Friday, December 12, 2008

HEY YOU JUST-OUT-OF-SCHOOLERS!

I know that most of you think that I was born into the animation industry- appointed to my lofty position through a combination of good looks, family fortune and crass nepotism. But nothing could be further from the truth! I mean, nepotism? I'd NEVER do that with a chicken! And there certainly wasn't (isn't) no family fortune!

But yes, I must admit my dashing good looks probably helped a bit.

Regardless, I know how you folks coming out of school feel, desperately looking for your first animation job, paid or not. I was there, too.

Exhibit A: This letter, a reply to one of the many I sent to assorted animation luminaries, asking, begging, pleading, crying, whining, for any kind of advice on how to get into this industry!

This one here was from David Ehrlich, an indy animation star and ASIFA legend. Turns out he was in the same same leaky boat as all of us:



So for all of you asking how to get that first job...

I'm sorry you can't be as handsomarrific as me.

But keep at it.

If it's what you really want and you work hard at getting it, something's bound to happen.

4 comments:

Tanya said...

Heh, thanks for making this sort of post. I always appreciate it when people in the industry are willing to give advice to students just starting out. I haven't even made it to the school yet, but I will keep "Exhibit A" in mind for the future. :)

Anonymous said...

I think your advice at keeping at it is something that can be applied most anywhere. I want to be an actor someday, and I know I'm gonna have to get rejected lots of times before I get anywhere. (However, I, like you, have been blessed with good looks. :D)

Christine Y. Chong said...

nice to read that letter, it seems time hasn't changed that much.

nothanks said...

Hey,thanks for the advice.Someday,I want to go into the world of animation,which is a loooong way away.I'll keep the advice in mind.