The music video I made isn't out yet, but made sure you're subbed so you don't miss the breakdown / debrief of how it was created! Also, any other questions you have after hearing the story? :)
I was working at Spacestation Animation and was excited to meet you when we had booths right next to each other, that was a fun weekend. I was one of the modelers. You were defaulted to the producer role, was it your first time doing all that? After your experience and hindsight, it would be easier the next time, no? My question is, would you want to produce if the opportunity was presented, or is an animation lead that is better suited for you? I'm excited to have more content from you, Sir!
Thanks for sharing Sir! I'm really interested in your animation/mocap experience in unreal. I imagine being able to see animations realtime is a nice benefit, but setting things up has always been tricky for me
I took the plunge 10 years ago, form working as a freelance to starting my own studio. The original idea was to use commercial work to fund personal projects. Listening to your experience I can relate to all of those struggles and the hardest lesson we learned was that you could have a profitable company or your dream studio, but not both. At least for the first few years. We've gotten better at handling teams, planning and budgeting time and money correctly. But that took us A LOT of time. And it's taken me getting used to doing more management work and less creative stuff, but I'm happy to see the team happy and us still standing strong all these years later. Right now we let people choose what project they want to lead and the team members they want for it, and everyone chips in from the initial brainstorming all the way to feedback and suggestions, but the leader for each project has final say on what gets done. That's what's worked better for us and has led to happy teams and better results, and we're chugging along those dream projects we wanted to make. Sorry for the ramble, you have surely gained much experience that will help you on anything you want to make so don't get disheartened and keep on making what you love!
We are slowly building a specialist animation studio, definitely great advice. One key thing I've learned the hard way is not to take on a project that you aren't or won't be passionate about. Its really hard to turn down big projects, but when you know it's not quite right for you and your team, taking it on anyway will make you wish you didn't. I guess the difference is we're starting really small, probably too small but it's my dream and I want to build it properly. Good luck on your next adventure, failure and learning from it is a huge part of the journey.
Any team of a significant size NEEDS a manager and every company, reagardless of size, needs an accountant (They can both be the same person). They dont have to be full time in these rolls but in my experiance companies where there is a "free for all" style of managment, fail. You have to have someone at the top saying "you do this" "you do this" you do this" otherwise everything turns into a bee-line of progress. Sounds to me like enthusiasm got a bit ahead of you in this project, not a critisim, it happens to everyone.
So say you want to start an Animation film studio but you don't have the money to do so but you still want to pay your people the amount they deserve also make the company last a long time where should you start. I'm just interested seems you know a lot about it
@@TheBeastoftheNight In that situation, i would say that you dont want to be employing people at all. You cant conjure money from thin air. You want to find some like minded people who want the same things as you and are willing to work in their spare time (for a share of the profits) while working another "proper" paying job. There are lots of them out there. After your first success which brings in some cash flow, create a more formal arrangment. You could also do a few solo projects, but thats a whole can of worms.
Illumination and Blue Sky Studios are identical to Pixar and DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Animation and the Warner Animation Group are identical to Walt Disney Animation Studios. Universal Animation Studios is identical to DisneyToon Studios and Walt Disney Television Animation.
Thanks for sharing this. It's easy to say "if you don't like working in the industry, just go indie!" But few people understand how difficult that can be
Taking on projects that you're not passionate about is something I believe everyone does at least once. There are many I have done (and still do) because mouths need to be fed and bills to pay. I feel its a skill to learn how to prepare your mindset when working on those jobs. Sometimes those "soul sucking" jobs lead to something truly amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience. Very important stuff here.
I am a Data Engineer by profession (or by peer pressure you could say) but I’ve always wanted to build my own Animation studio. I have made a road map, let me know if this looks sensible and practical. 1. Learn Animation skill (currently pursuing) 2. Get registered as a business. 3. Start off with some small projects such as 2D educational videos, corporate training videos etc. 4. Create my own content (RUclips) to try and make some name and polish the skills 5. Build a team and approach bigger projects such as TV commercials, music videos, movies (film industry) Also, if you can tell me how to get projects (even if they are soul sucking)?
First, I’m insanely grateful for this. Second, I feel this reflects my current experience of leading a game team… almost down to a “T”. Looks like I’ll be watching this video a few more times this week.😅 Thank you so much, it’s not easy to talk about failing. But in doing so, it helps refine the knowledge of what we should and should not do to find success.
damn, I really wish I could've heard about this studio. I would've LOVED the opportunity to work with you! It's unfortunate that the studio went under, but I think you know to take it as a learning experience. All in all, such experiences will have led you to be a better leader overall. If there's ever another opportunity for you to try again, I have no doubts that you'll be better than before
You are actually wise beyond your years. A person who can see project issues/mistakes and talk about them during a debrief (military term) will certainly be more successful every time you go back up and fly your plane, so to speak. Even people who are not interested in animation would find your videos (do's and don'ts, project debriefs) incredibly informative, and be able to apply them to their own personal projects. You have a gift, for sure. I spent a LOT of money taking classes from Joe Murray (Rocko's Modern Life and Camp Lazlo). Though he is great with details of crafting animation scripts, etc., there was no "big picture" of how all of this works. I've only seen two of your videos. I'm really impressed with your "big picture" understanding of how everything works and the way you inform viewers about different topics. You really do have something special! Good on ya!
