I worked as a bartender in a club in San Francisco, and let us just say you see some interesting and… disgusting things working at a club. Such as vomit, sex, and… lots of drugs.

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I am currently finishing up a short film by the name of “geezers of Fire,” soon to be released to the public. A project I worked on with a few close friends from school. I also just finished up some freelance work on a short film that I feel I did some good animation on and will be released soon as well.

Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I grew up in a small town, just outside of Philadelphia PA. I always loved Cartoons and drawing, growing up with shows such as Ren & Stimpy, the Simpsons, sponge bob square pants etc  I wanted to do something like that for a living, having been in the restaurant industry since the age of 14. I had no desire to work in the hospitality industry for the rest of my life, so I flew across the country to San Francisco to attend Academy of Art University. Turns out I had a knack for 2d animation and I’ve been studying and honing my skills ever since. Unfortunately I have yet to land a studio job, but have been bar tending and doing freelance since I graduated AAU in 2012 .

I spend most of my time animating on personal project and what is left of my time is spent looking for work.

 

I love drawing.

What part of your job do you like least? Why?
Dealing with clients. Most people have absolutely no clue what animation IS or let alone what it involves, and they don’t care to know or understand it. It’s very frustrating, especially when these types of people want more, but pay less or nothing at all for hard work.

What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis, how has technology changed in the last few years in your field and how has that impacted you in your job
I work mainly on an intous 3 wacom tablet with software such as ToonBoom Harmony, Photoshop, and After Effects. I feel that programs such as ToonBoom have really lent 2D a leg up in the industry, and proved that 2D animation is Alive and well. Such programs also really speed up the animation process and all animation aspects including ink and paint which can all be done in one program.

What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
Breaking into it! Haha. I think the most difficult part about the industry is trying to make money and retain a bit of artistic integrity at the same time. The market is far too over saturated with crappy animation.

In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
I had the chance to personally meet glen Keane at Disney during an art school outreach program. He gave a lecture, and did some drawings. When He left the conference hall I debated whether to follow right after him, after all, I did need to use the restroom. So I did. He was a super nice guy, and addressed me by my first name which was confusing since I had not introduced myself quite yet. He pointed to my name tag, I felt stupid and laughed as did he. I am glad I got the chance to meet him before he left Disney. ALSO my great uncle, Herbert Johnson apparently worked as an animator on “Snow White” for Disney. As well as “Here Comes the Grump,” and, “the nine lives of fritz the cat.”

Describe a tough situation you had in life.
I feel there are a lot more people out there that have had it way tougher than me. I am grateful for the life I have and the people in it. I’m definitely not rich, and I’m not necessarily poor. I just hope there’s no curve balls headed my way J

Describe a tough situation you had in life.
My short Film “Geezers of Fire” is in post-production, and will be released to the public very soon.

Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
I can do a bit of flair bartending.

Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business? Got any leads? haha

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