Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Animator's Blueprint, where we delve into the captivating world of animation and uncover the secrets behind the scenes. I'm your host, Emily Knight, and today, we have the privilege of sitting down with Jay Jackson, a seasoned animator with a wealth of experience and wisdom to share.

Jay's journey into animation began with a humble start in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he embarked on his creative path. His passion for animation was ignited during his time at the Kansas City Art Institute, where he delved into the world of animated filmmaking, inspired by the legendary Preston Blair book.

Despite facing initial rejection, Jay's perseverance and dedication paid off when he landed a coveted opportunity at the Walt Disney Studio, where he honed his skills under the guidance of mentor Eric Larson. From there, Jay's illustrious career led him to work on iconic projects such as "The Little Mermaid" and "Tarzan," where he brought beloved characters to life with his unique flair and creativity.

In our candid conversation, Jay shares invaluable insights into the evolution of animation from the traditional hand-drawn era to the digital age. He reflects on the challenges and joys of working in both 2D and 3D animation, highlighting the importance of storytelling and character development in creating memorable animations.

One of Jay's standout experiences was working on "The Simpsons Movie," where he navigated the dynamic world of comedy and improvisation, constantly adapting to script revisions and comedic timing. His dedication to his craft shines through as he recounts the intricate process of animating musical sequences and bringing characters to life with nuanced expressions and gestures.

Throughout the interview, Jay emphasizes the importance of observation, planning, and collaboration in the animation process. He shares invaluable advice for aspiring animators, encouraging them to study life, practice figure drawing, and embrace the art of storytelling.

As our conversation comes to a close, Jay leaves us with his best piece of advice for budding animators: observe life, practice figure drawing, and always plan before you animate. His words resonate with aspiring animators and seasoned professionals alike, serving as a guiding light in their creative journey.

Join us in extending our gratitude to Animation Mentor for sponsoring this episode. Visit animationmentor.com/podcast to download a complimentary animation ebook as our gift to you.

Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of the Animator's Blueprint. Stay creative, keep animating your world, and we'll see you in the next episode.

In this captivating installment of 'Animator's Blueprint', host Emily Knight chats with dynamic animator Zachary Rahman, who's worked on acclaimed movies like 'Encanto' and is now mentoring students at the prestigious Animation Mentor.

Discover Zachary's inspiring journey from skipping homework to animate cartoons at 13 to becoming a professional after college and realizing he still needed to hone his craft, leading him to enroll at Animation Mentor himself.

Gain priceless tips as he breaks down vital strategies like constantly applying for jobs, coping with rejection, and how to take your skills to the next level.

Zach also recounts his unbelievable experience working at Walt Disney Animation Studios, where despite achieving his dream job, he found himself learning so much from industry veterans about the art form on an assignment animating charming rats.

Let Zachary's infectious passion, humility, and wisdom guide you as he shares the best piece of advice for animators - never stop creating art, learning new techniques, and seeking constructive feedback!

Whether you're a student, a professional animator, or simply an enthusiast of the animated world, this podcast is your gateway to behind-the-scenes insights and inspiring stories from top animation studios. Get ready for a journey filled with career-changing advice, creative inspiration, and a unique look into the world of animation!

Join host Emily Knight for a fascinating conversation with veteran animator Arslan Elver, who takes us on an against-all-odds journey into the animation industry. From teaching himself animation on old software to facing years of rejections, Arslan persevered with relentless passion.

Gain priceless insights as Arslan breaks down the ingredients for a standout demo reel, the importance of constantly improving your craft, and key factors like observation, acting choices, and understanding mechanics that make animation truly captivating.

Learn how he developed his signature animation style through both 2D and 3D animation across films, games, and more.

With a career spanning major studios like ILM, Pixar, and Framestore, Arslan also stresses the value of on-the-job learning. His incredible stories from projects like Guardians of the Galaxy and Christopher Robin illustrate how animators overcome limitations with creativity.

Let Arslan's infectious enthusiasm re-energize your drive.

Whether you're a student, a professional animator, or simply an enthusiast of the animated world, this podcast is your gateway to behind-the-scenes insights and inspiring stories from top animation studios. Get ready for a journey filled with career-changing advice, creative inspiration, and a unique look into the world of animation!

Join Emily Knight for an illuminating conversation with Ere Santos, a talented animator making waves at Disney Animation Studios.

In this episode of Animator's Blueprint, Ere shares the captivating story of his animation journey - from teaching himself as a determined teenager to landing coveted internships at Pixar and Sony, and eventually securing a role at the prestigious Disney studios.

Gain priceless insights as Ere discusses the keys to mastering animation fundamentals, putting together a standout demo reel, getting your foot in the industry's door, and continuing to evolve as an animator. Learn how he overcame constant rejection and self-doubt through perseverance and continuously improving his craft.

Whether you're an aspiring or experienced animator, Ere's words of wisdom and contagious passion for the art form will inspire you to keep growing, stay resilient, and above all - keep animating your world! Tune in now to embark on this motivational expedition.

Whether you're a student, a professional animator, or simply an enthusiast of the animated world, this podcast is your gateway to behind-the-scenes insights and inspiring stories from top animation studios. Get ready for a journey filled with career-changing advice, creative inspiration, and a unique look into the world of animation!

In this episode, Join host Emily Knight for an engaging episode of the Animator's Blueprint, where we delve into the mesmerizing world of animation through the eyes of industry veteran Rich Fournier. With a rich tapestry of experiences spanning decades in animation, Rich brings a treasure trove of insights and stories that are sure to inspire both newcomers and seasoned professionals alike.

In this episode, we explore Rich's remarkable journey from his early days in animation to his influential role in shaping some of the most beloved animated works of our time. Rich shares his unique perspective on the evolution of animation techniques, from traditional hand-drawn to cutting-edge digital, and offers a rare glimpse into the creative processes behind iconic animations.

Listeners will be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of a career in animation, the importance of storytelling in bringing characters to life, and the future of animation in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Whether you're an aspiring animator, a professional in the field, or simply an enthusiast of captivating animated stories, this episode is your portal to the heart of animation. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the art and soul of animation with Rich Fournier, and let's continue to animate our world together!

Stay tuned for more episodes of Animator's Blueprint, where we uncover the magic behind the screens.

Join host Emily Knight on a captivating journey inside the animation world with Animator's Blueprint. In this episode, we dive deep into an insightful conversation with DreamWorks Senior Animator Robyne Powell. As Emily's mentor and a veteran in the industry, Robyne shares her wealth of knowledge, experiences, and invaluable advice for both aspiring and established animators.