What is your name and your current occupation?
Freelance animator currently working on a creature comfort esq animation for a zoo charity.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
odeon cinema where I was head of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
My final major project at Uni called the money tree, it turned out just the way I wanted and I got top marks along with my team.
How did you become interested in animation?
Watching the re runs of Oliver Postgate’s The Clangers, Bagpuss, The Herbs and also watching Wallace and Gromit.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
Originally from london England and I studied Stop motion animation and puppet making at Staffordshire University and its taken off from there.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
awesome, I love getting my hands on things, but the stress starts if I am dealing with computers during filming or post.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
Seeing my drawings and ideas come to life. It fills me with a real sense of accomplishment.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
dealing with computer/tech errors, they just slow everything down!
And working with people who arent pulling their weight but getting all the credit for others work. Its so frustrating.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
Finding work that pays, right now its all charity work, which is fun, but doesnt feed.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
Stop motion pro 7.5 and final cut pro.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
YES! I have worked side by side with the amazing Barry Purves! who was also at my graduation being awarded an honoury doctorate at the same time.
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
Leaving uni, the uncertanty of finding money and jobs, and having to move in with my partners parents because we had no where else to go.
Any side projects or you’re working on or hobbies you’d like to share details of?
I’ve just seen an Illustration competition advertised for a childrens book, I thought I’d give it a go. I like entering comps, animation or otherwise for good experience of deadlines and hopefully prizes!
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
ha ha ha not that I can think of.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Keep a blog about any projects your working on, student or other. Enter competitions you might win prizes or money! Email Barry Purves Via his website and he will always reply with good advice. (or add him on facebook)
http://www.mayjaysmoneytree.
http://www.vimeo.com/
