What is your name and your current occupation?
My name is Ken Turner and I’m a filmmaker/illustrator.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
Can’t say anything prior was at all that crazy.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I think any of the films/books I’ve personally been able to make during school and after graduating and that I’ve put my own stamp on were always the projects I’m most proud of. I found personal film projects to be the most rewarding as I can hire all my talented friends and collaborate to make something that would otherwise not exist.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I’m from Mississauga, Ontario and currently residing in Toronto, Ontario. I’ve been drawing as long as I can remember and was a part of Saturday morning cartoon generation. I enrolled at Sheridan College’s B.A.A Animation program and graduated in 2007. I’ve worked as a character designer and animator for various studios such as C.O.R.E Toons (Iggy Arbuckle), Cookie Jar Entertainment, 9 Story Entertainment/Nelvana (My Friend Rabbit, Spliced), Cuppa Coffee Studios (Ugly Americans), Atomic Cartoons (TWT), Oasis Animation (Disney Channel’s Lucky Fred) and JibJab Media (E-Cards) and POPS (Mobile Message Alerts). I now make my own films full time and do the occasional freelance animation or illustration gig.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
I don’t work for a studio so I have my own home studio and I can set my own hours.
http://vimeo.com/49109440
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
I like every aspect of making films. I just enjoy the process so much.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
I can’t really say there is.
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 Cintiq and often use Photoshop, Premiere and Toon Boom. I feel technology has grown by leaps and bounds for the independent filmmaker. I can still traditionally draw my concepts but transferring my ideas and bring them to life is so much easier with animation programs like Toon Boom.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
I can’t really say there is.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
I’ve been to CTN (the animation festival that happens each year in Burbank) a couple times and people who you’d follow online are just walking around taking in the festivities like everyone else. There were people at the event who I admired like Uli Meyer, Andreas Deja, Peter DeSeve and Carter Goodrich.
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
I left a steady studio job to try and make it on my own. It was the toughest decision but also the best decision I’ve ever made.
Any side projects you’re working on that you’d like to share details of?
Right now, I’m working on my next animated short film called “Henry: The Heart Boy” with plans to release it in 2013.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
I collect alot of Tim Burton stuff like posters to toys but people who know me know its not that unusual.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Stay driven and self-motivated. Animation and filmmaking is just about the best job one can have. What could be better then drawing all day?
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http://kenturnerportfolio.
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