Q
How would you advise people to get into the industry?
A
I think, especially in animation, if you don’t like hard work, I would advise you find something else where you can have fun. But it’s also fun and amazing to see what you can do together, what you can accomplish. I think that’s magic for me.
I would say there’s also an element of luck. I think I didn’t understand that – now that I do it takes some of the pressure off myself.
I think practising networking on some level – you never know where you’re going to get your next gig from. Sometimes it’s a person, I never would have thought would think of me.
Most people would freelance. Most people change jobs at least once a year.
Q
How do you find your jobs?
A
I’ve worked with a producer I’ve worked with a few times before. So you also get a network where you keep being hired if they’re happy with you because they know, oh, we know Heidi, we now she’s going to do this, I don’t have to worry about it; let’s get her in. For example, with Tiger Aspect, I worked with them three times. They love getting their people back and they’re very loyal. A lot of companies are loyal. I’m loyal to people. I have my favourite people I like to work with again.
What’s the best? I don’t know; people have weird journeys into it. I think if you’re an animator and you get a gig – people can just go from job to job. But I think if you’re an editor or a line producer or director, there might be two answers, but I think the way in there is a bit about being open to opportunities, and it also depends on what the dream is.
Q
It’s pretty much your story as well, isn’t it? Being open to opportunities…
A
Yeah, I never would have imagined some of the things I have done – when I started and set up an Irish production company and produced a live action film – I never would have thought of that. It depends on your personality too.
Q
Do you think you could limit yourself into a corner if you only did one thing?
A
Yeah, maybe you could, but it also depends where you end up working. Animators don’t tend to work with one company for ten years – they’ll do one project and move on to another.
Also it’s good to know yourself and be comfortable in yourself. Be inspired by other people, but maybe don’t compare too much. I think sometimes comparisons bring you down, and you can easily lose yourself.
Q
And celebrate your individuality.
A
Your artwork is what you’re hired to do, because you’re good at that. There’s room for a lot – see things as how you can develop, and be inspired by others instead of making comparisons.
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