Animation Mentor:
What inspired you to become an animator?

C.J. Sarachene:
I was always attracted to art, drawing and film making but, as a kid, I never seriously thought about making it my profession. Honestly what sold me on pursuing animation as a career was the music video “Take on Me" by A-ha. It was a form of animation I hadn't seen before and it intrigued me. I was hooked and wanted to know how I could be a part of the medium.

C.J. Sarachene:
I am thankful for all of the twists and turns that brought me to the place I am today. I certainly didn't have a straightforward, focused road. But I happen to feel I have the perfect job now for my personality and talents, so I would be hard-pressed to change anything. I don't think I would have ended up where I am or be the person I am today if I had done something differently. So instead of doing something differently, I think I would like to have concentrated on honing my drawing and animation skills a lot earlier.

C.J. Sarachene:
My very first job in the industry was as an artist on Faith Hubley's short film, Upside Down. Her daughter Emily taught me in school and asked me to help out on the project. I was ecstatic to be involved on an independent animated film by a prolific artist.

My very first job as an animator was at a studio in NYC called Zander Animation Parlour. They did mostly 2d commercial work and I was hired as an assistant animator for some title spots for Bill Cosby's show “You Bet Your Life.” The show tanked, but I got to meet and work with a great group of animators from Bluth and Disney studios, which eventually led me to my move to California.

C.J. Sarachene:
Emily Hubley. Emily Hubley was one of my first mentors in the industry and she and her mother were a great inspiration to me. Emily still is a great influence. She's an independent animator who energizes everyone who comes in contact with her and her career choices constantly remind me to embrace one’s differences and challenge the status quo.

C.J. Sarachene:
I know this sounds like a cop out, but I really don't have a favorite as every character I've animated (and there have been dozens) has had its own fun and challenging quality about it. If I absolutely had to choose one, it would be the Digital Max character for the Comcast Commercials we did at R&H, for several reasons. It was the first and only cartoony human character in 3d I'd worked on. He had a fun personality to play with and transform, the schedule was short and sweet, plus I was given the opportunity to animate one whole spot by myself.

C.J. Sarachene:
I'm pretty new to Animation Mentor and I've only been a Campus Mentor for two sessions. But I have to say, I absolutely love the interaction that one can have with so many different people from all around the world. It really makes the industry feel like a close-knit community with so much information at a click of the mouse.

C.J. Sarachene:
Although I haven't actively participated in them (yet) I really do enjoy the e-Critiques. One can get a great deal of information and satisfaction by seeing a shot from another professional’s viewpoint and watching a student flourish through positive feedback.