Sandra Loke

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What is your name and your current occupation?
My name is Sandra Loke and I’m currently working as a freelance Layout Artist and Background Painter at Chuck Gammage Animation.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation? 
Haha Well, I used to work at a Golf Course doing maintenance. I got to cut grass on some crazy machines. I also had to watch out for golfers cause some of them liked to aim at you!
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of? 
The first thing I got to work on was a DC Nation’s short. I remember when I was in my interview they were like “so can you do layouts?” and I said yes. Then they were like “well you get to do Batman.” It was totally a dream come true. The little girl inside my head was like OMG BATMAN YAY!!!
How did you become interested in animation?
When I was five years old my cousin was marrying a guy who was working at Warner Bros on Tiny Toons and is still at Warner Bros today. I would ask him to draw me pictures of Tiny Toons characters and then I asked him to draw me Batman. Ever since then I was always drawing and I just knew when I got older that animation was the career for me 🙂
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I was born and raised in Canada. I got into the Animation program at Sheridan College after completing their Art Fundamentals program. I was working really hard to get into animation and was super excited when I got the accepted. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else now.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
I usually wake up early in the morning and start doing some stretches and exercise. It helps me feel more energized for work.  After that I put on the headphones and get to drawing.  I like to research things and then it’s draw, draw, draw. Usually meet up with my supervisor to show how things are going. It’s a pretty relaxed work environment.
What part of your job do you like best? Why? 
I really like the fact that there are so many amazing projects going on. I get excited when I get to start something new and see it through to the end.  Recently, I got to work on storyboards for a MAD TV parody of Mythbusters that has now aired. It was super cool to see what the projected looked like in the end.
What part of your job do you like least? Why? 
The thing I like least about my job is that sometimes, being in a small studio and being freelance, there are months where you don’t get any work.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
At work I draw and paint using a Cintiq. At home I have a large Wacom tablet. There are pros and cons to both. The one thing that bugged me about the Cintiq was the glare I got on the screen. I tried everything, but nothing helps when you have a light directly above you.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
I would have to say the job security. It’s very hard to find a full time position. Most of the jobs seem to be short term contracts.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
Yes. I’ve met many amazing people at conventions 🙂
Describe a tough situation you had in life. 
Well as an artist you always question yourself if you’re good enough. It can be a good thing and a bad thing. In my case I find that it’s a good motion for me to strive to do better. I just keep pushing myself to that next level.
Any side projects or you’re working on that you’d like to share details of?
In my spare time I generally like to sketch and work on personal pieces. Need to keep on drawing 🙂
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
Hahaha I actually can tie a cheery stem with my tongue.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business? 
You’ve got to love what you do. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s so rewarding in the end. Just keep drawing and don’t give up!

 

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  1. Pingback: from the internets: Sandra Loke on Animation Insider | Canadian Animation Resources

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