Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
So, I was unlucky to not get hired out of college. I was lucky to finally get hired in my 30s, and I got my first union job during the pandemic. It was certainly unexpected that I’d be working completely from home, but it kinda set the stage, and I’ve enjoyed my freedom to work from home since. Primarily, I’ve done clean-up or assistant character design work. I actually really love it! Outside of work, I’ve dabbled in many hobbies, with my current ones being taxidermy and insect pinning. I’m also trying to make more physical art, like paintings and sculptures.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
Working from home, ironically. I’m not a super social person, and being at home all the time probably isn’t helping me network. The current decline in jobs has also been difficult, as gigs for my particular line of work tend to be shorter (less than a year), so it always feels like the pressure is on.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
Craig McCracken was an early influence for me. I would record The Powerpuff Girls on tapes and replay them, so I could pause and draw the characters. Tim Biskup is another one, and Pen Ward, Brendon Small, Mike Judge… yea! I think those folks were responsible for shaping a lot of my art, design sensibility, and humor.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I suppose for me, I’d like to do more design work. I’m usually working with designs that are already set, so I think being the designer would be a great next step. I’ve thought about show running, but it sounds hard! Is it weird that I don’t really aspire to that? Maybe if the right idea struck me.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
I think it’s been a bit of a lifesaver, really. I doubt I’d be able to save up as much without the better salaries the Guild affords us. It helps get me through hard times. I’m glad to know I have somewhere to turn, I’m not in this industry alone. The free classes have been a great way for me to keep busy during unemployment, too!
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