What is your name and your current occupation?
Freelance Flash Artist / Animator.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
I was a simultaneously a corporate mascot and an actuary. Â I mean, I didn’t sit at a desk in the mascot gear while crunching numbers, but I would periodically leave the desk, don the apparel, entertain people with my corporate mascot-y antics, then take off the costume and go back to the desk.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
How did you become interested in animation? I’ve been a cartoon nut ever since I was a little kid.  When I was young I wanted to make video games as well.  It’s pretty much been in my blood since I was little.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I grew up in Memphis, TN, and though I wanted to do fun things as a kid, eventually I cracked and joined the branch of society that says you have to get a “real job.” Â After a few years of doing the real jobs, I realized that being happy was more important than fitting in a particular mold society has for you, so I jumped ship and went back to school to be an artist.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
Since I work on freelance projects and have difficulty saying no, I tend to work every day at least a little. Â I’m a night owl, so most of my work gets done in the wee hours of the night, which I can only pull off because I freelance. Â Everyone likes to come to their email in the morning and see that I’ve littered it with updates.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
The hours and the flexibility to change projects often.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
There’s never a “quitting time.” Â I’ve been told that I have to make there be a “quitting time,” but I’ve found that every time I set that time, stuff happens that makes me have to extend it or change it or ignore it.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
Planning out the next project before the current one is finished. Â It’s easy to look for work when you have no work, but really tough to do so when you’re already booked.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
I use Adobe Flash, Illustrator, and Photoshop extensively.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
Sadly, no. -_-
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
I am an awesome baker. Â All of my friends rely on me to make the most delicious and interesting treats, then they all come over to my place to try them.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Though it’s tough to do, try to pick something early in your path that you’re good at and enjoy doing. Â Usually you’ll know it’s the right choice if it’s what you’re willing to do when you have nothing better to do. Â But on the other side of the coin, if that choice STOPS being one you enjoy, always have the courage to change your own destiny.
