TAAFI Number Two

I am guilty of saying this a lot but I don't think I have ever had as much fun as I did this past weekend.
TAAFI 2013 was an absolutely amazing event. Everyone who went learned something new and saw something they had never seen before. Between the short films and feature length screening there were some absolutely phenomenal workshops and masterclasses which were definitely worth the venture. From fireside chats with David freaking Silverman to comparative anatomy lectures with Dr. Stuart Sumida to Life drawing classes, live script reads and a spokesman/animator and graduate of Sheridan College from Pixar giving us the dirty deets on how to get in, this weekend is worth more than its ticket price of $149.

It began on Friday with Industry Day and the Day of the Crows screening in the evening. I must admit to bawling my eyes out at that film. I was one of the most beautiful 2D animations I have ever seen. Preceding this was the College Animation Challenge where 9 of the 11 Ontario Animation schools participated in a
great collaborative project. My friend Jean-Guy MacLeod and I represented our school well. We were the only ones who went for the "Awwww" factor of getting caught doing something nice. David Silverman, early director of the Simpsons and the man who critiqued all the pieces, had only one thing to say about it: "Awww!" I am proud of the efforts we put in and am happy that it stood up well against the other schools'. Every school did absolutely amazing. I especially liked Max the Mutt's school Animation about a little princess, a dragon, and a brave(ish) knight. Check out TAAFI's facebook page if you want to see more of the shorts.

Master animator Kaj Pindal (whom once worked at Richard Williams' Animation studio in London) spoke a lot about 2D animation (and how much he hates 3D) and his life that led him up to where he was today. One thing that really struck a chord for me today was when he said that good animator also tend to be good musicians as well.

"There is nothing in the world like the marriage between music and animation." -Kaj Pindal (TAAFI 2013)

This hit me in particular because of the fact that I studied music prior to studying animation. Studying music gave me a great sense of timing and subtlety that I really value in my skills as an animator.

"Never underestimate the power you have to make people happy." -Dr. Stuart Sumida (TAAFI 2013)

I honestly wish the Dr. Sumida talks went way longer and I hope that he comes back next year because absolutely everyone needs to see him.

"I could just listen to him all day" says Cambrian College student Danielle Hodgson about the lecture.
I am sure the feeling was mutual for everyone else in attendance.

The Nelvana Bouncing Ball party was stunning. The team at Moorshead & Associates did a fantastic job. The food was good, the decor was awesome, and the music wasn't too loud which allowed for some great networking to be done. That being said it WAS a party after all so there was list of dancing and great music with all night requests. They also had a huge ice sculpture of the Nelvana bear that was gorgeous.

It was such a blessing to witness a Ray Harryhausen representative and friend accepting the lifetime achievement award on Mr. Harryhausen's behalf Sunday evening. He most certainly deserves it.

All in all the weekend was unbelievable fun and I hope that everyone out there had as much fun as I did.
If you missed this amazing event please come out to the TAAFI Holiday Party on November 21st at the Vogue Supperclub in Liberty Village, Toronto.

Hope to see you all there!

Free Animation events!

There are some great things happening this weekend in Toronto! The Toronto Animation Arts Festival International is celebrating it's second year at the Corus Quay and at TIFF this weekend. I have been inviting people to come with me and to enjoy the celebrations and do some great networking but they give me the regular student excuse of: I just don't have any money.

I totally get it. I was only just recently a very poor student. I couldn't afford to go to anything but I still managed to do so. How? One word: VOLUNTEERING.

If you volunteer for festivals and events not only are you appreciated but you get behind the scenes action and know how as well as the opportunity to meet the organizers whom are (almost always) in the industry themselves.

Toronto ACM SIGGRAPH's launch event was about a month ago and I didn't have the $20 admission fee. What did I do? I volunteered for the event, enjoyed a beer with the organizers and fellow volunteers, made several connections that night and was even offered a job. Crazy right? Not at all.

Two things happen when you volunteer for a place:

1. The organizers appreciate you. You just offered your time to make their lives easier FOR FREE. This instantly puts you in their good books.

2. You're in the heat of the action at no cost to your pocket. Maybe bus fare. Snacks and water are usually provided in many cases.

Steps to ensure success:

1. Bring your business cards.
2. Bring your best attitude. Be as helpful as you can.
3. Hang around after the event to talk to the organizers or to attendees.
4. Dress professionally.

I am volunteering for TAAFI and my entire weekend pass is free! Plus I made some awesome connections already and the party hasn't even started yet! Next year, this could be you!

The more you appear at events the more people start to recognize you. The more you are recognized the more interesting you appear. This helps people become interested in your work. Which leads me to another topic that I will cover in a later article: Online Footprints!

