Animation Tutoring

As my wedding is now out of the way now, I've been able to find the time to jump back onto the bloggy wagon. I thought I'd tell you about something I briefly mentioned in a previous post... I've been working with my very first animation tutor, Alex Williams, with his online school, Animation Apprentice.

For a couple of years now, I've been working with him to create the school's newsletters and update our twitter account with the latest news and updates from Alex, but more recently I've joined the school as an online tutor too.

When Alex approached me to help him in the Facebook classrooms, I wasn't sure if I was ready. Had I been animating long enough to help others? After I thought about it, and taking Alex's own advice into consideration*, I took the opportunity. What the heck! I know the animation fundamentals, so let's see how it goes (...it was also really lovely to have a fellow professional and someone I look up to, believe in me so much to invite me into their business).

I was surprised at how easily I was able to offer insight. I could spot improvements in the work of the students quite easily. It's really rewarding too; being able to offer suggestions and support on other people's shots. I feel like my eye is developing an extra level of critique, which can only be a good thing to help me if ever I become a Lead Animator, or Senior within a team. It can be challenging when you see someone's shot, and you know it's not very good, to deliver the feedback in a caring and supportive way to help them, and not make them feel belittled or foolish. I feel I'm pretty good at that, but you never know, some of the students might disagree...?!

If you're keen to learn animation, come aboard. It's where I started, so who knows where you might end up.

Cheers
Marc x


*Something along the lines of: "Take every opportunity that comes your way"

The Crippling Self-Doubt of an Artist...and Overcoming it

It can be hard, finding your way as an artist. One door closes, and you wait for the other to open. Whilst you wait, you're in that strange void-like, uncomfortable space. It's up to you to maintain your talent and artistic spirit by creating more work, and keeping yourself sharp for your next job.

Whilst putting together final plans for my wedding (8 weeks...stop-bloody-counting-the-weeks), I'm taking a breath to reflect on the work I've done so far in my animation career, and look to the advice from my teachers, seniors and peers.

My first animation tutor, Alex Williams, always said to us that we need to have skin like a rhino. Being an animator, is like being an actor. You'll get rejection, for many different reasons, but the most important thing is that you pick yourself up and keep going. You need thick skin.

Just to remind myself, here are some lovely blog posts, he has written about me:

The Animation Student Who Created His Own Job in The Theatre

Marc Godfrey Animator at Blue Zoo

Marc Godfrey Takes the Magic of Disney Animation Tour at Disney World

I must be making an impact with Alex, has he has asked me to help him with support for the new students at Animation Apprentice, with feedback to help improve their shots... Marc Godfrey Joins Animation Apprentice! (All that aside, it's nice isn't it, to reflect on successes... Y'know, instead of listening to that voice in your head, trying to convince you, you suck!)

Alex also wrote this about me, on a different blog. It's funny to scroll to the bottom, and to read, and take in my own advice... Escapee Success Stories - Blue Zoo Animator Marc Godfrey

I've also looked at a couple of Recommendations I've received on Linkedin, from some past Directors. Ahhh.

So, whilst I feel renewed, confident and ready to approach all challenges coming my way, I'm going to get on with a freelance logo design project (which I've nearly finished, I'll write a blog about it soon). As well as designing more stationary and order of service handouts for our big day.  

Remember - be a rhino!

Love Marc x