What is your name and your current occupation?
Andrew Martin, 3D Artist and Animator.
I have just completed the first part of my short film called ‘Hola’ which is very special to me. The concept, characters, design and animation are all my own work created over the last year. I collaborated with my friend’s band ‘Dusty Plankton’ on the sound track; I’m really proud of how it’s turned out. The whole process was a great learning curve. Â I also created and animated the Mascot for the Isle of Man Commonwealth Youth Games 2011; I was born on the Isle of Man so I was very proud to be asked to design the Manx Symbol for the International Games.
How did you become interested in animation?Ever since I was a child I’ve been obsessed with animation. I’ve always draw my own characters, cartoons and creatures ever since I can remember, probably about 4 years old. I was fascinated by creators such as Ray Harry Hausen with Clash of the Titans; Cosgrove Hall with Danger Mouse and Richard Williams from Who Framed Robert Rabbit during my childhood. As time went on, I was also inspired by Nick Park, Pixar and Studio Ghibli and really began developing my art and exploring animation as a career.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
Character design and development; taking an idea in my head, working, creating, developing; putting hours into every detail and bringing that idea to life.
When my computer crashes.What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
It’s all computer animation and the software I use is Maya Unlimited and Adobe Creative Suite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxQROkyDKSk
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
For me, there is no difficult part. I love what I do. It’s like my hobby and passion, but it’s also my job. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
I worked with Adrian Bell who worked at Cosgrove Hall; they made Dangerous Mouse and Count Duckula who were a massive part of my childhood, so I was quite in awe. Otherwise, I haven’t had the pleasure yet of working along side ‘animation greatness or fame’, but I have worked with some superb artists from the UK and Europe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIIQK8Y0hi8
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
Finding my feet in London, working hard to get the animation opportunities that I did. Looking back, it was pretty tough to get my foot through the door; at the time I was very inexperienced, but my perseverance paid off.
Any side projects or you’re working on or hobbies you’d like to share details of?
Working on the continued development of my short film ‘Hola’.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
My girlfriend says that after 3 bottles of beer I have a style of dancing that is remarkably similar to Rhianna.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
The harder you work, the luckier you will get.