Again, I wish you all the best of luck!

One of those days

I don't know why but today I had this overwhelming feeling of joy. I am so happy to be where I am and so happy to be doing what I am doing. I love my job and I love my life. Everything is falling perfectly into place and all that hard work was definitely worth it.

Dreams really do come true.

More networking tips

Networking is not just about giving your business card to everyone in the room. Its about making a lasting connection.

But how do you do that when you meet them? Chances are you have only spoken long enough to grab their name and business card. How do you keep that connection so that they remember you the next time they meet you? You have established a connection and now you need to maintain it.

The best way to do this is to send them an e-mail after meeting them. I recommend the next morning but within the next two days is crucial. You don't remember what you had last week for breakfast do you? How about 50 breakfasts ago? Well the person you connected with probably met at least 50 to 100 other people that night for a SMALL event. Events like SIGGRAPH and you are one in several thousand trying to establish that connection. The longer it takes you to e-mail them the harder you are to remember.

If you can, try to arrange a meeting. Buy them lunch or dinner or a beer after work. Many people will take you up on this number one because it doesn't cost them anything and number two they need to keep making connections too. You could be the next John Lasseter or Milt Kahl. How would the know if they didn't take the chance?

(By the way, if you don't know who the aforementioned names are and you are in the animation industry please do some research!)

Also, be nice to people. Offer to help them with a project or with something personal if they mention it in passing. Offer to volunteer with them. Volunteering is one of the best ways to meet people. Volunteer for your local film festival or for an animation mixer. People you meet there are likely the kinds that are either in the same industry or are like minded individuals such as yourself. The more positive connections you make with people the better.

LinkedIn is another great way to maintain that connection. LinkedIn is great because it not only connects you to that person, it adds all their connections to your extended network. This can be a great tool when trying to find out who the recruiters are at a company.

There is one major thing to keep in mind when trying to connect with people. If you can't connect with them quickly or can't seem to find some common ground thank them for their time and for listening to you, give them your card, then move on. Don't try to force a connection with people who aren't willing. Sometimes you just can't click with person and it is no fault of your own. You can't possibly be friends with everyone but what you can be is polite and professional. By thanking them for their time you acknowledge that maybe they don't have time to take to you now but you are leaving your business card signifying that you are willing to contact them again soon and maintain a professional relationship. That in itself demands respect.

All that being said it is not impossible to start up a conversation out of the blue. Keep trying and you will get better every time you get out there.

Good luck and remember: have fun! This is supposed to be fun!

Nelvana: My dream job.

Nelvana's newest employee? ME!

I am thrilled to be joining such an amazing team of people in the industry.

For those of you that don't know about Nelvana I suggest you do some research. Here is a snapshot: Nelvana is one of the largest studios for children's entertainment in the world. Housing over 300 artists, Nelvana has set the industry standard for quality children's entertainment. The company was founded in 1971 and continues to house some of Canada's best and brightest. They have a proven track record for success and I feel privileged to be a member of the team.

Remember what I said in a prior article about the importance of networking? I obtained this position through a series of events. First, i did my homework on the company. I knew that there was a chance that I would be running in to at least one Nelvana employee one day so I made sure I knew all about the company. Secondly, I attended a networking event called Digital Marketplace in Nathan Phillips Square hosted by DMIO.

There I was lucky enough to meet one of the recruiters for Nelvana and had a wonderful chat with her. It was shortly -lived however because there were thousands of other students trying to do the same thing but I did something different. I stayed for the entire event duration and after everyone had left I went to the Nelvana booth and offered to help deconstruct their set up. They didn't need my help but it offered me the chance to speak with the recruiter again as well as someone else that I had know from Nelvana. He gave me the strong advice "Be confident in your abilities, don't be nervous. You are selling yourself in an interview."

From that moment I was determined. Luckily enough I was contacted by the recruiter a few short days later to do a lighting test. I didn't even know they were hiring a lighter! This was my dream job! The position wasn't posted anywhere that I had seen.

After completion of the test I got through to the interview. When I went for my interview I was so nervous. I dressed very professionally in a pant suit with a blazer. When waiting in he lobby I had a full on panic attack. I was short of breath and shaking like a leaf! In that moment I remembered what the Nelvana employee told me. I calmed myself down and gave myself some confidence before walking in and I was fine. Still nervous of course but relatively fine. The interview went well and I was contacted after that for my references. Two days later I was offered the job. It was a generous offer.

The point of this is that you never know who you will meet and what will come from those meetings. Always put your best foot forward.

Others went to DMIO's Digital Marketplace with resumes and demo reels in hand. I went with just my business cards. Never feel disheartened and always try your best with what you have at your disposal.

