First of all, let me say that was an extremely kind trade for that snow globe. I’m nearly certain that Stan constructs those himself out of old tupperware and dish detergent, so if you’d ever like anything a bit more quality, just let me know and I’ll see what we can arrange.
Moving on--an animator, hm? Well, I applaud you for your ambition! There are multitudes of jobs where it can be tricky to get on your feet, but being passionate is the best place to start.
One thing to keep in mind when facing disapproval for your dreams is this: Someone has to do it, don’t they? Out there, there are hundreds of successful and happy people who are professionals in the field--therefore, the job is far from impossible. Difficult, perhaps, but not impossible! And that means it’s not impossible for you, either.
Parental approval can be a struggle. Even as the “gifted child,” so to speak, I know my parents’ confidence faltered when I ended up at Backupsmore University. Do remember though, while it’s great to heed the advice of others, you will be the adult voice in your own life soon enough (if you aren’t already)! And looking at your adult self, what would make them truly happy? Feel completely accomplished?
There is no harm in giving it a shot, because even if you fail, you can start back over from square one.
Just look at me! I spent my prime in a literal nightmare dimension and I’m just now getting around to becoming a sailor--And my friend, that was the best decision I ever made!
Now, industry advice...Let’s see...Well, I’m no animator, but here’s something I’ve learned thus far. It’s been said that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. And I’m here to say that’s...actually not true. Every career comes with roadblocks, difficulties, and mad scrambles.
But when all the work and toil is done...that thing you love is still at the core, and you have the pride of knowing you worked hard to make it happen. That’s what makes it worthwhile.
My first job was actually polishing equipment for a Backupsmore professor of Nematology. It was quite unsavory scrubbing worm parasites from test tubes on a weekly basis, but it was that professor who wrote my letter of recommendation towards the final grant I received! Often times, you have to start small--sometimes unpleasantly small--to work your way to the top.
The good news about that is, though, entry positions filter out who’s truly dedicated to their craft, and that’s vital to remember! Some people are too impatient to be assistants or interns, but that’s honestly the best way to get your foot in the door.
You have a 0% chance of achieving your goals if you give up now, but absolutely better odds if you stay dedicated. Anything’s more promising than 0%!
And yes, there will be peers that call your goals--heh--unattainable, or berate your ability to get there. Trust me, I had countless classmates who chastised me at Backupsmore: “If you have so much potential, then why are you here?” Well, I was there because it was my stepping stone.
If there isn’t a market for animation where you’re from, then consider this a stepping stone as well! You have more options than you realize--moving abroad, expanding your artistic horizons...Indeed, you could even be the very person who kickstarts the animation movement in your own town!
You’ve already got a lovely attitude, so kind and impassioned, and I thank you sincerely for the compliments! And whatever the case, and no matter the naysayers...Know you have time. You have time to learn, time to practice, time to make mistakes.
You have time to hit rock bottom, to move slowly through fear and unease, to rethink your approaches and methods.
You have time to renew, to start small, to try new outlets and make new connections.
And you have time to excel, to get that big break, to flourish and succeed and inspire.
No matter when it comes or how it happens, you have talent, you have ambition...
...And trust me. You have time.
