Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
I was always passionate about animation, but it wasn’t until I was 18 that I realized I could make a career out of it! During high school I majored in art and computer science, while also working at the local movie theater. Seeing the impact films have on people was my favorite part of the job, and when it came to animated films, it was amazing to see the parents be at least as excited as the children. In 2010 there were some great animated films released (Tangled, Toy Story 3, How to Train Your Dragon), and it suddenly just clicked. I realized animation involves everything I love—art, computers, and movies, and that’s when my journey to where I am today began.
When researching animation programs, I started looking outside of my home country, as well, and eventually found myself at Ringling College of Art and Design. For years I’ve seen stunning student films produced in that school, but I never thought I would actually end up there! After four years of hard work, some internships along the way, and a lot of help from friends and family, I graduated with multiple job offers from studios that have created the films that inspired me to pursue this career. I’ve been at DreamWorks for the past few years and have had the pleasure of working on the Boss Baby and Trolls franchises, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken. I’m currently working on The Wild Robot from very early animation development stages.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
Distance from family is probably the biggest challenge for me. Family is such a big part of my life, but I now live 15 hours away from them by plane.
On a professional level, when I first got out of school, there was an adjustment period. I had to break out of old habits and transition from student to creator. I think one of the most important things that helped me throughout my career was the people. Everything I know I learned from my friends and co-workers, and it is so important to be in touch with other creatives and try to soak in everything your surroundings have to offer, as well as share all your knowledge with others. While each of the animators gets their own shots and has the option to isolate themselves and just do their job, I think the real growth and quality of work comes from being a collaborator.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
There are so many. On a personal level, Liron Topaz is one of the most influential figures in my career. He took me under his wing and taught me so much, kickstarting my path in animation. My admiration towards him became a mentor-mentee relationship, and with the years has become a close friendship.
Glen Keane is another influential figure to me, as he is responsible for some of the key animations that inspired me to pursue the path in animation—whether it be his stunning animation on The Little Mermaid, which was my favorite film as a kid, or watching Tangled while working at the cinema, when I realized animation could be a career.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I chose to pursue animation as a career because I wanted to be part of the type of films that inspired me growing up. Animation is a tool which can be used to tell compelling stories and communicate important messages. It has the power to do good and reach so many people around the world—and inspire kids, as it did me. Animated films inspired me to travel the world, see different cultures, and think in different ways. Ultimately, I hope to keep working on meaningful content and put smiles on peoples faces.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
We are stronger united. The union to me is what protects us, as we protect each other. I’m a big advocate for unity and collaboration, and having a union that is created out of those values is extremely important.
Learn more about Shir at her website.
Follow her on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
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