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Eleanor Dayton - Class 4, Advanced Acting

Why animation?
Jim Henson. I grew up watching everything Henson I could find from the Muppet movies to Fraggle Rock to the Dark Crystal. While his work was always funny and creative, he always managed to have it mean something as well (although as kids we probably didn’t realize it). That’s what inspires me: that there can be meaning without detracting from the entertainment value of the piece.

This also carries over into my photography and sculpture: that something is often more than it seems. For my photography, I primarily focus on nature, and I don’t alter my photos in any way (not even cropping). The purity that exists in the tiny sliver of this world I choose to show is fascinating to me. In my sculpture, it may be interesting as a whole, but upon further examination one would discover that every little element is there with a purpose.

As far as actually pursuing animation, I was a late bloomer so to speak. I always knew I wanted to be an artist, but for the longest time I couldn’t narrow it down to a specific field. There are too many things to pick just one right? Well, besides filling up countless sketchbooks, I found myself transforming Post-It pads into little flipbooks. I actually found one of those old Post-It pads the other day.  :o)

It wasn’t until high school, however, that I realized I’d been animating (primitive as it may have been) for several years. Thus combining my love of Henson, Post-Its, and cartoons in general, I decided to go to art school. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in animation with a minor in sculpture from the Savannah College of Art and Design in June of 2006.

After a little while, I decided I wanted to further my animation education; so started the hunt for a masters program. What I found, however, was this thing called AnimationMentor.com. I have to admit that I was a might hesitant about taking an online program. After weighing my options, I decided to go for it, and I sure am glad I did.

How has Animation Mentor been so far?
In a word, phenomenal. I love it a little more every single day.

Honestly, as cliché as it may sound, Animation Mentor has changed my life. I can actually see my progress from one assignment to the next; now that’s awesome. This amazing school envelopes you with all its enthusiasm. There is this great sense of community although many of us have never met; I’ve become friends with people across the state, the country, and the world.

One of the most important things I’ve learned here is to not only to take feedback constructively, but to want it every step of the way. From the Q&A’s where I can ask questions directly, to the critiques by my mentor, to comments left by any student or mentor in the school.  Having that many sets of fresh eyes is wonderful! There is a terrific wealth of free flowing information from the mentors, staff, and students. Everyone can help anyone; there isn’t any fear of leaving comments for those ahead of you - the more comments the better. It is a truly motivating system.

If you are not an Animation Mentor student, become one! It is a decision you will not regret.

What is your favorite animated/CG scene of all time?
That’s a really hard choice. While I don’t think I could ever definitively choose just one, there is a short that stands out: Disney’s Peter and the Wolf.  Remember the one where each character had its own instrument and that told the story. That was amazing! That a story could be told so clearly with just a few instruments and animation I found impressive (I honestly forgot that it was narrated until I saw it again the other day).

Of course now that’s exactly what I am doing, except without the sound. Even in class one with just a bouncing ball or two; there could still be a story element.

Some of my other favorites would have to be:
Muppet Classic Theater--when they discover Rumpelstiltskin’s name
Happy Feet--“...they could have eated you”

Sword in the Stone -- the wizard’s duel
Wallace and Gromit -- The Snoozatron
For the Birds --when the little birds realize they how low the wire is
The Dark Crystal --the Podling party

What would be your ultimate dream job?
Specifically, I want to work at a studio where I can be a part of a feature or short film project. But as long as I can be somewhere doing what I love for a living, I’ll be happy. Being an animator has got to be the best career possible; you can be anything and everything! From a seriously crazy villain, to a giggly little girl, to a household appliance, the possibilities are endless.

This last image courtesy of Lisa Casani.

And so I leave you with this question: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?