😅 I am stuck with my first ever Comic series and only finished 1 chapter out of 10 chapters in last two and a half years. 😅 you guys on the other hand did a substantial job in this time period. Take your own time and produce something that has value in your life ❤
This was very relatable. I too had a similar adventure where I tried to start my own studio or business or whatever but there's soooo much other stuff you need to do, it's unbelievable. Eventually I realized only 10% of my time was spent on actually creating art lol.
Wow that was quite the reality check that I needed. I've been so confused about opening my own Animation Studio. At times I feel I shouldn't think much and just dive into it, facing every hurdle as they come at me. And other times, I'm just bogged down by the number of things I have to take care of once I set the ball rolling. And the exact things you said scare me: managing people, managing their salaries, doing something you don't enjoy etc. Not to mention, chasing clients for payments, thinking of taxes, and stuff (things I'm terrible at). I feel all of this will drain me out creatively and I will start getting demotivated fast. I've also realized that if I work ONLY for money, it never works out for me. If my heart isn't in the project, I get burned out way too easily and the project tends to delay a lot. Also the project turns out to be very substandard and low in quality. And after all this, even the money doesn't excite me anymore. I just get further demotivated. I think what you said about joining a team and just being in control of ONE aspect that I'm good at, is more of my thing. And I'm going to do just that.
Excellent video! A lesson I keep learning over and over again is how important it is to spend a lot of time in the planning phase, and to stick to your plan. Thanks a lot for the insight in making an animation studio and some potential pitfalls
I also ones failed at managing a team I'm supposed to follow up and in my case, for a quite some time, I felt really bad about my self until I realized if it wasn't for my failure, I wouldn't have known what it takes to be a leader. so, I've been working on the qualities I lacked back then and, I believe that I'm much better now This video reminded me of that, so, thanks you
I tried this animation studio business on my own for 15 years. It didn't work out for many of the same reasons you mentioned. I'm an animator/artist. I don't trust myself to run a business or even manage my own artist self let alone inspire others to stick with me on the long run. I'm better off working for some other company that is structured and stable and I don't have to worry about a million things beyond my expertise. Live and learn!
My Art Director (Contract of course) sent this to me. He said, "as soon as he mentioned his goals in the beginning it was clear it would fail..." Now that I've watched it, I'd agree. Specifically Goal #1 was a recipe for failure... First, I absolutely love this video!!!! I've seen this hundreds of times. Here's someone who gets it! Also, if you do want to start a business, get the book "The eMyth Revisited." Three things wrong with the first goal, "Hire a full time creative-team!" 1. "Pay fairly," who decides what's fair? Speaking for myself (as a contract business consultant), I have my retail rate and my discount rate. People who don't ask get my retail rate, and deserve to pay it! You're running a business, you have a budget (well, better have a budget), hire people who fit your budget. If you don't ask, the answer is always no! 2. "Allowed to do the things they want to do,..." DO NOT let people working for you determine their work. You're the boss. Be a boss... "We have this project. We need someone to do x, y, and z on this project! Is that you?" And they should "build new skills" on their own time. You're paying them to finish a project, not learn! If you don't make money, you can't pay them, can you? 3. Don't hire "full-time employees" when you're starting, contract... Payroll is an expense and a pile of regulations and paperwork. Let's say you don't authorize overtime. But an employee works overtime just 1-2 minutes. You get to pay them 1-2 minute of overtime. If you don't, you get fined. Also, if an employee screws up, you just paid them to do it wrong. And now you can pay them to do it right (or wrong again). If a contractor screws up, it's on them! In the end, we get to the truth of it. Most people are not cut out to be Entrepreneurial. It's stressful not knowing where your next check is coming from and determining budgets and negotiating contracts with clients.
I'm not in the animation industry at all, so my experiences is more in general project management. I agree with you soo much! The fact that he tried to hire a full-time team in his first endeavours of creating a business... was definitely a very scary leap of faith! I think it's too big of a step for beginners. It's understandable, but I think he was too starry-eyed in the beginning ☹️. Also the fact that there wasn't really a concrete plan for what one project (it shouldn't be many projects at once!) he wanted to do- also unfortunately a recipe for failure. I'm not sure if he had a very detailed business plan, stating the expected deliverables, legal framework etc in the beginning, but if he didn't have that, understandably it probably would have all fell apart in the end. Also this was supposed to be where his business partner should have jumped in! It felt like he wanted to hang out with fellow animators and do fun creative stuff, as opposed to be a leader with clear vision, goals and precise outcomes. I'm surprised he didn't hire a business consultant like you- but perhaps he thought his friend as a business partner would be enough. That said, it's an incredibly brave thing to publicise your failures so I commend him for this!
@@rosemangofairy Your post is so spot on. You're right, any project fails without a project plan... I got my start in the video game industries in the 80s. Even with good project management, 3 out of 5 video game projects failed. None of mine, it depends on the team and the management. The thing is, he could still make this work, should he decide to try again. The key, as i mentioned, read "The eMyth Revisited," it uncovers the problems most people starting a business run into. Second, learn to manage projects (find out what a Gant chart it), and third (but really first) learn how to sell! If you have no sales, you don't need a product.