Note: After being hired I finally got to see the job posting. It wasn't a junior position and I wasn't fully qualified for the job but they chose me anyways. Why? Could have been the networking? The offer for help? Meeting with prior employees? The research I did? I think it was a combination of all of the above that did it for me. So don't lose hope if the only jobs you find are for people with major amounts of experience and software you have never heard of. Just be open minded and willing to learn. You will do great!

Toronto ACM SIGGRAPH launch event.

On Tuesday June 24th I volunteered for the launch of the Toronto ACM SIGGRAPH chapter.

It was a screening of the 2012 SIGGRAPH's animations and technical papers at the Royal Cinema downtown Toronto. It blew my mind to see some of the amazing pieces that people around the world were doing and I was inspired to create some of those pieces on my own some day.

The event was followed up with some socializing (i.e. Networking) at the Monarch Tavern just around the corner from the cinema. I met many people that night. One of whom got hired for the same job as me. Turns out Nelvana hired two lighting TDs. It was great to get to know her before starting work so I was able to have a friend that i knew prior. We now sit right next to each other!

The night was absolutely amazing. I very much enjoyed meeting one person in particular named Valerie whom was a great person inside and out. She offered to help me find a job which was incredible of her but I had already just gotten hired at Nelvana. Her support and endorsement made me feel like I have been doing the right thing. That this path was the one I was meant to take.

Get out there and network yourself! You could get a job for it too!

Thought I should share.

Why is NETWORKING so important?

Networking. This word is a powerful one. Networking can mean the difference between interning for a year or more before landing a job and landing one straight out of school. By far networking is one of the greatest skills you will learn in life and should try to learn before you leave school.

Director from Nelvana, a large animation studio in Toronto, Ontario, says in his launching lectures at Sheridan College, "Look to the left of you, now look to the right. Be nice to these people. One day you will either be working with or for them." Here he introduces students to the reality that they have to present themselves professionally and practice that with their peers. When you get into the real world, you might be working right next to the person you might have made fun of in school. Or, worse in that case, working under them.

Networking is also about getting yourself out there. Being shy is not really an option anymore. If you want the jobs you have to get yourself known. Especially in this industry. If people have no personal connection to you in anyway but they do with another candidate, who do you think they will choose? Try to attend as many networking events as possible to meet people and start getting yourself known.

Last summer I attended the Pixar Animation and Story Masterclasses in Toronto hosted by VanArts. During the breaks before and after these classes I introduced myself to as many people as I could. I became close with a few and most importantly, I kept in touch with them over the past year. Now we are coordinating going to another network event together, we give each other advice or opinions on each other's posted work and we encourage one another. I would hire these people in a moment if they were applying somewhere I worked.

In another instance, my 3rd year internship at GUS VFX was obtained from a connection I had as a student that I kept in contact with. She was in third year when I was in first but someone I was dating was in the same year as her. I made many connections with the third years in there and, again very important, kept in touch with all of them throughout the years. When a position came up for a graduate to become an intern, I was first in line.

These connections are crucial and you need to start making them now. The perfect opportunity to do that soon is at the Welcome To The Industry Party hosted by TAAFI. This is a networking event that will allow people in the industry or just entering to connect with one another. You meet people there, keep in touch with them, and who knows... one day they might just have a position for you! I have hooked up a few friends from back at school with great internships and I would be more than happy to do that again.

So get out there and NETWORK! You never know what amazing opportunities will follow.

Get in touch with me! Introduce yourself! We may be working together in the future.

E-mail me at karenwonderswhy[at]gmail[dot]com.

If you want to be added to the mailing list for future networking events just send me an e-mail stating so and I will be more than happy to add you to the list.

What Your Internship REALLY Teaches You

As I enter in to my last week of my 3rd year internship I am taking time to process what I have learned not about the software but of the industry.

Turns out I was wrong.

I went through school with the presumption that if I did really well in school and got myself a good internship that it would be easy to find a job after school. In this sense I was wrong. There is so much more to it.

I am learning very quickly that this is a very small industry. The people you go to school with will be your coworkers. Networking with your peers on all levels will help you get a job after graduating.

The harsh reality is: you are not guaranteed a job after graduating. You are not guaranteed a job within six months, even. The only way you can keep yourself in the game is to constantly be aware of what is happening and where.

Some suggestions:

Look on job boards regularly, find new job boards, apply even if there is no posting, attend networking events, keep in touch with your peers, and try to make yourself known on the web. Be active with twitter and keep your linked in updated. These things will help keep you connected.

Don't ever think that anything in life is guaranteed. I have been on top of the class for all three years and worked my butt off. Luckily for me I am also good at networking. When you get into the industry you are going to need to be.

