What is your name and your current occupation?Â
Alexandra Kube- currently unemployed/semi-self employedWhat are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
The craziest job was a cab driver in Hollywood back in the 70’s. I lasted all but a couple months.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
Definitely “Pinky and The Brain”. The show was cleaver and the staff were great people. That was my first job as an artist. Kinda like the love we hold for our first car… I’ll always look back on those years as the best and most sentimental.
How did you become interested in animation?
It started as a childhood fantasy, inspired by feature animation films.  As a child I would carry around my treasured books, endlessly looking at the Disney illustrations.
 Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
Born in Boston but spent most of my life in Southern California. Fate pointed me to my first animation studio when they moved into a building next to where I lived. Â I had been reading about the early days at Disney and working on my art degree at the same time. The industry kept me living in Los Angeles as long as there was work.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
In retrospect, I sat at an animation desk and drew objects all day. I was responsible for getting reference material for the props I needed to draw, which was not as easy as it is today. We had a library for material. The studios I worked in were always social places where we would just pop in on other artists when we needed to take a break. Working with such talented artists was an inspiration to my own creative process. I pinched myself occasionally just to verify that I wasn’t dreaming.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
I loved the people, the fact that I was drawing for a living. Once I was asked for my autograph when a stranger heard I was working on a popular show. I was proud to be part of the process on a show that people enjoyed.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
No employment security. It felt like I was always one foot in and one foot out.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
I’ve spent most of my animation career drawing props. Although my passion has always been background painting, I rarely had the opportunity to apply my skills in that area. Traditional painting jobs were hard to come by and even harder now.What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
I would imagine these days it’s working with a tablet and working in Adobe, but it’s been so long since I’ve worked in house, I couldn’t tell you for sure. I used a pencil/ pen and paper.In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
Too many to mention. I have my heros and am happy to say that the best ones are the most humble.Describe a tough situation you had in life.Â
Seriously, you don’t get to be my age and not have a significant collection of tough experiences. I’d say one of the biggest heartbreakers was falling out of the industry. Right up there with loosing family. But, on the lighter side, I paint more.
Any side projects or you’re working on or hobbies you’d like to share details of?
Painting in oils, Landscapes and some abstracts. I love the process, and am enjoying the results more and more. I’d love to illustrate a book someday. With the technology being so accessible and more user friendly, maybe it’ll be an animated short just for the heck of it. I have plenty of ideas.Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
I became a certified massage therapist after my last in house animation gig. I did have a salad dressing business for a few years. I had my own product in natural food markets for a little while. I also realized I’m a good organizer of events. Hmmm, still looking for that one thing to pay the bills and make me smile at the same time.Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Learn, stay on top of your game, and maintain a good sense of humor.
