The first step to becoming an animator is becoming a student of animation. Therefore this week I talked to Alex Turner, a student at San Jose State University in the Animation/Illustration Program who interned at The Walt Disney Family Museum and dreams of becoming a feature film animator. Alex found the museum to be an inspiring place where he was able work creatively while continuing to learn about the legacy of Walt Disney.
I asked Alex if he could tell us a little bit more about how he got interested in animation in the first place and what advice he would give to others interested in the field. Q. Did you draw/doodle as a kid?
A. Yes I drew all the time. I don't remember a time that I was not drawing.
Did you know from an early age that you wanted to pursue a career in the arts?
Drawing and doing art was a part of who I was, but I didn't think that I would actually try and pursue it as a career. When I was young and watched animated films, I knew someone was doing the drawings, but I did not really know any of the process of animation. It seemed very natural for me to pursue animation as a career when I finally made that decision, but it was not something I had been set on my whole life.
When did you decide to pursue animation?
I decided to pursue animation my senior year of high school. I was at a crossroads with myself and had to make a choice of where I wanted to go, and who I wanted to be. I considered it a leap of faith to chase after a dream of animating and creating, instead of going for a different career path that many of my friends and family were taking. I was very lucky though, because my parents are extremely supportive of me.
What were the steps you took to get the education you needed for your career in animation?
I researched colleges that had an "Animation" major, and San Jose State came up. After getting a tour and looking at some of the work they were producing I knew that is where I wanted to go. I think it is really important to get educated about animation outside of school as well. Today we have so much access to books, videos, and blogs that are so helpful to learn about animation. Also I draw from life all the time, and I observe life constantly. Also, through my college, I can meet professionals through the school's connections to the entertainment industry. It is extremely helpful to put work out there to get feedback on a professional level.
What internships or volunteer positions did you pursue in animation or art?
I volunteered at a local K-8 school in San Jose to help run art programs for their students. I also interned at The Walt Disney Family Museum as an Animation/ Education Intern.
How did you get your first job in animation?
I haven't had a real studio job. (YET)
What is your favorite part of being an animator?
My favorite part of being an animator has to be seeing people’s reactions to something I have created. Having something I can bring to life effect a person or audience is a wonderful feeling. You put so much time, effort, and concentration into creating something, having someone react positively to it is very fulfilling. An equally great thing about pursuing animation is all of the people that you meet. It is amazing to be surrounded by so many people that have a great love for the art form.
What is your favorite Disney quote?
"We have created characters and animated them in the dimension of depth, revealing through them to our perturbed world that the things we have in common far outnumber and outweigh those that divide us." -Walt Disney
What advice would you give a high school student interested in pursuing a career in animation?
My advice for high school students interested in a career in animation is to really learn how to observe, and be curious about life and how things work. Continue to draw. Draw. And DRAW. Work very hard and have patience. Don't be afraid to fail. You will make thousands of bad drawings for one good one.
So you heard him…draw draw DRAW! And keep checking our blog for more profiles of inspiring animators, imagineers and artists!
Hillary Lyden
Interpretative Coordinator
Interpretative Coordinator
at The Walt Disney Family Museum