What is your name and your current occupation?
Vrinda Zaveri, freelance illustrator and Animator.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
I worked for a startup animating and illustrating icons.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I worked on a music video for the band Lindtsrom, directed by Oliver Clegg.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I am from Bombay, India. I did my postgraduate studies at the Rhode Island School of Design, which brought me to the states. And ever since my animation 101 class freshman year i have been animating everyday.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
A typical day starts with emails. Then I browse over my weekly and monthly deadlines and decide what I have to get done that day. Then its just a regular work day, i take time to switch between animating on my cintique and sketching. And the day ends with emails as well.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
I like the last hour of editing my work. When i have to step back for an hour and evaluate what I have done. i also enjoying showing it to people, they’re delight and sometimes disappointment is essential to my process of evaluation.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
Emails. Good communication is hard.
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?
I use a mac book pro and a Cintiq. The Cinitq has totally changed my life, if only I had used it more in college.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
There are never enough hours in a day for what i want to get done. But that is the nature of animation, its a whole lot of patience and time. It has also become harder to move around in the industry and try new styles etc. I think experimentation is difficult to come by in the industry, especially for the more niche studios.
If you could change the way the business works and is run how would you do it?
I would have a better platform dedicated for all types of animators and artists to meet and collaborate.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
When I was an RISD I was taught by Steven Subotnick, I didn’t look at his work till my final year for some odd reason, and i was blown away.
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
Any side projects you’re working on that you’d like to share details of?
I am currently hoping to work on more music video’s and also more illustrated projects.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
Not quite a hobby but I enjoy dog taking breaks at dog parks. Who doesn’t.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Say yes to any work you can get. Start early. and pay close attention to criticism. We have a tendency of listening to only what we want to hear.
