Amber Hollinger

What is your name and your current occupation? 
Amber Hollinger…storyboard artist for Warner Bros. and Moonscoop
 
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
Cleaned offices, taught aerobics, waitress, summer camp counselor, playing piano as background dinner music at a retirement home…
 
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
Tigger Movie, Lion King sequel, Weekenders, and Lilo & Stitch sequel 
 
How did you become interested in animation?
 I could draw since I could pick up a pencil, but it wasn’t till the Little Mermaid came out that I knew I wanted to get into animation.
 
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I’m from San Luis Obispo, Ca. and attended CalArts in Valencia, Ca. I only went to school a year and then hit the pavement with my portfolio till I found someone to hire me. 
 
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
It’s much different that it used to be… I’m a stay-at-home mom and freelance from my house…after I finish mommy duties and my kids go to bed I start my boards and now it’s on the computer instead of pen & paper. 
 
What part of your job do you like best?
Creating something from nothing…setting up scenes…I like the film aspect just as much as the drawing….oh…and it doesn’t hurt that I can be in my sweats (it’s cool for artists to be grundgy, right?)  
 
What part of your job do you like least?
The sitting…it’s such a sedentary job…it requires much more gym time to fend off the fat-ass syndrome. 
 
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
The instability…a movie or TV series ends and you’re left wondering where the next paycheck will come…or if it will come. 
 
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
 Now it’s with a cintiq tablet
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
Too many to name… I’ve worked with and met so many amazing people with talents that just blow my mind…plus I’d feel horrible to leave anyone out that deserved the nod. 🙂
 
Describe a tough situation you had in life. Any side projects you’re working on you’d like to share details of?
A tough choice for me was to take 7 years off from the business to concentrate on my kids and family…so hard to leave something I really loved and was such a big part of who I am as a person…and even harder to get back into after being away…but well worth it. I’m glad I took time for my kids and I’m glad to be back at it. JAt the moment I don’t have time for side projects…unless you count finger-painting, baseball practice, tennis practice, cheer practice, and reading children’s books aloud… 
 
 
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business? 
  Keep drawing—keep learning…and keep knocking on doors. Behave yourself and be nice to people…the friends you make are not only going to be wonderful relationships in your life, but a rewarding source for future endeavors.  Seacrest out!