Here’s a question that gets thrown around a bit: “how did you get interested in Animation?” I’d usually joke and say that all the good male stripper jobs in the army were taken, or tell some cheesy anecdote about how my beloved stuffed Pikachu bumped my head when deciding where I should apply to college (which is still totally true by the way). In truth, ever since my mother showed me my first animated film, the Little Mermaid, I wished I could be part of that world.
Being a senior in college, it’s easy to fall into motion of things. For instance, meeting new people - though always exciting - tends to read like a script: you’ll incite interest with an introduction, they’ll present their name, mention where they’re from, and state their major, then you are expected to respond in-kind. It’s funny how people always perk up in glee whenever I mention that I’m an animation major. “Oh that’s so cool!” they’d squeal in child-like admiration, as if they had no clue that one could make a living in such a manner. I’d usually try to respond with humble reply, “golly, thanks. It sure is fun, but it’s no more special than your major. ” But in all honesty, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My existence has always involved the awkward attempt of salvaging whatever scraps of experience my daily life could offer, in the earnest attempt to piece together an image that would show how I should function. In short, I’ve observed that life is spent learning to live it, and others much wiser than I would attest that we go through a majority of it hilariously misinformed. This study is a cycle that never really ends; questions are invariably everywhere but answers are few and far between! Doesn't it makes sense that things make less sense the more sensible you become?
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| I wanted to be original and post the Jackie Chan meme. But Google decided to treat us with this instead. |
I count myself lucky to have found one constant in life: that I’ve always had an unconditional love for the world of animation. Alas, once I find out you can make a career off of making doodles I affirmed to dedicate myself to it in a heartbeat!
For as long as I could remember I’ve been drawn to the heroes and creatures that spring to life through illustration on the big screen. Most of all I’ve had an affinity towards the stories that gave these drawings character and personality. As a child there was an undeniable sense of magic and awe when being exposed to a new vibrant universe with each new film. Do you remember how epic it was when Prince Philip took down the draconic Malificent? Do you remember tearing up a bit when Mufasa fell to his death? Do you remember cheering when Mulan defied destiny and saved her empire by shooting the evil king of the Huns with Eddy Murphy? I sure do. Even today I would be at the edge of my seat, feeling for those heroes who faced moral dilemmas and overcome all odds with the conviction to preserve what they love with passion.
The point I’m making is that animation is the perfect medium for depicting a sense of wonder while conveying the pure essence of the human condition. A completed film is the culmination of countless artists reflecting a pure interpretation of life and emotion. We’re devastated by each new tragedy, troubled by each struggle, and ultimately overjoyed and inspired with every victory. Watching animation is not merely escapism, it’s a learning experience. My generation consists of people who were raised by these animated fairy tales and I contend that this visual storytelling was my greatest teacher growing up. I ascribe to the philosophy made clear in the words of a certain conscientious cricket who upholds that the "most fantastic, magical things can happen, and it all starts with a wish." Thus, my fondest wish is to be able to make a living by giving back to the medium that I love, of which I owe my entire being, by contributing the utmost extension of my talents.
However, I’d be lying if I said that my perception of the industry hasn't gotten a little jaded in my four years of studying animation. To have any sort of career in it, the aspiring animator must understand that the world of animation is as much a business as it is an art. This aspect is terrifying, considering how Practicum class has never failed to remind me how expendable an artist really is to any studio. Just getting your foot in the door is difficult in and of itself! And the job offers get narrower. Recently, big studios such as Rhythm & Hues filed for bankruptcy, and Dreamworks is letting go of 500 workers! This is terrifyingly reminiscent of our industry's dark ages, where 2D Film was in harsh decline, was saved only by the shiny spark of CG Animation with the advent of Toy Story. Thus, being able to support yourself, let alone a family, on a consistent income in this business is becoming a steadily less realistic vision.
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| Pictured: Post grad. |
Taking all these into account, the passionless artist may find it easy to entertain the notion of alternative career paths in exchange for less stress and more sunlight.
I know far too many people who’ve changed aspirations because they’ve felt the endeavor to be unwarranted. As troubling as it may be, though Animation is indubitably the marriage of art and business, I understand that it is first and foremost given life by artists. For me, no matter how aware I am of the obstacles inherent in this risky business, my overflowing passion for the art surely would trump any troubles. As an artist I have a purpose outside myself, meaning that any doubts I have are only minute distractions brought about by my selfish inclinations. My biggest ambition is to tell a story that will have the whole world grinning - I want to create, and to stir the souls of those who view it. If what I produce could resonate with the audience enough to make even grown men cry, then I’ll know I’ve done a job well done. All an all, it is my duty as an animator to remind children and adults of all ages that there is still magic in life and I refuse to allow any doubts to impede my progress towards realizing my goal: to flourish as a story teller.
I understand how naive I must sound.
Surely, it’s almost selfish of me to doggedly pursue a career that so obviously is detrimental to my well being. Though I’d gladly absolve to live off of ramen noodles for the rest of my life for the sake of creating art, I may be guilty of betraying the efforts and wishes of my family. My mother sure didn’t slave away to scrounge together the assets to support my education, only to have me become a starving artist. It used to be you take whatever job necessary to support your family. What makes me so entitled that I may chase my childish dreams? I’ve discussed with my mom this very thing, and though she was initially skeptical of my pursuits, I’ve convinced her with my passion. She said every parent wants to give their child what they weren’t able to have, and she’s proud that she’s made it possible for me to dream.
Even so, I am wary of believing in an out of the blue happy ending that early films of fairy tales romanticized. However, I do recognize that there’s always merit in aiming for a happily-ever-after; sometimes we just need that hope. The path I’ve chosen for my future will be anything but easy. I admit that at times I am humbled by the overwhelming ability of others already in the business; as an amateur in a competitive industry, one’s confidence in one’s own ability is easily shaken. However Kung Fu Panda, one of my favorite stories, put it best: “there is no secret ingredient.” In fact, kung fu is a term referring to any skill that is harnessed through patience and energy. Gardening can be kung fu, singing can be kung fu, and animation is definitely my kung fu. As the renowned kung fu practitioner Bruce Lee once said, "art is the way to the absolute and to the essence of human life. The aim of art is not the one-sided promotion of spirit, soul and senses, but the opening of all human capacities to the life rhythm of the world of nature." Who knows where this may take me, a silly thing like unemployment will never be excuse to grow stagnant!
To sum it up, though there’s an apparent decline in jobs within the industry - my will to be part of that world stands unfaltering. History tends to repeat itself after all, so this simply means I’m of the generation who has to spark it back into a new, shiny era. It is in our conviction to do so out of love, and out of passion for the powerful storytelling that inspires infinitely and beyond. As the father of animation himself has said: “we keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." We’ll find a way, that’s simply the nature of the magical medium we cherish.