Sorry it didn't work out. I hope it is ok to add some of my insights here. I do work in the vfx industry for almost 20 years now and helped building up the studio i work in since more than 11 years. You do outline the points very good but i have the feeling it is not quite on the point. When you create your own studio there is a big trap in the thought process. Get good artists, pay them well and we will create good content. Well the thing is artists will get you like 50% there to finish a project. There is this thing called pipeline, and this does not necessary mean write your own tools. Pipeline is simply the way you do and approach things, and this is the trap, usually as an artist working at a company you only get a little bit in touch with this process (mainly the part that effects you). What we learned over the years that the pipeline is how you sell your company, meaning how you get new projects, because you did setup a workflow which over time proofs more and more that you are able to manage projects and actually finish them. The Artists are the important part to full fill the requested look of the project. So if you do not put focus on pipeline you will end up having good artists doing cool stuff, but struggle like crazy on passing on work from one artist to the next, keeping up deadlines and also the skill issue you mentioned. When you have a defined workflow the hiring process is effected because you are usually able to make a more precise job description and get people which are able to do exactly what you need. So you see the pipeline is sort of the guide which tells everyone what to do and the artists then do their magic. Also one thing to consider, i know this sounds bad now, It s a lot simpler to find artists then setting up a pipeline for the simple fact that there are way more people with the skill to produce amazing art and a lot less people with the skill to build up a workflow for a company. Again sounds very bad but this is what we experience and did keep us going when it comes to hard choices when project is over and you do not have enough follow up projects to keep everyone. So if you are in those situations it is always important to keep in mind this balance and what skill you can get back fast if you really need to let go people. I hope this is helpful, it is always sad when a studio needs to close.
Excellent video, the lessons we learn from failures are the best ones. I try to carry those into my classrooms and want to carry them into whatever I do next. Glad you will be doing the same!
thanks for this video and sharing your lessons. I too am going through a transition phase, where I failed a project, hopefully this new project I can focus on the things I am good at, and the things that I like.
I'm sad it didn't work out, but part of helping others is sharing what did and didn't work. And even more valuable is knowing why that was. Good luck with what comes next!
Coincidentally I was watching videos on making a production/animation studio earlier today since I'm hoping to make one once I get enough experience and skill in screenwriting in the future if need be. Though to be honest, I had to remind myself not to get ahead of myself since I would rather just be a part of a team than lead it & eventually make my own show/shared universe (+anime girl mascot if we agree to that sort of thing). I just started my journey into screenwriting however so I'm going to develop these skills while I'm still in college.
Hey SirWade sucks to hear about your dream not working out but i definitely appreciate you sharing what you learned because this is definitely going to help others who are interested in doing the same thing. Definitely like how you explain it as well and break it down. Appreciate you man. This must have been a hard video to make.
Thanks a lot man! Lucky for me, this definitely wasn't a dream of mine - I never really aspired to build my own studio, though I wasn't going to pass on the opportunity to try when it arose!
Pay rating your artists can be a challenging thing though ~ even those who are less popular but just happen to be a better artist than the most popular ones in the industry and you'll never know which of these bunch is the big deal. Also the industry is changing and we all new how payrates can affect a studio itself knowing how ideal a person can get but at the end of the day, just make sure that Artist has enough money to pay his/her rents the bill, the food to eat of the week and other things.
I'm sorry to hear you went through this low period. Can't imagine the pressure you must have felt, everything that was on your plate all the while you didn't feel to happy working on this video. Hope things will turn more positive. What I do want to ask, is this a chapter closed now? Like do you now believe this is just not for you, or do you still have the ambition to try again in the future with everything you've learned from this journey? I respect your courage for trying 😊
Same thing happened with me around 2002-2004 . it cost me lots at that time . From that day I`ve learning something useful in my next another works . Always find serious buyer first even before make a half baked draft . There are plenty reason why we need that in first place , but that`s how the IRL works Art might be our ways to create money , but like always, everything involving money is business . So understand the core of how actually some project can have benefit for everyone who involved including the buyers, is something we`re artist should mastered it
Thanks for sharing! This was fantastic overview of why things can sometimes go wrong. If i could double like this video i would thank you for making such honest content!
Nice video, my 2 cents. I think you shouldn't give up on having your own studio, you learn where you all failed & you should know where you can succeed so yea work with the group gain more knowledge but create your own (I too want to do the same). I saw a fox in a car in the video that could be a great story. He was taken from his home along wit few others to be sold but an accident happen which made him escape in the cite he meets ppl ( a child etc) & other animals who help him find his bros or sis, whilst the same ppl are chasing him & grow from there. I say rather than just music videos make commercials for companies so money comes in & work on creating a story.
Should've gotten me, i woulda worked for free xD On a serious note, I definitely relate to the communication part. Had that same issue in uni for a game project where no one was really making the clear decisions, and at least for me I felt hesitant on speaking up (asking for and presenting updates) cause i didnt want to appear pushy or annoying.
