What is your name and your current occupation?
My name is Margaux Zinsner, i am a Concept artist and a 2D animator. I have just finished my work as a freelance Concept artist for Cabin Fever Animation LTD, UK. This Studio is a new super studio oppened by Scott PLeydel-pearce few months ago! i was working on a feature film project, and now i’m looking for new exciting ones.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
In the summer 2007, i came with my sister to London, meeting up my two brothers who live there. We found a job as event waitress. but what was funny is that we did that in the Zoo of London (Camden town)!! You know, in this zoo there is some places, reception room, where people could make reception, cocktails, weddings, barmitsva…in the same time they could enjoy gorilla, bears, varan… So our work was really cool, at the morning we said hello to the penguins, midday we serve dishes in front of bears, and evening we passed through people with champagne flute in the gorilla kingdom…that was surprising!!
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I’ve just graduated in June 2011, so i’m a beginner in this industry. It’s a little bit difficult to know what you could be proud of. I need some more experiences. Nevertheless i’m really proud of my last job. Making concept art to develop a feature film is what i always wanted to do. So i’m more than glad, and hope i’ll participate to a lot of projects like this. But you know i’m just at the beginning, so sure, there will be a lot more!! 🙂
How did you become interested in animation?
Not really original! when i was a kid, i used to see a lot of animation films, above all disney’s movies. But what surprises my parents was that i did that really oftenly. I mean i saw it again and again and again. In my room watching these films, i was the most happy child. I supposed that’s how i began to be addictive to animation. But you know, i wasn’t this kind of artist that have drawn since they were born. I’ve done my school years, without necessarily thinking of drawing, and knowing what i’ll do after. Finally when i was around 14 i had this kind of revelation, just entirely get conscious what animation can do and what it can make people feel, and really since this day i knew that i will be a part of it, and i’ll do everything for.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I’m from Grenoble, France. In high school i had a scientific education and didn’t draw more, but at the end of this, i decided to integrate an art school. So i studied traditional drawing, and during these 4 years at Emile Cohl school ( Lyon, France) i specialised in animation. That gave me great tips to get into animation business. After that, it’s internships, first professional experiences, and people you meet, that immerse you in this industry.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
It really depends on what i’m working on. My days, my weeks are always different. During the last five weeks, i was working at home, doing some concept art while i was”skyping”, chatting, with my other fellows artist of the studio. Before that, i was on a studio with a lot of people, really liveliness, and now i’m looking for a new job! for now i haven’t a typical day, and that’s maybe what is charming with this profession.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
I love pre-production, that’s entirely the place where everything begins to get real and unique. i particularly enjoy character design. Imagine, and create new believable characters, with their own character, expression, and feelings, is the funniest, and most fabulous thing. But doing a difficult animation, fighting to give a real life to your character, and that you get results, is amazing too! Maybe i think what i like the most is when your team and/or you, feel that you are arriving to a special achievement, and that you could touch people, make them dream, laugh…
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
Being an artist is sometimes difficult to deal with. I mean it’s like a roller coaster, sometimes you are high, self confident with what you create, and sometimes, low with doubts… doubt is good, that makes you progress, but sometimes is useless too, and not pleasant.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
I use to work with Photoshop the most, and Tv paint for animation.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
Very Basically, as i am just at the beginning, i’ve got some period with no job. Work in this business mean to be contanstly (or almost) in job research…not so easy!
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
During my Internship at Uli Meyer’s Studio in London, i met some incredible guys like for sure Uli Meyer, who has a fantastic career, Neil Ross, an amazing illustrator, Matt Jones, Boris Hiestand…I’m very proud to have shared some great moments with them. They are all kind and extraordinary in their work!
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
Deal with professional and private life, is not quiet so easy! Sometimes you have to make important choice for getting one better! Â Actually you always want to reach the perfect balance! and you can find it!
Any side projects or you’re working on or hobbies you’d like to share details of?
I always try to develop side projects, in animation or illustration. It helps to mature my own style. For now, I’ve got an idea for a traditionnal animation test with a singer…nothing really sure ! 🙂 I’ve done some Sculpture in my education too, and i loved it a lot, hope i could do more!  Apart that artist stuff, I really love cooking, create new taste. i rarely follow an entire recipe, inevitably putting my own touch, that’s more fun! Grenoble is near mountains, so i used to ski a lot…i’ve done a lot of dancing, volley ball and tennis too!
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
euh… i don’t think so! 🙂
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Be Strong and self-confident of your talent! Always keep in mind that what you are doing will make your life and dream move forward! Â Be passionate! 🙂
