1) Could you tell me a little bit about yourself Tiffany?
Where are you from and when, and how did you get started to have interest in
this field?
Tiffany: I was born in Taiwan and lived in Australia since I
was 5 years old. My interest in animation first came when I saw The Lion King
at the movies, I bought a book on how to draw The Lion King from Disney world
and I started drawing the characters from the film. I became so into drawing
the characters I woke up at 5am to do some drawings before school. That's when
I decided that animation was for me :) I love movement and these drawings can
move. I did a few short courses on animation during highschool, then I went to
university to study computer animation. Since then I've worked at 3 studios
(Photon VFX, Flying Bark Productions and Ambience Entertainment) working on 3
different children's tv series (Animalia, Zeke's Pad and Erky Perky).
2) How hard is it for a recent graduate to break into the
business? Is there a difference for a reel for games, animation, and live
action(VFX animation)?
Tiffany: It really depends on perseverance, talent,
connections and sometimes luck. In Australia, and I think most places, you are
more likely to get into tv and games studios as a graduate. Film is definitely
possible however rare. The reels are different especially when it comes to VFX
animation, if you prefer to do cartoony animation then your reel should have
cartoony characters, if you want to work in realistic animation then your reel
should reflect that. Another thing I learned is, get into the industry even if
it isn't exactly what you want, but always persevere with your chosen field.
Make it clear what it is you're after but do a great job with what you're hired
to do. You will eventually get there.
3) How is it like working? Is it an intimidating work
environment when you start off? How many seconds of animation is the quota per
week? And I was wondering if you know or would know someone who could tell me
how many models are required for their quota since I specialize in modeling.
Tiffany: My first job at a studio was really good. Photon
was a really great environment with a nice balance of juniors, mid level and
really experienced people. My rigging lead was from Dreamworks and he taught me
so much it was slightly overwhelming in the beginning. I would say a lot of my
knowledge was learned on the job. In animation it really helped to ask for
feedback and look at what other people were doing. Generally most people in the
industry are willing to share. My quota varies with each job but I am currently
doing 23 seconds per week. On my first job I did around 20 seconds per week. I
dont know much about modelling quota, I think it depends on the style and
detail of the character or set. I do however know an amazing modeller who I use
to work with at Photon. His name is Billy Butler and his website is...http://www.pieanimation.com/3d.html
4) I was wondering what sort of animation work flow you had?
Do you act it out in person, and do thumbnail sketches? Or do you dive right
into the program and pose stuff out?
Tiffany: I am still working out my workflow, but I think my
current one is working quite well. I do thumbnail drawings and use reference
where possible, and then I block it out in Maya in stepped frames, pose to
pose. After director feedback I usually do the fix, feedback, then go through
and smooth everything out. There isnt much time to do much planning with a tv
quota, but I believe planning has saved me from wasting the time that I have.
5) Do you have any suggestions for a recent graduate when
constructing a modeling reel? I am focusing in modeling. I am looking at alot
of reels... It seems like most modelers know how to texture very well, and also
know how to rig their own stuff.
Tiffany: I think it's better to ask a modeller this
question. However I do know that it's best to show as much work from your
chosen skill as possible. It may help to have textures on your models to make
things look better, however if you aren't confident with texturing and rigging
then it's best to leave it off, otherwise it will affect your work. Unfinished,
unpolished work can really distract a viewing. Personally I'm not so good at
modelling characters, I do know how to rig and really want to animate, so with
my first reel, I focused on the two skills and used blocks to represent my
character. Apparently it worked. So if you are interested in modelling, I would
focus on that rather than divide your time. Also, remember to show wireframes,
as I see most modelling reels have that.
6) I noticed on your resume that you were a rigger for a
while! Would you say its better to be multiskilled or still specialize in one
area?
Tiffany: I would say it's best to have one really good skill
but also do ok in other areas, especially in the beginning. When starting out
it may be hard to find that perfect job for you chosen skill and it's likely
you'll have to begin your career doing something else. It has certainly
happened to me but doing rigging has gotten me close to animation and I've done
animation ever since. I also find that this industry can be highly
unpredictable, one year there may be a lot of animation jobs out there then the
next year there isnt. In that case it's better to have skills in another area
to stay employed. Rigging has been an eye opening experience, I've learned so
much and I am a much cleaner animator because of it. I'm not sure if I will
directly apply for a rigging job as rigging does involve a lot of programming
(which I'm not good at) and there is a lot of problem solving however if I was
offered a job in basic rigging, I wouldnt say no, who knows I may learn
something new.
7) Do you have any other 2d or 3d artists who inspire you?
Could you list their website or reel if possible? I am very curious to see as
many talented people as I can.
Tiffany: I am inspired by the people I work with every day.
I'm also doing the online course, Animation Mentor and the people there are
constantly presenting new ideas and concepts. I'm not really the type to surf
the internet and look at other people's work all the time. To me, I am really
inspired by movement, by dance and watching animals move. However, if you are
looking for websites, I like to look at http://www.furiae.com/ Linda Bergkvist
is an amazing digital artist and I love her work.