Animation Mentor:
What inspired you to learn animation?

Valdimar Baldvinsson:
I love stories. After trying a lot of mediums as a kid and teenager I found out that animation is a really good way for telling stories. There is a lot of freedom in animation and therefore hard to find a better medium for stories and the unexpected turns they can take. I feel that animation is very dimensional, rich and unpredictable which makes animation unbelievably exciting to me.



Animation Mentor:
How has your experience at Animation Mentor been so far?

Valdimar Baldvinsson:
Animation Mentor has helped me so much. It truly is a lot more then I expected. I really do think that applying for Animation Mentor has been one of the best decisions of my life. I could write A LOT more about how awesome they are, but instead I'm just going to say Animation Mentor RULES!!!



Animation Mentor:
What's one of the most important and/or interesting lessons you've learned while at Animation Mentor?

Valdimar Baldvinsson:
Man, there are so many awesome things I have learned here but one of the best things is observation. The coolest thing about AM is that they don't just tell you to observe, but most importantly, they tell you WHAT to look for.


Animation Mentor:
What would be your ultimate dream job?

Valdimar Baldvinsson:
My ultimate dream job would be working on an animated feature film that later on would make me proud for being part of. Being happy with what we achieve is key. That is what gives us fulfillment and purpose.



Animation Mentor:
Who is your favorite animator?

Valdimar Baldvinsson:
Ok, since this is a nasty question I will have to make 5 categories.

For making this stuff up!:
J. Stuart Blacktop
Emile Kohl
Windsor McCay
Pat Sullivan
Walt Disney
The Nine Old Men
and more….

For being good storytellers:
John Lasseter
Hayao Miyazaki
Brad Bird
Andrew Adamson
Chris Landreth

For being awesome animators:
Doug Sweetland
Angus MacLane

For being awesome mentors:
Dimos Vrysellas
Eric Lessard

For changing my life:
Bobby 'Boom' Beck
Shawn Kelly
Carlos Baena



Animation Mentor:
What is your favorite animated/CG scene of all time?

Valdimar Baldvinsson:
My favorite animated scene of all time is in my favorite short film of all time called Ryan (by Chris Landreth). You have to see this film! It's an animated true interview with 60's animator Ryan Larkin. I don't want so say anything more about the film, just see it! Every scene in this film has a name and my favorite scene is called "Chris".  



Animation Mentor:
Anything else you want to say to your fellow and prospective students of Animation Mentor?

Valdimar Baldvinsson:
I have never met so many awesome, intelligent, good-spirited and beautiful looking people in my life!