What is your name and your current occupation?
Stephanie Pyren-Fortel, bg painter, character painter.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
When I was HS I was working as a cashier for a dept store after that it was art jobs, I was hired at 19 to work as a fashion illustrator.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
So many to really say from Fat Albert, they were all fun in the old days now it is more client based whereas before artist ruled!
How did you become interested in animation?
I loved the satire and puns with all theBullwinkle shows ,rocky and his friends and all the old UPA Shows.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
After a two year stint as a fashion Illustrator and ad layout artist, I answered an ad for a job at Filmation where I started in traditional layout.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
good and busy!
 What part of your job do you like best? Why?
the people at the studio and the ability to continue working in a creative field.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
Working in a darkroom on a computer, it is messing up my eye sight, I miss light and painting traditionally.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
photoshop
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
answering to people who have no artistic ability and make changes based on whim or toy product which normally doesn’t work with animation.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
I was hired by Frtiz Freeling after interviewing for a freelance job with Mr. Thomas ,Mr. Freeling was asked in to see my portfiolio and I was hired on the spot which makes me proud to hsve been selected by one of the greats! Throughout the years I worked with Bill Melendez, Frank Thomas I Met Peter Chung,William Hanna, Joe Barbera, I was given a picture by Chuck Jones, Marty Davis, Stan Lee at Marvel, Mobius,Jesse Santos. Alex Nino and so many wonderful and talented artists in my 30 something years in the business!
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
Realizing the loss of lived ones and all of the touch times is part of  the lessons of life and how you deal with each situation.
Any side projects or you’re working on or hobbies you’d like to share details of?
at this time I have about 4 going on but too early to talk about.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
For years I have been involved with energy healing and visualization meditation groups as well as conducting seminars on the subject.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Learn as much as you can and believe in yourself.