Wow! I really wished I was aware about this studio, I would have loved to work with you... It's sad the studio has to shut down now, but I wish you good luck in your future endeavors
Wow very interesting and insightful. I'm frustrated, 2 things in this country: we still as a whole think animation is for kids and we think failure is a bad thing. We should not feel bad for admitting nor retelling how we "failed" because you CANNOT have success without. Americans have an ignorant view of that. Shoot I've only really learned this to heart recently! You said it was a learning experience, that's ALL failure is. And you get better. Shoot I want to make my own studio every since I could remember and I would love to bring you in with your experience. I'm not even too familiar with your animation skills but I would Def have you on as a consultant or animation director. Definitely keeping you in mind so you can come work for OUR team in future. I love your stuff sir wade and thank you for this. You'll be hearing from me soon. Making a solo project or rather several.
I may be biased in saying this, but it looks like your video could have benefited a lot from compositing. From the clips you showed there are a lot of rough edges (probably coming from unreal) which could be ironed out in comp.
Sir, Challenges in starting animation Studio but there is something(Artificial Intelligence) out there is coming for us . Please throw some light on AI art and Future of AI in animation industry...Will there any animators in future?
I feel ya! - all the fun or not as fun challenges of running a business. - BTW. would be good to have you go over the backend.. what did you use for your pipeline stuff and remote software and proj. mgt stuff and remote review. etc..
I’ll never be able to express how grateful I am that you gave me a year of your life to try something risky. You’re a great friend and also a great man. Thanks for helping me learn some difficult lessons. I’m gonna need a long game night when I get back from Japan 🫶🏼
So what were the projects that got in the way of the music video? There were a number of clips with the cat character, but where did those projects come from? Were they internally started or did they come from an outside client?
This is amazing, learning a lot, and true to it, I did try to open a studio back in 2019, it failed, and it is funny how I relate, did a 3 month project in a year. Eventually back to employment but about to refocus. #Gettingbackup. Good luck Sir Wade. keep inspiring!
Thank you, I’ll take all of this as advice and it’s really useful to other people. As such, it’s not a failure since you found a way to make it profitable to you and other people. You rock, I sub !
Thank you Sir Wade! I am myself interested in opening a studio due to the perfect timing, location and opportunity in my life. I am currently writing a business plan and vision, so this video is super handy. Thanks!
thanks for sharing ..I thought I was bad at this ...now I feel so much more competent. hah. Even if you're a creative always think about the cost, the money side of things if you're going to start a business...try to plan for 5 years and not just one. Good luck.
Appreciate this! Thanks. Hopefully sometime you can zero-in on the more contractual, legal, and business aspects in terms of hiring, contracting, licensing, and production. That would be juicy, if only to me lol!
This was very educational, thank you! I have a quick question though, where do you get the budget from to pay your freelancers, given that the music video was the first project for the Animation Studio? and how did you plan on breaking even with the film? Thanks!
Aw, man, that must've been such a horrible experience. But I really like the fact that you made a video about it, explaining the important things so that others don't make the same mistake. Now I want to watch the music video, I will just be heading out for it.
About Planning + Management part, why did you deviate from your main project and start other projects? Were those smaller projects for clients intended to help fund the main project? Splitting into smaller projects without aim makes no sense to me and I'd like to understand if you had a good reason for this.
I really appreciate you doing this video. It is a learning experience. I wish I had tried to do something like that when I was younger. I am blessed with a beautiful family, which also means more responsibilities, Now Im going slower with personal projects, but I am grateful that nowadays we have people like you who create amazing resources, I hope you find what you are looking for.
Great video! Its always good to analyze mistakes and learn from. Thank you for letting others learn too. It sounds like you guys needed a producer / production manager with experience in animation industry who would help you with planning and getting everything done and organized. If you ever do need such person feel free to contact me as this is what I do 😄
I’ve started my own studio and I agree with paying people what they want to charge, but sometimes that doesn’t match what they are worth. I often look at people as an investment; are they high or low risk and what will be my return if I hire them.
What I gather from this is that animation shouldn't be started until storyboards are completed and animaticed to death in a small studio before the first frame of animation is started. Like television, and very unlike big budget feature animation. And there also needs to be a hardcore production coordinator who establishes deadlines that are The Law. It's a better investment for a small studio to hire an A level board artist who gets 11 minutes of script done in 3 weeks, than an A level animator who gets 10 seconds of animation done in 2 weeks.
I admire this video and you even trying to do something that ballsy - A trillion percent. We take for granted how many talented people end up making necessary and sometimes costly mistakes before their breakthroughs. Maybe interview Corridor Crew and see if they have little tips and tricks or contacts for you if you ever want to be a part of something like that again. Not as a manager but maybe a co-founder.
💀💀💀 I've been 2d animating a music vid for like 20+ secs on my phone, the initial idea was to animate a shot 30+ sec animation but as I'm animating it's taking longer and draining me...😪💀 I just hope I can finish it..
