I always say that the two secrets to success in animation are “Do great work and be great to work with.”

Sometimes, artists just get mad when I say that.

But more often, they ask thoughtful follow-up questions. …questions like “How, if I’m not already working in the industry, do I prove that I’m great to work with?”

Although I have a few responses to that question which I will talk about in an upcoming episode, I thought it would be clearer to just show you how it’s done.

So I brought together six of my favorite “Rising Stars” of the animation industry and interviewed them…

Betsy Bauer (Google), Elsa Chang (Disney), Jessie Greenberg (Disney), Natalie Hall (Dreamworks), Sarah Marino (ReelFX – whose art is featured at the top of this post) and Isaac Orloff (Zynga) join me for a two-hour-and-forty-minute marathon about everything from portfolios to personality types.

[ download the mp3 ]

These artists are living examples of what it’s like to be great to work with. And, lucky for us, they are easy to connect with online. So go follow them (links below) and see for yourself what I’m talking about when I say “Be great to work with.”

Topics Covered:

Breaking-in.

The importance of a focused portfolio.

Is there ever a time to put art that isn’t your best into a blog post or portfolio?

What to do when your parents are not supportive of your artistic dreams.

Is being a professional artist harder for introverts?

How to create a strong social media presence, regardless of your industry or personality type.

Our first time meeting Glen Keane.

Links:

Sarah Marino Betsy Bauer Jessie Greenberg Isaac Orloff Elsa Chang Natalie Hall Jez Tuya Shane Richardson Margaret Hardy

Listener Questions By:

Yves Capelle Carolyn Arcabascio

Resources:

Download the “Breaking In Stories” PDF Isaac Orloff’s Terrifying Avatar

Comment & Share:

What was the most surprising thing you learned in the interview?