What is your name and your current occupation?
Hi! My name is Valentina Tatti and currently I’m working in a cinema set near Florence.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
In 2014 I’ve graduated in Animation 2d&3D and now I’M ending the specialization in Film Directing. Thanks to this, I’ve begun to work for film in live action, even if my destination is the Animation. The craziest experience that I’ve had has been when I worked as an character animator for a fiction. I’ve worked very hard for months and they disappeared without paying myself and taking possession of the rights of my jobs. I wanted to strangle everybody.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
All the projects to which I’ve been able to work make me proud. Do what I love is the most beautiful thing that can happen to me. That I’m to animate a character or to draw the cover of a book.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I was born in Prato,Tuscany . My parents always took me to the cinema and I fell in love of ” The Lion King” . When I was 3 years I decided I had to do the cartoons to make happy all the children of the world. I studied in the major Arts Academies of Florence . I worked hard to pay for the studies , my mother didn’t approve, but I did the same and I’m slowly getting my rewards.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
Working on a movie set, the days are rigidly structured. I spend a lot of time in an office with four colleagues and we create concept and storyboard. Sometimes I work in the department of graphics and animation for spots, broadcasts or advertising,depends how much work is commissioned to executives of the set. I don’t like to have a steady job, I’m happy to do more things in the same day.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
The part of my job that I love is the work itself. I’m still doing the specific job of my dreams, but being able to work in film for me is the most beautiful thing.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
The only thing I do not like is that, in Italy, the animation isn’t considered as it deserves. Here to be considered you have to be recommended. For the rest, there is nothing that I don’t love my job.
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?
Generally I work with computer , tablet and camera . I use Autodesk and Adobe software, that are always updated with new versions . For me it’s a fortune that technology always go forward because she allow to us to do better . Of course , nothing ever will beat the pen and paper , but also the excitement of trying a Cintiq is immeasurable. I always hoped in the glory of Animation 2D , but the strength of the 3D is impressive. Even the Cinema in live action has changed a lot, for many years I tried to stay conservative, but in the end, the innovations will necessarily changed .
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
Probably if I were born in another part of the world, I would have less difficulty to show my work and to reach new places. A year ago an animator called me for a project of character design from Russia, didn’t want to work to mail and asked me if I could relocate them two months to be present in his study, unfortunately there isn’t much work in Italy , so I didn’t have the money to go . Often Internet helps , but often not enough to just that.
If you could change the way the business works and is run how would you do it?
I would give always to everyone the opportunity to try. Often many people are not considered because they are too young, too inexperienced, or too old , etc. etc.. I had the pleasure of being taught by great artists such as Mike Wiesmeier , JP Vine , Bobby Chiu and Kei Acedera , Stephen Silver, Tom Bancroft, Takashi Namiki , Alex Orrelle and many others , and they all taught me something fundamental : the humility and the joy of sharing a passion. That guy that you think is worth nothing, maybe one day become an important person. So, the only thing I would change in the animation business is the opportunity. Then if one is not brought for the animation, realize it alone.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to travel far from italy to follow my passion for animation. The great masters of animation I’ve been able to meet in the academy where I studied, thanks to the passion of the professors who invited them to Florence to teach students .
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
I’ve a beautiful family. I’ve two sisters and three brothers and I’m the eldest. Unfortunately, two of them are sick , but I love them all . My mother is the most amazing woman I know, she taught me that life is not easy and things are conquered. My father has always been a super hero to me. He was to send me a passion for animation through Marvel Comics and Japanese anime. A few months ago I started to live with my boyfriend and we decided to get married in 2019.
Any side projects you’re working on that you’d like to share details of?
With some friends I founded a self-produced film production, we make short films, commercials, we participate in competitions and try to win them. In my new home I was able to create a study and we use it as the seat of our production. We call it ” Moka film Production”.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
I touch my nose with my tongue! I’ve a collection of glass jars and I can talk to the dogs.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Try always, and not waste even the smallest chance. Better to cry for having tried and failed!
