#javadoodles
Who needs a cup of coffee this Monday? ( by:@javadoodles)
Thanks for the repost, @butchhartman!
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Experimenting with some cool 2d-effects-y things! Probably gonna make a small portfolio for this.
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Work in progress of a Looping GIF. Hey Arnold Surfing!
Artists in Action (NY Edition)!
Switching coasts again, we’d like to introduce you to Ilana Schwartz, an animator at our New York office! We caught up with her, in between sips of black coffee, to hear her story and watch her work her magic. We are SO inspired by her insanely awesome coffee cup art, belief in the importance of healthy body, mind and spirit as well as her true, authentic nature.
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1. How did you get your start?
I got my start at Nickelodeon before I graduated from school. I was originally going to work for Walt Disney upon graduating to work on movie poster art… But Nick stole me away, and I’m so happy about it! A friend of mine (her name is Alex DiTullio) called me up and asked if she could send my reel over to Nickelodeon for review, and of course I was open to it! A few weeks later, I got a call from Nick asking to interview, and I received a job offer. I was so thrilled that I would be working directly in animation at my favorite network! As a kid, I always had Nickelodeon on the TV, so it really struck home with me, and it felt 100% right to work here. I’ve been here almost two years doing animation, and I’m so happy I made this decision.
2. Favorite parts of the job?
I have a lot of favorite parts about working at Nick! First of all, I work with wonderful people - not everybody is so lucky! I walk into the office every day, and I automatically feel a teamwork-oriented attitude. During challenges and obstacles, we are all on the same team, and ultimately on the same mission. So it feels really good knowing that everyone has each others’ backs. Secondly, I get to animate…. every day…for Nickelodeon! It’s fun and exciting, and we work with different show units. Sometimes I am on a Nick Jr. project, and other times I am on a Nickelodeon project - it all depends on what my art directors need from me at any given moment. I don’t think I could ask for anything more, I feel lucky to be a part of something so animated, for lack of better term.
3. Advice you’d give to aspiring artists in this industry?
I have a few words of advice for young budding artists who want to work in the industry. First, find your “craft” that you love to do. I personally love coffee and animation, so 4 years ago, I started a coffee cup art blog (javadoodles) and I didn’t think it would end up as anything significant. Now it’s a huge part of who I am, because I do a little bit each day, and I’m forming my own brand on Instagram, Tumblr, and other social media websites. I strongly advise you to get your work OUT THERE for everyone to see! If you look back at my first few java doodles, they weren’t all that exciting or detailed. With each cup I draw, I get a little bit better. Practice, practice, practice, and build your social media presence. Tumblr and Instagram are HUGE right now - so start small, and you never know what you could achieve! Most importantly, continue to love what you do, because authenticity is the most important thing. Being yourself. Another thing that really helped me was going to animation conferences like SIGGRAPH and Ottawa Int. Animation Festival. I met a lot of new friends that way, and the animation world is very small. You continue to run into the same familiar faces, and then all of the sudden you’re working together! So, get out there, talk to people, keep in touch - you never know. Also, keep your body and mind healthy. Get good nights’ sleeps, and go to the gym - a lot of people don’t stress how important this is, and I really do think it’s a huge part of what keeps me focused and happy. Healthy body, healthy mind, healthy spirit.
4. Choice of superpower/ ability?
I want to be half-ghost like Danny Phantom. He was one of my favorite cartoons growing up.
5.Spirit animal?
Liz Lemon from 30 Rock, if we’re talking about human spirit animals. Otherwise if we’re ACTUALLY talking about animals, I’m definitely a lion.
6.What tools have helped you get to where you are today?
Tools that have helped me: markers, pens, and coffee cups. Also, coffee.
7.What inspires you?
Show creators, watching a great short film, listening to others’ speak about their journeys in the animation world, and going to conferences like Ottawa.
8.What are some dreams you hope to achieve?
Dreams I hope to achieve: Have a series on Nickelodeon one day. This is probably my wildest dream, so I will continue to pitch and pitch and pitch series until the end of time.
9.What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Coffee cup art, animating gifs, pitching shows, practicing everyday health and fitness, working out, hanging out with friends, and doing my best to inspire others.
10.What is your favorite ice cream/ dessert?
Favorite sweet treat… has to be dark chocolate. 70% Dark or higher is usually good.
11.Did you go to school for what you’re currently working in?
I went to Rochester Institute of Technology to learn animation, both 2D and 3D. I’d say it was a great decision.
12.What is your biggest responsibility?
My biggest responsibility at work is making sure everything is organized in the file structure, making sure everything is delivered on time to be aired. Proper communication with my art directors usually leads to success in these areas.
13.What do your day-to-day tasks look like?
Animating on-air graphics for television, cleaning up files so they’re not messy, delivering files to producers, being awesome.
14.Do you have a role model, and if so who and why?
I have lots of role models. I really look up to my art directors, managers, and co-workers here at Nick, since we are all on the same team. I find that I’m inspired by a lot of people for a lot of different reasons. I also have a few specific role models in my field - John Sabel, from Walt Disney Pictures always gives me sound advice when I need a listening ear. Additionally, I look to my family and close friends, my two sisters, they are inspiring on a daily basis.
15.Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you are most proud of.
One of my most significant career moments was seeing my animation on the Nick channel for the first time. It made me realize how special my role is here as an animator. In addition, Tumblr has given me two staff picks on my Javadoodles account. You could view the two pieces hereandhere.
16.What three items would you take to a dessert island other than food and water?
If I were on a deserted island, I’d bring my Pokemon Blue version, an endless supply of coffee, and probably some pens/coffee cups. I’d never get bored.
17.What song best describes you?
I know this is super cliche, but I love Taylor Swift - I’m NOT gonna lie. “Style” is probably my favorite track in the world, I just don’t get sick of it. Whether I’m happy or sad, I’m always in the mood to listen to it. I secretly want to animate a music video for her one day.
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Keep up with Ilana & follow her on:
Twitter - @ilanartist
Tumblr - @javadoodles
I cannot believe this is a thing. Thank you Narbeh Minasians for taking the time out of your day to get an up-close and personal look at my Java Doodles collection. And another great thank you to @nickelodeonand@nickanimationstudio for being the most wonderful place to work.
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