AWN) is an animation-related publishing group on the Internet. Artists, animation professionals, educators, students, and enthusiasts stay in touch with AWN to get a wide range of interesting, relevant, and helpful information about all aspects of animation.

7. The Computer Graphics (CG) Society

The CG Society is a networking platform for professional digital artists. They aim to help members become better artists, inform them of the latest happenings in the global art community, or empower them with the knowledge and tools they will need to land their next job. In general, the Society's intention is to inspire, inform, educate, and recruit.

8. CARTOON

CARTOON is an international non-profit association that supports the animation industry by organizing several types of year-round events dedicated to animation professionals. They offer pitching events for you to find co-production and funding (Cartoon Forum and Cartoon Movie), as well as to improve your skills (Cartoon 360 and Cartoon Springboard). They also offer international seminars about creating content and animation business models.

9. Cartoonist Northwest

Cartoonist Northwest is an organization for professional and amateur animators, cartoonists, and illustrators. It allows members to meet monthly to collaborate, network, and promote a sense of comradery among the community’s artists.

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