Fascinating how your outset attitudes were all about enjoying yourself and 'ideals' not the customer. I worked in the real world making crafts/arts. You may be doing the basic craft you like doing but forget making things just that you fancy doing. You have to make what a customer wants. At a price they are willing to pay not what you fancy having for it. Most will say can you not do it for less not, have more money, spend longer making it, have fun, make it a bit fancier, or ever say how great you or the work you do are. That is the price you pay for making a hobby fun activity into a work job. Yes, running a business is horrid, a very different thing, tedious and boring, irritating and annoying compared to just making.
I don't know what you define as failure or success but a friend of mine saw one of your videos he was so inspired he wanted to learn animation , I taught him 3d , even though he is not an animator , more like a 3d artist , he was from a very poor background , he now has been able to pull his entire family out of poverty, I don't know if this helps or not , I know different people have different metrics on how they measure success.But Like I said you got someone that you might never meet to change his entire life , not just him but his family.Peace.
The experience you achieved is outstanding and the courage as well. So many factors can lead to success. Normally takes time, you know "Avatar' took so many years to accomplish for multiple reasons. Also is important to define what are your responsibilities. I follow a few talented animators in their careers, to understand what I should do, also I follow all interviews as much as posible to learn. One example is Alberto Mielgo who work hard and struggle before he receive recognition. Took him years to make "The Windshield Wiper "& Jibaro" short animations, but receive awards, didn't make any money with the shorts animations but help him to be considered a Great Animator Director, so I'm learning the steps, what I understand is that in film/animation first need to have a solid work/short/project to prove what you are capable of making and if posible receive some kind of award or recognition for your personal work and talent, I believe this is a way to get exposure and start making contacts towards your goal. If you check the interviews of Alberto Mielgo, Robert Valley and many other creative people you will understand, learn from them so many many things that will help how they work and the perseverance to achieve their dreams. I read about how many talented artists work crazy hours in big studios like Marvel Studios, they created a toxic work environment for VFX artists. Nothing wrong to work as independent artist, is hard bur rewarding. Peace to all doing what you love.
Your story reminded me Bryan Konietzko's notes on making the Legend of Korra: he said that directing an animated show was like having his dreamjobs - all at once. It was difficult to manage, and it is part of the game. Most people tell the same: managing teams is the hardest part. On the other side, planning helps to prevent budget losses. I thank you a lot for this video, as I am thinking of starting an animation project, and I am realizing how difficult it is to keep the focus.
Awesome video! It's really fascinating to see all the ups and downs you went through with the studio. Sorry it didn't work out in the end, but at least you learned some things, and will probably be better moving forward! Im eager to hear/see your progress towards a studio job. Best of luck!
*You can't buy this kind of advice.* This sort of lecture can only be found from beneath the bluntest of teachers: *Failure, and its syndicates.* As an individual hoping to form and tell stories for the rest of his life, I thank you for your honesty, and for your willingness to risk shame, in trade for the education and betterment of others. Bless you. May you find excellence and success in your future endeavors. I will pray for you.
Thank you, Sir Wade. This was fascinating. I can't help but feel bad that you did not produce something that you loved. I'd been fascinated by animation since I was a kid. Wouldst that I had organizational skills to take me into such a thing as animation, but alas, my self-esteem told me I was not worthy. I got focused on living my meager life. When I'd heard of "How to Train Your Dragon," I went and saw it. I had to then find the books that inspired it when I found out it was some seven years in the making? That boggled my mind. I tried to imagine the work people put forth to build this project over that time. It absolutely fascinated and astounded me. When I hear your excursion into this, a thought came to mind. Does a project spring from a studio, or does a studio spring from a project. I know there are a lot of people involved, but I guess the thing that's really important, in my mind, is the story, and the character development. Again, it boggles the mind. I do sincerely hope you've found the love of your work since this happened. Perhaps you'll develop those skills and interests that bring you closer to creating a studio. Working in a studio has to go a long way to gaining insights into that process. Best of luck to you, Sir. I look forward to seeing the product of this effort. Thank you.
The music video I made isn't out yet, but made sure you're subbed so you don't miss the breakdown / debrief of how it was created! Also, any other questions you have after hearing the story? :)
I was working at Spacestation Animation and was excited to meet you when we had booths right next to each other, that was a fun weekend. I was one of the modelers.
You were defaulted to the producer role, was it your first time doing all that? After your experience and hindsight, it would be easier the next time, no?
My question is, would you want to produce if the opportunity was presented, or is an animation lead that is better suited for you?
I'm excited to have more content from you, Sir!
Thanks for sharing Sir! I'm really interested in your animation/mocap experience in unreal. I imagine being able to see animations realtime is a nice benefit, but setting things up has always been tricky for me
I took the plunge 10 years ago, form working as a freelance to starting my own studio. The original idea was to use commercial work to fund personal projects. Listening to your experience I can relate to all of those struggles and the hardest lesson we learned was that you could have a profitable company or your dream studio, but not both. At least for the first few years.
We've gotten better at handling teams, planning and budgeting time and money correctly. But that took us A LOT of time. And it's taken me getting used to doing more management work and less creative stuff, but I'm happy to see the team happy and us still standing strong all these years later.
