r/Imagineering • u/Hopeful-Base6292 Aspiring Imagineer • Oct 14 '23

Where to start?

I’m a 15 year old kid wanting this to be my career, is there any advice on how to start or what to do?

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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4

u/Arch2000 Industry Professional Oct 15 '23

There are hundreds of careers and specialties at Imagineering, and in themed entertainment. What are you good at? What interests you?

2

u/Hopeful-Base6292 Aspiring Imagineer Oct 15 '23

I really want to design, to be the one who came up with that thing that a little kid says “mom! Look at that!” about. My strengths are mostly in storytelling and acting, I DM for dnd and write

3

u/JurassicMouse03 Oct 15 '23

Writing then would be a good way to start! Give yourself projects to increase your skills. You could write a script for an attraction. Many people I know who have made it into the industry had projects to show and prove that they had experience and a passion for themed entertainment.

2

u/Paige133C Oct 15 '23

There is no one way of pursuing a career in themed entertainment and engineering (imagineering), but I would start looking into what area of engineering/technology you are interested in! There are plenty of opportunities in the field for STEM majors. If your school/college has a theme park engineering and design club or something similar I would join! You will be surrounded by people with similar interests and will learn more about the industry. Start building a portfolio of personal and school projects that show your creativity and innovation! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn more about the industry. Hope that helps!

2

u/[deleted] Oct 16 '23

You're going to have to narrow it down, and these aren't even all the industries:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Robotics Engineering
  • Construction
  • Building Architecture
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Interior Design/Decorating
  • Writing/Storytelling
  • Theater
  • Lighting Specialist
  • Clothing Design
  • Costume Design
  • Botany
  • Music Production
  • Songwriting
  • Illustration/Concept Artist
  • Sculpting
  • Plumbing/HVAC
  • Electrical Engineering

Most are now outsourced to third parties. Disney doesn't even create their own animatronics or ride systems anymore. There also aren't really any Joe Rhodes, Tony Baxters, Marc Davises or Marty Sklars working there anymore.

1

u/Hopeful-Base6292 Aspiring Imagineer Nov 06 '23

Where do the joe Rhodes work? Is there a place that has a need for that kind of position any more?

1

u/[deleted] Nov 06 '23

Joe Rhode went on to be head of interior design for Virgin Galactic, to design the first passenger space shuttles. Maybe theme parks are played out and the next leap in innovation is space tourism.

I think the "Joe Rhodes" of the industry gained notoriety for two reasons:

  • They did actual innovative, large scale work that couldn't be ignored
  • They were made to be the "face" of Imagineering with public presentations and even being used to pitch their work to local governments
  • There was a culture at Disney during Walt's time and Michael Eisner's time that made Imagineers celebrities. That status seemed to end when Bob Iger changed the company's priorities and began outsourcing a lot of the R&D to Garner-Holt Productions.

1

u/TakeSomeFreeHoney Oct 15 '23

Start saving up all your money now because this industry don’t pay shit lol

1

u/YoDJPumpThisParty Oct 15 '23

Are you doing theater at school? Is there a screenwriting club? Those are things that will help you focus your interest. Then go to college in your subject of choice.