Pete Michels

Tell us a little about yourself and your career.

I am originally from New Jersey and moved to Los Angeles to study animation at UCLA. My first real job in animation was as a background layout artist on The Simpsons. I learned so much from everyone on the show, ranging from storyboards to timing to layout. Eventually I became a director and directed a dozen or so episodes before moving on to Family Guy. I’ve been fortunate to direct and supervise on some other amazing shows with fantastic crews including Rick and Morty, Future-Worm!, Bless the Harts, and my current show, Krapopolis.

Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?

As a kid I grew up watching old Warner Bros. cartoons and ’70s Hanna-Barbera shows. I’m still a huge fan of The Flinstones. I would say my biggest influence, though, is Charles Schulz. Every year I would count down the days to The Great Pumpkin and A Charlie Brown Christmas, and I saw every Peanuts movie, read every Peanuts comic book, and ate from a Charlie Brown lunchbox. I taught myself to draw from The Charlie Brown Dictionary which has been on my bookshelf since I was five.

What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?

Having a good work/life balance is a constant challenge, but as a self-professed computer illiterate, my biggest challenge would have to be keeping up with changing technology. Learning new software and new versions of software can be frustrating, especially when it doesn’t do what you want it to do. I sometimes miss drawing with pencil and paper, and still use terms like “field guide” and “same as!” 

What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?

I think as artists, we all want to leave our mark on the art and industry of animation. I’ve been very lucky to be able to have a part in the creation of cultural icons like The Simpsons and Rick and Morty. There are still things I hope to accomplish like creating a series or directing a feature. I also do a lot of teaching, so I hope I can make a difference and help inspire the next generation of artists in the way I was inspired by the artists I learned from.

What does being in the Union mean to you?

Animation is one big family to me. Every day I look forward to getting to work with the wonderful and talented people who are my friends. I know that on every production I sign onto, I will be working with artists I have worked with previously and meeting new talent who can teach me and inspire me.

As Guild members we all have shared experiences and goals, and it is comforting to know that we are all looking out for each other. Whether it is watching out for abusive testing, getting paid properly, or managing our healthcare, I know that all of my animation family is there for me.

View more of Michel’s art at his website.