Featured Student: Brian Nicolucci
AnimationMentor.com:
What inspired you to learn animation?
Brian:
The all consuming urge to create and tell stories, plus the fact that I am a control freak and in animation I can make every character do exactly what I want. Who wants some actor deciding when they should breathe when I can do it myself. Dance monkey, dance!
AnimationMentor.com:
What would be your ultimate dream job?
Brian:
Pixar is obviously high on the list as the environment is so creator-centric. But really, I'd be happy anywhere where I am surrounded by other creative people who are joined together with the goal of telling great stories. I lean more towards family-oriented fare as I admire work that is accessible to all ages. The thought of being able to do something you love on a daily basis and get paid for it seems like a dream.
AnimationMentor.com:
How has your experience at AnimationMentor.com been so far?
Brian:
As big as my expectations were they have been far outstripped by the actual experience so far. Being surrounded by literally hundreds of people who share a similar passion and a willingness to share their knowledge and time with each other is inspiring. Every week I learn something to add to my arsenal and new ways to apply knowledge I already possessed. Plus, good gravy is the energy level of the folks at AM high! It is quite intoxicating.
AnimationMentor.com:
What's one of the most important and/or interesting lessons you've learned while at AnimationMentor.com?
Brian:
Keep it simple. Just kidding, that lesson I still have yet to learn. Biggest lesson as of late has been to never forget that when a character moves, you really need to know why. Every movement, no matter how small, should have a purpose. While I am nowhere near perfect on it, it is always in my mind.
AnimationMentor.com:
Who is your favorite animator?
Brian:
Wow, the list of animators that I love is huge, I can think of nine old men off the top of my head, but the cat who really got me psyched in the last few years is AM's very own Carlos Baena. Every piece of work I have seen from him is so full of life and character it's almost criminal. My first reaction whenever I see one of Carlos' animations is, "How could I ever even hope of being that good someday?" Then I realize that we all have to start somewhere and it gives me something to shoot for. Plus, I hear the man makes an amazing paella.
AnimationMentor.com
What is your favorite animated/CG scene of all time?
Brian:
Once again, list too huge, brain overloading. If you are making me pick, and you are, the one that stands out most in my head at this exact second is the car scene with Bob and Lucius in "The Incredibles." The subtlety of acting was some of the best I have ever seen CG attain. It felt so natural, just like two friends would converse in real life. I absolutely forgot I was watching CG actors. Wonderful.
AnimationMentor.com
Anything else you want to say to your fellow and prospective students of AnimationMentor.com?
Brian:
This is one of the funnest rides I have ever been on. I feel truly lucky to be doing this alongside so many talented, passionate people. Yeah that sounds corny but inspiration can be hard to come by and AM is positively brimming with it. There have been many times I have been frustrated at 3am with a shot that I can't get a handle on and I jump on the forum or chat and there are a few of the gang willing to take the time and offer critiques and words of encouragement. Fan-freakin-tastic environment to play in!
What inspired you to learn animation?
Brian:
The all consuming urge to create and tell stories, plus the fact that I am a control freak and in animation I can make every character do exactly what I want. Who wants some actor deciding when they should breathe when I can do it myself. Dance monkey, dance!
AnimationMentor.com:
What would be your ultimate dream job?
Brian:
Pixar is obviously high on the list as the environment is so creator-centric. But really, I'd be happy anywhere where I am surrounded by other creative people who are joined together with the goal of telling great stories. I lean more towards family-oriented fare as I admire work that is accessible to all ages. The thought of being able to do something you love on a daily basis and get paid for it seems like a dream.
AnimationMentor.com:
How has your experience at AnimationMentor.com been so far?
Brian:
As big as my expectations were they have been far outstripped by the actual experience so far. Being surrounded by literally hundreds of people who share a similar passion and a willingness to share their knowledge and time with each other is inspiring. Every week I learn something to add to my arsenal and new ways to apply knowledge I already possessed. Plus, good gravy is the energy level of the folks at AM high! It is quite intoxicating.
AnimationMentor.com:
What's one of the most important and/or interesting lessons you've learned while at AnimationMentor.com?
Brian:
Keep it simple. Just kidding, that lesson I still have yet to learn. Biggest lesson as of late has been to never forget that when a character moves, you really need to know why. Every movement, no matter how small, should have a purpose. While I am nowhere near perfect on it, it is always in my mind.
AnimationMentor.com:
Who is your favorite animator?
Brian:
Wow, the list of animators that I love is huge, I can think of nine old men off the top of my head, but the cat who really got me psyched in the last few years is AM's very own Carlos Baena. Every piece of work I have seen from him is so full of life and character it's almost criminal. My first reaction whenever I see one of Carlos' animations is, "How could I ever even hope of being that good someday?" Then I realize that we all have to start somewhere and it gives me something to shoot for. Plus, I hear the man makes an amazing paella.
AnimationMentor.com
What is your favorite animated/CG scene of all time?
Brian:
Once again, list too huge, brain overloading. If you are making me pick, and you are, the one that stands out most in my head at this exact second is the car scene with Bob and Lucius in "The Incredibles." The subtlety of acting was some of the best I have ever seen CG attain. It felt so natural, just like two friends would converse in real life. I absolutely forgot I was watching CG actors. Wonderful.
AnimationMentor.com
Anything else you want to say to your fellow and prospective students of AnimationMentor.com?
Brian:
This is one of the funnest rides I have ever been on. I feel truly lucky to be doing this alongside so many talented, passionate people. Yeah that sounds corny but inspiration can be hard to come by and AM is positively brimming with it. There have been many times I have been frustrated at 3am with a shot that I can't get a handle on and I jump on the forum or chat and there are a few of the gang willing to take the time and offer critiques and words of encouragement. Fan-freakin-tastic environment to play in!