Right now we let people choose what project they want to lead and the team members they want for it, and everyone chips in from the initial brainstorming all the way to feedback and suggestions, but the leader for each project has final say on what gets done. That's what's worked better for us and has led to happy teams and better results, and we're chugging along those dream projects we wanted to make.
Sorry for the ramble, you have surely gained much experience that will help you on anything you want to make so don't get disheartened and keep on making what you love!
is your music video as good as this? ruclips.net/video/PkG0OinHZc0/видео.html
We are slowly building a specialist animation studio, definitely great advice.
One key thing I've learned the hard way is not to take on a project that you aren't or won't be passionate about. Its really hard to turn down big projects, but when you know it's not quite right for you and your team, taking it on anyway will make you wish you didn't.
I guess the difference is we're starting really small, probably too small but it's my dream and I want to build it properly.
Good luck on your next adventure, failure and learning from it is a huge part of the journey.
Hi! Are you looking for new hands? If yes, what kind of talent are you looking for?
Any team of a significant size NEEDS a manager and every company, reagardless of size, needs an accountant (They can both be the same person). They dont have to be full time in these rolls but in my experiance companies where there is a "free for all" style of managment, fail. You have to have someone at the top saying "you do this" "you do this" you do this" otherwise everything turns into a bee-line of progress. Sounds to me like enthusiasm got a bit ahead of you in this project, not a critisim, it happens to everyone.
So say you want to start an Animation film studio but you don't have the money to do so but you still want to pay your people the amount they deserve also make the company last a long time where should you start. I'm just interested seems you know a lot about it
@@TheBeastoftheNight In that situation, i would say that you dont want to be employing people at all. You cant conjure money from thin air.
You want to find some like minded people who want the same things as you and are willing to work in their spare time (for a share of the profits) while working another "proper" paying job. There are lots of them out there.
After your first success which brings in some cash flow, create a more formal arrangment.
You could also do a few solo projects, but thats a whole can of worms.
Illumination and Blue Sky Studios are identical to Pixar and DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Animation and the Warner Animation Group are identical to Walt Disney Animation Studios. Universal Animation Studios is identical to DisneyToon Studios and Walt Disney Television Animation.
Thanks for sharing this. It's easy to say "if you don't like working in the industry, just go indie!" But few people understand how difficult that can be
Thanks for sharing this one Sir Wade, It's great to look back on past failures and learn from them. That's the only way to grow.
Taking on projects that you're not passionate about is something I believe everyone does at least once. There are many I have done (and still do) because mouths need to be fed and bills to pay. I feel its a skill to learn how to prepare your mindset when working on those jobs. Sometimes those "soul sucking" jobs lead to something truly amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience. Very important stuff here.
I am a Data Engineer by profession (or by peer pressure you could say) but I’ve always wanted to build my own Animation studio.
I have made a road map, let me know if this looks sensible and practical.
1. Learn Animation skill (currently pursuing)
2. Get registered as a business.
3. Start off with some small projects such as 2D educational videos, corporate training videos etc.
4. Create my own content (RUclips) to try and make some name and polish the skills
5. Build a team and approach bigger projects such as TV commercials, music videos, movies (film industry)
Also, if you can tell me how to get projects (even if they are soul sucking)?
First, I’m insanely grateful for this.
Second, I feel this reflects my current experience of leading a game team… almost down to a “T”.
Looks like I’ll be watching this video a few more times this week.😅
Thank you so much, it’s not easy to talk about failing. But in doing so, it helps refine the knowledge of what we should and should not do to find success.
damn, I really wish I could've heard about this studio. I would've LOVED the opportunity to work with you! It's unfortunate that the studio went under, but I think you know to take it as a learning experience. All in all, such experiences will have led you to be a better leader overall. If there's ever another opportunity for you to try again, I have no doubts that you'll be better than before
You are actually wise beyond your years. A person who can see project issues/mistakes and talk about them during a debrief (military term) will certainly be more successful every time you go back up and fly your plane, so to speak. Even people who are not interested in animation would find your videos (do's and don'ts, project debriefs) incredibly informative, and be able to apply them to their own personal projects. You have a gift, for sure. I spent a LOT of money taking classes from Joe Murray (Rocko's Modern Life and Camp Lazlo). Though he is great with details of crafting animation scripts, etc., there was no "big picture" of how all of this works. I've only seen two of your videos. I'm really impressed with your "big picture" understanding of how everything works and the way you inform viewers about different topics. You really do have something special! Good on ya!
I wouldn't say he was "wise beyond his year" since he clearly failed.
However admitting it and gaining insite is very good.
😅 I am stuck with my first ever Comic series and only finished 1 chapter out of 10 chapters in last two and a half years. 😅 you guys on the other hand did a substantial job in this time period. Take your own time and produce something that has value in your life ❤
This was very relatable. I too had a similar adventure where I tried to start my own studio or business or whatever but there's soooo much other stuff you need to do, it's unbelievable. Eventually I realized only 10% of my time was spent on actually creating art lol.
