Intern Fridays: Interview with Stop-Motion Animator Ellen Yu

Intern Friday features interviews with former Interns at animation, film, and video game studios. Today we bring you Ellen Yu, former intern at Starburns Industries.  Enjoy and stay tuned for future Intern Friday Interviews!

What is your current job title and where do you work?
I am currently a freelance illustrator based out of Burbank.  I recently interned for Starburns Industries for the stop-motion feature film Anomalisa.

What does your job entail?
I was an art intern on the production.

What inspired you to become an artist?
I have many inspirations stemming from anime and independent short films.  I love the work of Studio Ghibli, Don Hertzfeldt, Jiri Trnka, Bretislav Pojar, and many more.
 
Where did you study?
I studied Character Animation at the California Institute of the Arts.

Why did you choose the studio to apply for the internship?
There aren't many stop-motion internships to choose from.  I was fortunate enough that the Anomalisa production aligned to when I was available.

What did you submit for your portfolio and how did you prepare for the submission?
I submitted my fabrication portfolio for puppets and my film reel. The reel showed parts of my Senior film and projects that I worked on.

What do you believe separated you from others who were also applying for the internship?
Truthfully, I think availability was the key.  This wasn't for a paid position, but I do think having prior work experience in your field will help you get a job faster.  It's a lot easier to obtain work if you have previous jobs to back you up.
 
What was the interview process like for the internship?
The interview process was very quick. The company looked at my portfolio and told me the guidelines to the internship.

How did the internship prepare you for your current career?
I originally started out as a puppet intern, but was switched over to help in the graphics department. I created miniature labels and graphics for props in the movie.  At the tail end of my internship, I track read the eyebrows and mouth sets for the 3-D printed faces using Dragon.
 
What is your opinion on paid versus unpaid internships?
I hope every internship is paid. Sometimes studios don't offer pay due to budget constraints. Internships allow connections.  If you do get a chance and can afford to intern unpaid, I would give it a try.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists who want to intern at a studio?
I advise that students intern while in college.  A lot of internships don't allow you to intern without proof of college credit.  I hesitated to intern during school because of my school work and all of the classes I wanted to take.  I would suggest interning during the summer with help from family or interning somewhere you are locally from. 

Thank you Ellen for the interview!  Check out Ellen's reel and portfolio here: 

http://vimeo.com/62231883
http://eyu-animation.blogspot.com/

And for more info on Women in Animation San Francisco visit our Facebook Page at:
https://www.facebook.com/wiasf

and Twitter at:

https://twitter.com/WIASanFrancisco

Intern Fridays: Interview with Animator Lana Bachynski

Intern Friday features interviews with former Interns at animation, film, and video game studios. Today we bring you Lana Bachynski, Women in Animation San Francisco member and former Blizzard Intern. Enjoy and stay tuned for future Intern Friday Interviews!


What is your current job title and where do you work?
I am currently on the market! In the mean time I'm headed to Mumbai, India to teach at the American School of Bombay.

What does your job entail?
My [internship] required me to create character sets for in-game models, and high-res models in the 'eggroom' for the titles StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm as well as the yet-to-be-released Blizzard All-Stars. I was animating everything from bipeds to decapods on a weekly basis.

What inspired you to become an artist?
I suppose I've always been immersed in the culture. My parents are both triple threats of the stage and beyond (understatement of the year), and thus they were always teaching my siblings and I about art. That being said, I always thought I'd be a scientist. I loved technology! Computers, space, Chemistry, whatever - I was into it. Throw something under a microscope and I was endlessly entertained.
However, I never did have a chance to seriously pursue it, as I ended up attending Victoria Composite School for the Performing and Visual Arts. I studied instrumental music (orchestra, jazz), drama, musical theater, regular theater, and visual arts (painting/sketching). On a whim one year I signed up for a class called 'AGA' or "applied graphic arts. It was an introduction to photography (which I also pursued), web design (I dapple) and animation! While I still never heard the word "principles" until college, I fell in love with animating (in Cinema 4D), and the rest is history.

Where did you study?
I just graduated from the Academy of Art University here in the Bay Area with a BA in Creature and Character animation.

Why did you choose the studio to apply for the internship?
I've always been a fan of Blizzard Entertainment. I grew up on Warcraft, and played the hell out of Brood War. Still do! I think it's important to be working on something you care about.

What did you submit for your portfolio and how did you prepare for the submission?
I submitted my portfolio online. I didn't think much of it - you know, you press that "submit" button and it's your application is lost to cyberspace. I didn't know anyone who worked there or anything, so there was no internal connection to give me even unofficial updates -- or even confirmation that it even existed on their end!

When it came to prepping for the submission, I just did what I thought felt right. I put my best stuff in my reel - not just cycles and things (because it's a game, right?). I figured if they saw that I could animate something other than a cycle, they would know that I could do whatever they needed me to.

What do you believe separated you from others who were also applying for the internship?
My cover letter. I'm honest.

