Scott Thomas, I am currently completing school at Full Sail University, I just finished an internship with Full Sails Hard Surface Modeling Department, now I am freelancing as an animator, modeler and designer.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
Night Club Manager at a 40,000 square foot multi level club, this job allowed me to have a lot of fun and see some of the craziest things.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
St. Baldrick’s fundraisers for Children’s Cancer Awareness.
How did you become interested in animation?
After visiting Disney Studios as a small child I always dreamt of being one of the guys behind that glass wall making magic happen.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
Born in West Virginia, I was moved to North Carolina at 11. After many life-changing events took place, I decided at that point it was time for MY dreams to finally start coming true which lead to my enrollment in Full Sail’s Computer Animation Program
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
Chasing the dream and hunting down work!
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
The hours and the freedom, it is truly nice to not have to wake up at 530 in the morning to have to go to work.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
Chasing down work can get tiring and even discouraging at times, perseverance pays off though!!!
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
Maya, Photoshop, Final Cut Studios (maybe not daily, but often enough)
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
Breaking in with a studio.
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
After enrolling in school I became a single father of two beautiful children. Completing school, work and raising two kids alone has been a challenge that has allowed me to grow as in individual. It has also proven to me that anything is possible as long as you dedicate your mind to it.
Any side projects or you’re working on or hobbies you’d like to share details of?
Wish I could but those darn NDA’s get in the way from time to time.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
Making bacon from scratch, starting with that good ol pork belly and smoking that sucker up to a tasty goodness that melts in your mouth.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
The only advice I can give on this is the same advice that I have to follow myself as I am still trying to break in. Perseverance, and a polished demo reel is the biggest thing I hear. Keep working towards your dream and have faith in your talents. No one likes to hear the words “work for free†but if you have an opportunity to do some quality work to get more exposure, I don’t consider that a freebie. They may have not paid you monetarily, however you paid yourself a great amount by having more connections, completed work and possibly even some credits on game or film.
