Animator and illustrator Rebecka has worked with us for several years creating some amazing animations for our clients. In this Q&A we talk to her about her work on Viva! Eating The Earth animation and her insight into the animation industry.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your career in Animation?
I graduated from the University of the West of England in 2018. While my degree was in Illustration, I’ve always been enchanted by animation. Since graduating, I’ve been a freelance animator over a variety of projects. Notably the CBeebies’ show Nick Cope’s Popcast. While for Skylark I’ve worked on several online campaigns for clients including Buymie, Karshare, and Viva!
What did you enjoy most working on the Viva! Eating The Earth Animation?
I love animals and nature. So, I particularly enjoyed animating the animals and drawing up the vibrant jungle environment. I was happy putting my heart into this project as it highlights an important issue. I do believe reducing the consumption of animal products in society is indisputably necessary to improve environmental and human health.
What kind of projects excite you?
I’m excited by creative visuals. While it’s definitely a bonus to work on projects with a compelling or fun theme, like with Eating the Earth, as an animator I’ve worked on plenty of projects that from the offset might seem dry – employee training videos and the sort. For me what keeps it exciting, regardless of the topic, is coming up with creative visual and motion designs. Whether that’s beautiful illustrations or dynamic transitions, elements that can turn any subject into something eye-catching and engaging.
Most importantly, I really like collaborating with good people. People who are fun, easy to communicate with, insightful, and reliable. For me the enjoyment of any project really hinges on the people, more so than anything else.
Could you share with us your best story about working in the animation industry?
I’ve been fortunate to work for several dog-friendly studios. While I often work from home, when I do studio visits, my black springerdoodle Harley regularly bounds along with me. He’s very friendly and loves meeting new people, or perhaps even more so, meeting new bins.
In his tenure as dog-in-residence he has stolen and enjoyed sausage sandwiches, slices of birthday cake, apple cores, Babybel wax, and used tissues. He also enjoys playing tennis with everyone on lunch breaks, which is effectively doggie-in-the-middle but with tennis rackets.
Harley has so much fun that once he’s been somewhere, he’ll remember to drag me back in that direction if we’re nearby.
What inspires you?
Lots of things. I think inspiration can be a tricky thing to pin down as it often comes out of nowhere, and quickly vaporises if not caught in the moment. To help capture these moments, I usually keep my orange notebook close at hand. So when something does draw my attention, whether that’s a piece of art, a passage from a book, or a passing thought – I can jot it down to reflect or expand upon later.
More specifically I often find myself inspired by fairy tales, oil paintings, golden age animation, but also computers and technology. I think as someone still early in my career I’m still in the process of harmonising my interests: a project which is motivating in of itself. As I enjoy learning new software, which can be incredibly powerful tools – while also adapting and drawing inspiration from the past. This exploration of tools and techniques, combining the classical and contemporary, I find in itself compelling.
What advice would you give aspiring Animators?
Be receptive to feedback.
Negative feedback is always tough, particularly in the arts, where it’s easy to tie your self-worth directly to your work. But learning to distinguish between personal and professional feedback will not only save mental anguish, but also make you an easier person to work with. On top of that criticism from the right people can be invaluable, and really advance your practice.
Never stop learning.
In an industry where trends and software are always changing, it’s vital to keep up-to-date and invest in yourself. Whether that’s, taking a course, or getting inspired by going to an exhibition. Making the time for personal projects can also be a good outlet for this, as you can take the time to experiment with something new, and you never know the end result may attract a new client.
Sleep well and take breaks.
Doing weird hours sometimes can’t be avoided but try not to make it a regular thing. Taking care of your mental and physical health is paramount to being productive, and most important staying happy and enthusiastic.
Becky Lomas