Wow that was quite the reality check that I needed. I've been so confused about opening my own Animation Studio. At times I feel I shouldn't think much and just dive into it, facing every hurdle as they come at me. And other times, I'm just bogged down by the number of things I have to take care of once I set the ball rolling. And the exact things you said scare me: managing people, managing their salaries, doing something you don't enjoy etc. Not to mention, chasing clients for payments, thinking of taxes, and stuff (things I'm terrible at). I feel all of this will drain me out creatively and I will start getting demotivated fast. I've also realized that if I work ONLY for money, it never works out for me. If my heart isn't in the project, I get burned out way too easily and the project tends to delay a lot. Also the project turns out to be very substandard and low in quality. And after all this, even the money doesn't excite me anymore. I just get further demotivated.
I think what you said about joining a team and just being in control of ONE aspect that I'm good at, is more of my thing. And I'm going to do just that.
Excellent video! A lesson I keep learning over and over again is how important it is to spend a lot of time in the planning phase, and to stick to your plan. Thanks a lot for the insight in making an animation studio and some potential pitfalls
Thank you for sharing this, takes character to make our failures public.
Thank u for sharing ur experience, i a working on my own short qt the moment and needed to hear this to knowhow to deal with the team
Hi Sir Wade, sorry to hear that. Also, thank you for being brave and share the ups and down on this project of start an a studio.
I also ones failed at managing a team I'm supposed to follow up and in my case, for a quite some time, I felt really bad about my self until I realized if it wasn't for my failure, I wouldn't have known what it takes to be a leader. so, I've been working on the qualities I lacked back then and, I believe that I'm much better now
This video reminded me of that, so, thanks you
I tried this animation studio business on my own for 15 years. It didn't work out for many of the same reasons you mentioned. I'm an animator/artist. I don't trust myself to run a business or even manage my own artist self let alone inspire others to stick with me on the long run. I'm better off working for some other company that is structured and stable and I don't have to worry about a million things beyond my expertise. Live and learn!
My Art Director (Contract of course) sent this to me. He said, "as soon as he mentioned his goals in the beginning it was clear it would fail..." Now that I've watched it, I'd agree. Specifically Goal #1 was a recipe for failure...
First, I absolutely love this video!!!! I've seen this hundreds of times. Here's someone who gets it!
Also, if you do want to start a business, get the book "The eMyth Revisited."
Three things wrong with the first goal, "Hire a full time creative-team!"
1. "Pay fairly," who decides what's fair? Speaking for myself (as a contract business consultant), I have my retail rate and my discount rate. People who don't ask get my retail rate, and deserve to pay it! You're running a business, you have a budget (well, better have a budget), hire people who fit your budget. If you don't ask, the answer is always no!
2. "Allowed to do the things they want to do,..." DO NOT let people working for you determine their work. You're the boss. Be a boss... "We have this project. We need someone to do x, y, and z on this project! Is that you?" And they should "build new skills" on their own time. You're paying them to finish a project, not learn! If you don't make money, you can't pay them, can you?
3. Don't hire "full-time employees" when you're starting, contract... Payroll is an expense and a pile of regulations and paperwork. Let's say you don't authorize overtime. But an employee works overtime just 1-2 minutes. You get to pay them 1-2 minute of overtime. If you don't, you get fined.
Also, if an employee screws up, you just paid them to do it wrong. And now you can pay them to do it right (or wrong again). If a contractor screws up, it's on them!
In the end, we get to the truth of it. Most people are not cut out to be Entrepreneurial. It's stressful not knowing where your next check is coming from and determining budgets and negotiating contracts with clients.
I'm not in the animation industry at all, so my experiences is more in general project management. I agree with you soo much!
The fact that he tried to hire a full-time team in his first endeavours of creating a business... was definitely a very scary leap of faith! I think it's too big of a step for beginners. It's understandable, but I think he was too starry-eyed in the beginning ☹️.
Also the fact that there wasn't really a concrete plan for what one project (it shouldn't be many projects at once!) he wanted to do- also unfortunately a recipe for failure. I'm not sure if he had a very detailed business plan, stating the expected deliverables, legal framework etc in the beginning, but if he didn't have that, understandably it probably would have all fell apart in the end. Also this was supposed to be where his business partner should have jumped in!
It felt like he wanted to hang out with fellow animators and do fun creative stuff, as opposed to be a leader with clear vision, goals and precise outcomes. I'm surprised he didn't hire a business consultant like you- but perhaps he thought his friend as a business partner would be enough.
That said, it's an incredibly brave thing to publicise your failures so I commend him for this!
@@rosemangofairy Your post is so spot on. You're right, any project fails without a project plan... I got my start in the video game industries in the 80s. Even with good project management, 3 out of 5 video game projects failed. None of mine, it depends on the team and the management.
The thing is, he could still make this work, should he decide to try again. The key, as i mentioned, read "The eMyth Revisited," it uncovers the problems most people starting a business run into. Second, learn to manage projects (find out what a Gant chart it), and third (but really first) learn how to sell! If you have no sales, you don't need a product.
Good luck with your new ventures, and thanks for sharing an honest experience. Great channel!
Sorry it didn't work out.
I hope it is ok to add some of my insights here. I do work in the vfx industry for almost 20 years now and helped building up the studio i work in since more than 11 years.
You do outline the points very good but i have the feeling it is not quite on the point. When you create your own studio there is a big trap in the thought process.