I don't like to be shy when it comes to those things. The way I figure, the recruiters have to sift through so many other candidates (after I got the job, I was told I beat 8,000 other applicants), they must read through so many long-form resumes. I refuse to fall into that niche. Even if I don't get the job, I like to think I made a recruiter think for a second (maybe even smile) and hopefully feel a little bit better about a tedious process.

Plus, like I said above, I didn't just put cycles in my reel. They probably see enough of that, too!

What was the interview process like for the internship?
First things first, I waited. After I applied, it took Blizzard 4 months to get back to me. I nearly forgot I had applied!

I received a "specially encoded" e-mail with instructions for completing an animation test. On a normal day it would have felt fairly stressful - but on this particular day, it was the first day of midterms, and the test told me that I had one week to rig the mesh they had sent me, then animate an idle with a look around, a run cycle, an attack, a death and something of my choice. I immediately e-mailed all of my teachers, told them I wasn't going to make it to class that week and started my test. I took about 1 day or so for 'rigging' and the rest of the week for animating. I also took the time to render everything with an occlusion pass, but I wouldn't recommend that as  I didn't end up turning in my test until two hours before the deadline.

From there, I got a call about three days later to schedule an interview. The interview was easy, it was supposed to be with several of the folks on the team, but it ended up being only with Allen Dilling (an amazing man who ended up being my manager). We laughed a lot. Well, I laughed a lot…I was pretty nervous.

Three days later, I got a call with an offer!

How did the internship prepare you for your current career?
Even though I was an intern I was never treated like an intern. Either emotionally, or with the actual work they gave me. While I was only there for three months, I feel as though it gave me a relatively deep understanding as to what some of the challenges and obstacles lie in wait for an animator, and how the workflow differs from that of a film animator.

Beyond anything else, though, it gave me confidence. I left feeling like I was truly a part of a team. I can really do this.

What is your opinion on paid versus unpaid internships?
No one should work for free.

Personal projects are one thing - if you have something in your heart or your brain or anywhere that you need to get out, and you want to do anything to get there - that's your own prerogative.
But if you're out there busting' your butt under the weight of $50,000 worth of student loans, I feel like it is an insult to an artist - and honestly as another working human being - to ask for work for free. We don't ask a maintenance person to clean up puke without payment simply because "I hear he or she is pretty good at making the floor smell pretty." Why should there be such an unrealistic double standard?

What advice do you have for aspiring artists who want to intern at a studio?
To quote a great, orange-haired giant: Work hard and be kind and amazing things will happen to you.

Thank you Lana for the interview! You can view more of Lana's animation work and her work with Tea Time Animation Club here:

http://bachynski.tumblr.com
www.teatimeanimation.com
@Latienie
@TeaTimeAnimates

And for more info on Women in Animation San Francisco visit our Facebook Page at:
https://www.facebook.com/wiasf

and Twitter at:

https://twitter.com/WIASanFrancisco

Intern Fridays: Interview with Animator Priscila Vertamatti

Intern Friday features interviews with former Interns at animation, film, and video game studios. Today we bring you Priscila Vertamatti, current Pixar Animator and former Pixar and Disney Intern. Enjoy and stay tuned for future Intern Friday Interviews!

What is your current job title and where do you work?

I'm currently an Animator at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, CA.


What does your job entail?

I animate production shots, that is, I give life - from acting to polishing - to characters in a Pixar movie.

What inspired you to become an artist in the first place?
I've always been drawing, ever since a little girl. A passion I could never really explain. I just love creating characters and stories, and bringing them to life. And of course, I've always loved Disney movies! 



Where did you study?

I attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA for my BFA in Character Animation.



Why did you choose to apply for the internship at Pixar Animation Studios?

I've actually only started doing (and liking) CG animation at AAU, before that I've always wanted to be a traditional animator. Pixar and Disney movies have always been my biggest inspirations, and uniting my unconditional love for animation, it was the moment I was waiting for my whole life.

The reason why I moved to the US was to seek unique opportunities like these. The previous year I had done the summer internship at Disney in Burbank, CA as a CG animator, to my surprise. As I was finishing school in 2012, I applied and got into the Pixar internship, it was a dream come true!



What did you submit for your portfolio and how did you prepare for the submission?

I prepared a demo reel with a variety of animation tests that could give others a good idea of my range of skills. I had both CG and Traditional shots, a dialog test, a quadruped, shots with my own characters and shots with Disney characters. For Disney I remember sending in some life drawings as well at the end of the demo reel, but for Pixar it was not necessary, as much of that knowledge can already show through one's animation. 



What do you believe separated you from others who were also applying for the internship?

I think it was my life-long passion for animation, which hopefully showed through my work. Having traditional shots in my reel also helped, I believe, since the CG animation market is so saturated nowadays. Additionally, I had work from my previous summer internship at Disney; all my other shots had characters of my own creation (for the CG rigs, I modified them to look as close as possible). I believe I had some pretty interesting ideas and I've also been told that I have very strong sense of appeal and design in my work.



