Hi readers,
I know it's been a while since I have last written something.
And in actuality, I did have a blog post that I have done...something that is quite long and tedious and blah blah blah blah blah. But I did this out of complete rage over the animation industry in general. It is now sitting in my drafts folder and it remain sitting there until I feel in that particular mood to post it...or not. Right now, (for those that are wondering) I am indifferent. So I'll post this one instead. (forgive the lack of pretty pictures for this one time, ok?)
Once upon a time, I was a bright-eyed bushy-tail...er....peppy kid who just loved to draw and draw and draw. My creativity was through the roof. Tons of characters, worlds, hell, even entire omniverses complete with stories that would intertwine with each other...all stashed within the depths of my brain. It was great! Now, before you call your nearest facility to have the gents in white coats put me into the "special coat" and carry me to the room with pillows on the walls, hear me out. My sketchbooks were constantly full and my technique was somewhat managed, but for the most part, raw..kind of like how my hair is at the moment. (I do wash and maintain it, but it remains pretty nappy. And I'm fin with it. ANYWAY...) So I went to school to study animation.
I have/had a rather complicated love-hate relationship with school. I mean, if I had not enrolled, I might not have met Andrea. So for that I'm VERY grateful. But as for me as an artist and a person...
...well, let's just say that I have changed.
What I mean is that when I started, I had that creative spunk and vigor that I just loved. It was my drug. It got me through some really bad and messed up parts of my life that I really wish not to mention and it was all good.
It was that place where I needed to refine my techniques even further. Not that there's anything wrong with it. Hell, I'm always for self improvement. You can never get enough of that, in my opinion. But, this refinery was different.
"You'll never get a job in the industry unless you do this."
"You need to be dedicated or else you're better off in another field."
"It won't get you into Pixar"
Things like that that's neither productive or counter-productive...at least to me, anyway.
After a while, I found myself working to that end and playing into it...and slowly becoming a being that I did not want to be...ever:
One that willingly wishes to work for an elitist asshole of a company for the sole purpose of financial gain...even at the expense of others.
I have seen many people go down that route. Some are successful, for but a moment. While others are not and lament about where they went wrong after doing what they were told to do. And the thought of me becoming one of them thoroughly disgusted me. That was where the "Animation Revolution" begun.
I had the desire (whether it's a romantic or realistic one is irrelevant.) to bring a bunch of people together to just do something and make a name for ourselves. No need for a company or incorporation papers...we just get inspired, get cracking, and that was that. Since there were others that shared this desire, the Animation Revolution was born. Media was irrelevant, though we did want to break the mold of the status quo which was largely 3d at the time.
Then everyone got busy with finals...
...then the politics (long story onto itself)...
Ultimately, the group disbanded/graduated and that was that.
Years later, I found myself getting increasingly bitter with the industry and its practices. I also found myself trying to wear 548,768,765 hats all at once..just to get a job and out of my current financial situation. that didn't work out all too well. After all of this, I went back to what my friend, Jon said to me once.
"Sometimes, it's best to know when to say 'fuck it'."
And you know something...he's right. I am going to try not to worry about these matters because by doing so, it makes me stray from myself. I know it can't be done overnight and it may put me on "underground" status...and I'm perfectly fine with it. If I do make mainstream, that's all the better, because I have done this on my terms. As for the Revolution itself, if I get enough people on board...sure,why not?
If you find yourself at this stage (you know who you are...), feel free to follow suit. Don't worry about others' opinions of you or your actions. Don't bother yourself with what XYZ animation company alums tell you to do or what the 9 old men have said in various tomes on animation. You are not them and will never be. Just get in there and better yourself in the process in whatever way possible. Everything is a growth experience.
Well, you've been a card. Thanks for reading. I'll try to get in some supplementary doodles on my next post.
Till next time, kiddies.