For those who make excuses about being busy or already having a job or being busy with internships...too busy to attend the networking events... I implore you. Attend anyways. The connections that you make may just get you a job one day.

There are some that I now know in the industry who may not be the best animators or lighters or modellers but they are really good at meeting people and making themselves known. This is a crucial skill in life.

So try your best at networking and always remain professional with your peers. You never know what the future may bring.

As Nevada director Jason Groh says "Talent will get you in the door, networking will get you the job"

TAAFI Animation Ambassador Special Induction Night

The TAAFI Animation Ambassador Special Induction Night happened this evening at the Corus/Nelvana building on the Corus Quay in downtown Toronto. It was an opportunity for the ambassadors of the different colleges' Animation programs surrounding the Toronto area to be introduced to the organizing members of TAAFI (Toronto Animation Arts Festival International) and be treated to a great evening of swag bags, pizza, a tour of Corus, and most importantly, networking.

Mrs. Helen Lebeau, Vice President of Production, Nelvana, led the ambassadors and their coordinators through an extensive tour of the Corus building. They went through studios, saw the atrium, and, after being broken off into groups, even got to speak with Nelvana Animator Daniel Clermont who gladly showed some of the animation tricks of a kids cartoon that they produce right in the studio.

The night was organized by Mr. Barnabas Wornoff whom acts as the liaison of all the ambassadors with the TAAFI organizers as well as being on the Board of Directors. Mr. Wornoff introduced us to the rest of the TAAFI team as we ate pizza and looked through our swag bags.

Volunteer coordinator, Natali, explained the benefits and opportunities as volunteers at the TAAFI festival.

Ms. Alex Moorshead, Event Producer, spoke about a pivotal event being organized this year called the "Welcome to the Industry Party". This event is an amazing opportunity for graduating students, as well as those looking forward to graduation, to network with their peers, showcase their work, and have fun celebrating their entrance into the Animation industry.

The ambassadors and their coordinators were additionally treated to a special talk by award-winning Nelvana director Jason Groh who stressed the importance of networking and creating jobs within the industry in Toronto. "It may be nice with all those palm trees down in California but there is plenty of work right up here." Urging us to understand that we do not need to travel away from Toronto in order to find employment.

Mr. Groh also presented the first episode of an upcoming show produced inside Nelvana. It was a delightful experience for all in attendance.

The entire night was a complete success. All the ambassadors in attendance had a great time and enjoyed the opportunity to connect and be a part of the outreach of the festival.

Celebrate, Connect, Support, Showcase, and Inspire. This is the mandate of the TAAFI STAAFI (see what they did there?) and it is now the mandate of the ambassadors. The ambassadors will be seen at the upcoming TAAFI events and their profiles can be found (soon) on the TAAFI website at www.taafi.ca

The end of 3rd Year Animation is just the beginning.

I remember, long ago, as a little girl of five years of age sitting down on the floor in front of the couch in the living room and watching cartoons. The very first logo I ever remember seeing was the Nelvana polar bear. From that moment onwards I was fascinated with animation and some years later, when deciding what I wanted to be when I grew up, I decided to be an animator.

Now, as I am geared up to graduate from the three year advanced diploma Animation and New Media Production program at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and honour to be entering in to an industry I had dreamed of being a part of since I was a little girl.

Graduating in three months will be such an accomplishment for me and I know that I have worked my hardest to get to where I am today. I entered in to Loyalist knowing that there was no where else I wanted to be and nothing else I would rather be doing and set out to accomplish great things.

Over my three years at Loyalist I gained so many amazing friends and met so many amazing artists. I also involved myself with my peers making lasting connections with them, organizing a mixer for all years of Animation students at Loyalist that will be passed on to other generations of students to continue, talking to first year students about finding internships and what to expect in future years including what to prepare themselves for, being a part of the Animation Advisory Committee for the program, writing proposals and attending meetings for a much needed art room and overflow space to ensure that Animation students always have a place to go to do their work, attending networking events and parties and conferences, attending extra classes such as Life Drawing and the Pixar Animation and Story Masterclasses (worth every penny)... I was always trying to be a positive influence in those events and tried my hardest to make lasting connections with people.

One thing that really hit home for me tonight was hearing Mr. Jason Groh of Nelvana say: "Talent will get you in to the door, but it is networking that will get you far".

When I left for my internship three weeks ago I was so proud of myself for everything I have accomplished. I have finally made some real progress in my career path. Being an Ambassador for TAAFI and representing Loyalist on that front has made me even more proud of taking full advantage of the education I received. I will keep working in the future towards my goal and am positive that I will get there one day soon. This is just the beginning.