What was the interview process like for the internship?

For Pixar, I never really went through a formal interview. The reason might be that they prefer to look at one's demo reel first, but also, having been in the Pixar class at AAU, I could have been recommended without even knowing it.



What department did you intern in and what specific tasks did you accomplish as an intern?

I did the Animation internship at Pixar. The goal was to animate a variety of test shots with Pixar characters, much as if you were creating a demo reel. We animated Luxo the lamp interacting with a ball, a Buzz Lightyear dialog, and other shots with characters from the latest Pixar movie, in our case, Brave. None of these shots were production-related, the internship really was about strengthening one's animating skills, learning the software, attending demos and lectures and having tons of fun!



How did the internship prepare you for your current career?

It prepared me in so many ways! It made me a better animator in the first place, learning from the mentors and fellow animators/interns. It also prepared me technically, after all, learning the software does make a difference; and it also prepared me emotionally, as I felt more confident as a professional, receiving both positive and constructive feedback on my work and personality. After the internship I started as a Crowds & Fix animator on Monsters University, moving up to animator recently this year after completing on the Pixar short Toy Story of Terror. I want to continue to grow inside the company, but will always remember where it all started!



What is your opinion on paid versus unpaid internships?

I think internships should always be paid. Many interns are already so skilled they could well be doing professional work, so really, it's just a position title. It's totally understandable not to have the same benefits as a full-time employee, but not be paid at all just sounds unethical to me. If you're going to "volunteer", might as well do it for a non-profit organization that truly needs your help.



What advice do you have for aspiring artists who want to intern and eventually work at a studio?
Work hard! Animate because you truly love it, and you will be happy anywhere. If you're looking to work in a studio, teamwork and disposition are essential, being talented is not enough. Always continue to study from life, draw a lot, both animals and people, attend lectures, look for and accept feedback, and just be honest with yourself. The time will come if you truly believe it!

Thank you Priscila for the interview! For more info on Women in Animation San Francisco visit our Facebook Page at:

https://www.facebook.com/wiasf

and Twitter at:

https://twitter.com/WIASanFrancisco

Intern Fridays: Interview with Animator Tyler Clapp

Intern Friday features interviews with former Interns at animation, film, and video game studios. Today we bring you Tyler Clapp, a former Intern for High Voltage Software. Enjoy and stay tuned for future Intern Friday Interviews! 

What is your current job title and where do you work?
Unemployed! I do have a little freelance coming in from PG&E, where I'm a computer graphics contractor. 


What does your job entail?  
It's 3D generalist work - I basically make computer graphics for clients, start to finish. I listen to what they want, come up with ideas and a general look for their approval, then create the animation / graphics.


What inspired you to become an artist?
Practicing something and getting paid for it - especially when it's something I'd want to do any way - has an irresistible appeal. 


Where did you study?
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I was a film major.


Why did you choose the studio to apply for the internship?
It was straightforward: location and, frankly, existence. I was outside of Chicago at the time, where studios are a little thin on the ground. It was one of the few places with opportunities for digital art / computer graphics work that offered internships.


What did you submit for your portfolio and how did you prepare for the submission?
Looking back, my portfolio submission to High Voltage was very broad. I put everything in there: illustration, 3D modeling, texturing, animation, life drawing, etc. Basically anything remotely 3D / art related I had done went in there. I would certainly not take that approach today.

As smorgasbord-like as it was, though, I made an effort to show only my best stuff in an attractive and coherent presentation. I think that helped.


What do you believe separated you from others who were also applying for the internship? 
I can't speak to what the other applicants looked like, but I can only guess that my professionalism and thorough portfolio sealed the deal.


What was the interview process like for the internship?
Friendly and informal. They reviewed my portfolio with me, but I got the impression I had the position before I walked into the room. They just wanted to meet me and make sure I didn't toss up any major red flags.


What department did you intern in and what specific tasks did you accomplish as an intern? 
The department didn't have a name, but it was quite varied. I catalogued, cut, and edited audio clips from voice actor sessions. I modeled environments - mainly cityscapes, and did some basic animation.


How did the internship prepare you for your current career?
Much of the work was the same, just on tighter deadlines. And while this is small I do think it's important: it made me much more familiar with using computers with networked version control. Simple file management became a lot more important.
 
What is your opinion on paid versus unpaid internships?
People should be paid for their work. Unpaid internships exacerbate already rampant inequality where those who can afford to work for free for months at a time get better connections and jobs than those who must support themselves.


What advice do you have for aspiring artists who want to intern at a studio?
It really helps to know someone. More than half of the people I know that got internships at reputable studios did so for two reasons: their work was fantastic, and they had a friend on the inside. The importance of that cannot be overstated. A network of friends and acquaintances is your best bet for getting good work.

Thank you Tyler for the interview! For more info on Women in Animation San Francisco visit our Facebook Page at:

https://www.facebook.com/wiasf

and Twitter at:

https://twitter.com/WIASanFrancisco