What is your name and your current occupation?
Hi, my name’s Erin Hunting and I’m currently a freelance illustrator.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
Nothing too crazy or exciting to pass on I’m afraid. I have read people’s tarot cards in the past though.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I’ve always enjoyed drawing up character designs and one of my favourite jobs was one I did for EatYourLunch.com where I was given alot of freedom to discover the characters, both in their physical design & how their personalities reflected that. Designing some vinyl toys for a fast food franchise some years ago was super fun too.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I’m from Melbourne, Australia and it’s been a slow journey going freelance after studying fine art for a number of years where I found drawing in my sketchbook more enjoyable than painting with oils.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
I wake up, check my emails and see what job is more pressing and after going through the other mundane activities like showering, breakfast etc, I’ll start work by drawing on paper usually and then progress to working in Photoshop for the rest of the day. I make sure I take plenty of breaks away from the computer through the day and my cat Louis makes sure of that too as he’s permanently on playtime.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
I like the freedom that can come with creativity as well as landing exciting new projects where you feel like you’re learning and jumping over creative hurdles all at the same time. It can be an exciting combination. I also just enjoy plain old drawing-boring but true : )
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
At times there is work that feel tedious and it feels as if you’ve done it before, but luckily that doesn’t happen too often. Working from home alone you can have moments of feeling isolated too.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis, how has technology changed in the last few years in your field and how has that impacted you in your job?
I work on a computer most days & mainly within the program Adobe Photoshop. Since I’ve been a freelance illustrator a computer’s been part of my day to day life but I imagine people have been freelancing for a few decades the changes and impact in their lives would be huge. Obviously personally, there’s always a new program to learn and another technique to master-it seems as if you can never learn enough and when you think you are finally grasping something, there is yet something else that comes up that you need to learn. I imagine this will continue to happen even more so in the years to come.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
I think the general competitiveness as there are so many great illustrators and animators out there and only so much work that it’s hard to stand out at times. Â The other part is the general isolation. I can’t imagine what it would have been like before the internet, and while it’s not ideal, the social interaction you get through the day with that, can help with the general loneliness that can happen when you’re working on your own.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
I met Jim Woodring a few years ago and he was a lovely guy who was very generous with his time. The ultimate for me would be to meet Robert Crumb, though I doubt that day may ever happen (one can hope, pray and wish though!)
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
I think living day to day can be tough for us all at one time or another. The important thing is to just keep trying and try not to let the negative stuff get you down too much.
Any side projects you’re working on that you’d like to share details of?
I’m planning on drawing some comics this year and perhaps releasing some sketchbooks of new and unseen drawings and sketches too.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
I am right handed but eat left handed-is that a talent? My sister does it too-so maybe it’s just genes! : )
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Just to keep drawing and animating as much as you can-also trying different mediums can help you expand your abilities and you may surprise yourself and find you may enjoy sculpting or something like that! I also think having traditional skills and life drawing behind you is important. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, keep trying & best of luck!
