believe that anyone can become a successful cartoonist or animator. All it takes is ambition and hard work. Here is my list of recommendations to help you become an animator.
- 1. OBSERVE AND COPY As a kid, I was always copying and redrawing my favorite cartoon characters - Daffy Duck, Goofy, Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse. As I drew these characters, I would discover better ways to draw them, little short cuts - eventually I created my own characters.
At an early age, I was fascinated by sharks, so I created a character named Sammy Shark. I put him in numerous poses and situations. I even imagined him starring in his own film. But it was copying the creative process of Walt Disney and Warner Brothers that gave me the early training that influenced my style today. And that leads to the next recommendation...
2. ALWAYS CARRY A SKETCH BOOK AND PENCIL Ideas are the most valuable asset in my business. They were the hardest part of creating my films when I was in high school. I began to carry a notebook and pencil with me, and if a funny or interesting idea came to me, I would write it down. Now, of course, I have a large film of funny ideas that I draw upon when I need a humorous gag or an idea for a short. Unfortunately, I now have more gag ideas than I have time to animate.
Another good thing about a sketch pad is the ability to draw constantly. If I see an interesting face or if I'm bored on a bus, I pull out the pad and start sketching. And again, I have files of old sketches that are amusing to look at and even spark ideas for future characters.
Sketching in front of the television is also a great training exercise. Because the characters of a film or sitcom are constantly moving, it's important to capture the personality of the subject in just a few sketchy lines, and it trains your brain to discover the essence of a human in a split second.
3. BOOKS As for books I recommend, I believe the number one bible of all animation books is Preston Blair's "Animation", published by Walter Foster. Also check out Leonard Maltin's "Of Mice and Magic", published by Plume.
4. ARTISTS As for artists I recommend - first, Tex Avery for his humor. Walt Disney for his imagination, story and business sense. Bob Clampett for his style and energy - especially the early Warner's stuff with Rob Scribner as animator. Winsor McCay (print and animation) for pure draughtmanship and imagination. Saul Steinberg for visual wit. Roland Topor for grotesque humor. And A.B. Frost for draughtmanship and style. Of course, there are many other artists who have influenced me, but you must find your own artists to emulate and slowly your style will evolve to become your own.
5. FILM SCHOOLS There are many good film schools now with wonderful animation programs. Here are some of my recommendations: 1. Cal Arts in L.A., 2. New York University, 3. School of Visual Arts in New York City, 4. Sheridan in Canada, 5. Rhode Island School of Design, 6. Savannah College of Art and Design, 7. Rochester Institute of Technology
If you want to study computer animation, I would guess Ringling Art School in Florida has a good program.
6. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities now are very excellent for animators. There are now many animation studios actively recruiting animation. The tops are Disney, Dreamworks, Warner Brothers, Fox Studios and Pixar. In New York there's MTV Studios, Jumbo Pictures and Nickelodeon Studios.
I myself have never worked with a studio, or even went to animation school, but I recommend that any young animator out of film school do 3 or 4 years at a big studio to learn styles and technique, make valuable contacts in the business and build up a reel. I heartily recommend the life of an independent. I believe if you can make funny films quickly at about $1,000 per minute, you will become successful.
7. ASIFA One last resource that I recommend is ASIFA, the International Society of Animation, and there is a chapter for each part of the country. L.A., S.F., the Northwest, the Midwest, the Northeast (New York) and Washington, as well as an international chapter. Check out ASIFA International.
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