Simpsons Animation Studio
Expectations I was very lucky I had the opportunity to shadow a storyboard artist at the Simpsons Animation Studio in Burbank. The building is gigantic, and full of very creative people that made my time there worth it. My expectations of what the place looked like were right. Everyone's office or cubical was filled with sketches, merchandise from the show, or picture/drawings from or of their close ones. Artists are not the most organized people, so everything was a bit scattered.
I didn't expect everyone to be so open about everything with me. I didn't want to waste their time there, because there was so much they have to do, so the conversations were usually short. They either were straight forward about the work they do, or enjoyed talking about what was their favorite scene to animate or draw. |
Reflection
Overall it was a really fun day. I met some of the most friendly people, and all of them played a big part in the show. Whether this is making sure everything is played at the right time, or simply making sketches to a script, the show couldn't be done without them. I learned that as much fun as drawing seems, it can get really chaotic. If the director asks you to do a bunch of rewrites, then you're stuck with a lot of redoing and drawing and adding. Sometimes the sketches that the storyboard artists creates are too rough, so another person in the department goes over it and gives critique on it. In all, one episode takes about nine months to make, which is equivalent to a lot of work and a lot of time.
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Interview with Stephen (One of the Storyboard Artists there)
What in your educational background most prepared you for this job?
I went to a film school and became friends with Tricia. From there, she knew people and was able to hook both of us up with jobs in the animation department.
What specific skill training helped you prepare for this job?
I would say drawing. Drawing a lot will help you become better. You can only become better at a skill by constantly doing it.
How do you interact with people at your work?
When I need to talk to some, I make sure I get my point through without wasting time. Everyone is always really busy, so I usually stick with being straightforward.
I went to a film school and became friends with Tricia. From there, she knew people and was able to hook both of us up with jobs in the animation department.
What specific skill training helped you prepare for this job?
I would say drawing. Drawing a lot will help you become better. You can only become better at a skill by constantly doing it.
How do you interact with people at your work?
When I need to talk to some, I make sure I get my point through without wasting time. Everyone is always really busy, so I usually stick with being straightforward.