Robert Valley

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What is your name and your current occupation?
My name is Robert Valley, currently I am working as character designer on the new Tron TV series.  I also publish my own books (Massive Swerve) and make independent short films.

 

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
I have had all sorts of wonderful jobs, washing dishes, planting trees, driving taxi, I was even a licensed  realtor in Calgary Alberta for a while.

 

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
Aeon Flux, with Peter Chung, and Gorillaz, Beatles Rock band with Pete Candeland. This last Tron project with  Charlie Bean was quite a good one too.

How did you become interested in animation?
Actually I always wanted to be a comic book artist, but the nearest thing my art college was offering was animation.

 

Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I am from Vancouver BC. As I mentioned in that last question, I just happened into the animation industry.

What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
Typically I get up pretty early, I do most of my work in the mornings before other people get to work.

What part of your job do you like best? Why?
Damn, thats a tough question, I do this work out of necessity. If I didn’t know how to draw I would still be washing dishes or driving taxi somewhere.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
Another tough question, It’s not really about like or not like.

 

What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
These days its all about My Cintiq and Photoshop. I still draw a bit on paper.
http://vimeo.com/40866325

What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
Lately I have been trying to promote my own projects using my blog and facebook, I suppose I am trying to be self employed. Trying to figure out this puzzle is very difficult, I do enjoy it however.

In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
Is there such a thing as animation greatness ?

Describe a tough situation you had in life.
Ups and downs, going broke, then making money. it never ends.

 

Any side projects or you’re working on that you’d like to share details of?
My 4th book, Massive Swerve Vol 4 – featuring the story “Pear Cider and Cigarettes’ which I am also developing into an animated short. All this can be seen on my website.

Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
No time for stuff like that i’m afraid.

Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Damn, not really…everyone has to figure out their own thing.
www.robertvalley.com