Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
My name is Matthew de Lorimier, he/him, an After Effects Compositor and Storyboard Artist trying to re-enter the animation field to feed my cats and my ever-growing library of games, books, and random things I’ve taken an interest in. I started my career after graduation from Exceptional Minds and was accepted into the Cartoon Network mentorship program. Once my internship was over, I was hired as a Flash Cleanup Artist for Mighty Magiswords and Apple & Onion. I transferred into the after effects department as an Assistant After Effects Artist and eventually became a full-time artist. Funny enough, the show I was an intern on, Summer Camp Island, eventually hired me as their After Effects Artist.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
With all the layoffs and lack of jobs coming in, it makes it very difficult to work on your own projects after spending several hours scouring through the job market and finding nothing. Though I’ve been able to find work as a mural painter during this lull, the motivation to practice my craft has been somewhat of a struggle.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
My colleagues have been a constant source of inspiration for me. From my Lead After Effects artist Joel Espana, who taught me so much at my time at Cartoon Network and was such a great friend, to Ian Jones-Quartey, whose show OK K.O.! was one of my first main projects. Ian inspired me with his passion to create a show that was filled with what he loved as a child.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
As corny as it sounds, I very much want to keep working in animation. Working in the industry has really pushed me to improve my craft, and I have been inspired by such wonderful people in the industry. I do hope to work more in storyboarding since—although I’ve found success in compositing and VFX—storyboarding is an important part of animation that I want to be a part of, where I can improve and expand my expertise.
What does being in the Guild mean to you?
Being a union member provides me with a sense of security. Even though finding jobs are tough right now, the support and community the Union brings makes me feel like I always have someone to help me out when things get tough.
Learn more about Matthew at his website.
Follow him on Instagram.
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