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My Job Description… I am a Computer Animator. I currently work at an internationally known special effects studio based in Marin County, California. My job is to bring to life creatures and characters that move and talk realistically for the big screen. And How I Got It… Growing up in Australia, I loved watching cartoons as a kid. My interest became an obsession, and I wanted to know everything about animation…how it worked in the abstract, how cartoons were made, the 'mechanics' of animation in film, etc. Coupled with this obsession, I also loved drawing. These interests were very harmonious! I got my first job working in an animation studio over 20 years ago, well before any computer animation or 'entertainment graphics' hit the scene. At that time, I was basically a very contented animation artist. Computer animation has since revolutionized this portion of the entertainment industry. Going back to that 'mechanical' interest I talked about, I had to learn everything I could about this new industry. The first few programs were not intuitive, and it took a lot of perseverance to teach myself how they worked. But I was determined to stick with it, and the process paid off. In my mind, I now have a 'dream job', where I get to do what I love with leading edge software. Anyone who has seen the latest animation in movies knows that the computer animation field has taken off. My company is the leader in the computer animation entertainment field, so I am in the perfect place to learn new things every day. And Why I Was Well Suited For It (And It For Me)… I had the desire and determination to learn my craft, and to do the best that I can do. The more I worked, the more I wanted to know. As motivated as I was, it took tremendous perseverance, patience and hard work. I was also extremely lucky to have great mentors in my earlier years at various movie studios. These were Senior Animators, who would always lend their knowledge and experience to help and encourage me. They not only helped with the 'nuts and bolts' of my learning process, they were also a great inspiration. When I’m Not Working, I’m… Spending time and having fun with my wife and kids. Every chance I get, I go home (to Australia) to scuba dive; the vibrancy of the colors and the sea life are overwhelming to me; they provide a real-world 'link' that connects to my art as a Computer Animator. I am also an avid bicycler. I bike everyday; it's a cool way to stay fit. |
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