Get good artists, pay them well and we will create good content. Well the thing is artists will get you like 50% there to finish a project.
There is this thing called pipeline, and this does not necessary mean write your own tools. Pipeline is simply the way you do and approach things, and this is the trap, usually as an artist working at a company you only get a little bit in touch with this process (mainly the part that effects you). What we learned over the years that the pipeline is how you sell your company, meaning how you get new projects, because you did setup a workflow which over time proofs more and more that you are able to manage projects and actually finish them.
The Artists are the important part to full fill the requested look of the project.
So if you do not put focus on pipeline you will end up having good artists doing cool stuff, but struggle like crazy on passing on work from one artist to the next, keeping up deadlines and also the skill issue you mentioned. When you have a defined workflow the hiring process is effected because you are usually able to make a more precise job description and get people which are able to do exactly what you need.
So you see the pipeline is sort of the guide which tells everyone what to do and the artists then do their magic.
Also one thing to consider, i know this sounds bad now, It s a lot simpler to find artists then setting up a pipeline for the simple fact that there are way more people with the skill to produce amazing art and a lot less people with the skill to build up a workflow for a company. Again sounds very bad but this is what we experience and did keep us going when it comes to hard choices when project is over and you do not have enough follow up projects to keep everyone. So if you are in those situations it is always important to keep in mind this balance and what skill you can get back fast if you really need to let go people.
I hope this is helpful, it is always sad when a studio needs to close.
I’m working on my own animation studio with my colleagues and this is phenomenal advice
Excellent video, the lessons we learn from failures are the best ones. I try to carry those into my classrooms and want to carry them into whatever I do next. Glad you will be doing the same!
thanks for this video and sharing your lessons. I too am going through a transition phase, where I failed a project, hopefully this new project I can focus on the things I am good at, and the things that I like.
4:54 would love to learn this kind of art style, it looks amazing!
I'm sad it didn't work out, but part of helping others is sharing what did and didn't work. And even more valuable is knowing why that was.
Good luck with what comes next!
Coincidentally I was watching videos on making a production/animation studio earlier today since I'm hoping to make one once I get enough experience and skill in screenwriting in the future if need be. Though to be honest, I had to remind myself not to get ahead of myself since I would rather just be a part of a team than lead it & eventually make my own show/shared universe (+anime girl mascot if we agree to that sort of thing). I just started my journey into screenwriting however so I'm going to develop these skills while I'm still in college.
When 1st starting any business paying people what YOU can realistically afford is important.
Hey SirWade sucks to hear about your dream not working out but i definitely appreciate you sharing what you learned because this is definitely going to help others who are interested in doing the same thing. Definitely like how you explain it as well and break it down. Appreciate you man. This must have been a hard video to make.
Thanks a lot man! Lucky for me, this definitely wasn't a dream of mine - I never really aspired to build my own studio, though I wasn't going to pass on the opportunity to try when it arose!
@@SirWade I still appreciate you sharing your experience and what you learned.
This was my dream
Thank you thank you for making this video! You are appreciated! Be glad you realized this quick before it got to tricky to get out
That`s so bold video to do indeed !.....sharing such experience , makes me so grateful , wish you all good luck man !
Pay rating your artists can be a challenging thing though ~ even those who are less popular but just happen to be a better artist than the most popular ones in the industry and you'll never know which of these bunch is the big deal. Also the industry is changing and we all new how payrates can affect a studio itself knowing how ideal a person can get but at the end of the day, just make sure that Artist has enough money to pay his/her rents the bill, the food to eat of the week and other things.
I'm sorry to hear you went through this low period. Can't imagine the pressure you must have felt, everything that was on your plate all the while you didn't feel to happy working on this video.
Hope things will turn more positive.
What I do want to ask, is this a chapter closed now? Like do you now believe this is just not for you, or do you still have the ambition to try again in the future with everything you've learned from this journey?
I respect your courage for trying 😊
Good post mortem. Not enough people understand that goals and nuts and bolts planning is vital to survival.
Thanks for sharing and so happy you are back animating
Same thing happened with me around 2002-2004 . it cost me lots at that time . From that day I`ve learning something useful in my next another works . Always find serious buyer first even before make a half baked draft . There are plenty reason why we need that in first place , but that`s how the IRL works
Art might be our ways to create money , but like always, everything involving money is business . So understand the core of how actually some project can have benefit for everyone who involved including the buyers, is something we`re artist should mastered it
Onward and upward. No failures, only lessons. Good luck.
Thanks for sharing! This was fantastic overview of why things can sometimes go wrong. If i could double like this video i would thank you for making such honest content!
Nice video, my 2 cents. I think you shouldn't give up on having your own studio, you learn where you all failed & you should know where you can succeed so yea work with the group gain more knowledge but create your own (I too want to do the same). I saw a fox in a car in the video that could be a great story. He was taken from his home along wit few others to be sold but an accident happen which made him escape in the cite he meets ppl ( a child etc) & other animals who help him find his bros or sis, whilst the same ppl are chasing him & grow from there. I say rather than just music videos make commercials for companies so money comes in & work on creating a story.
i'm still chasing the same dream bro... living and working in LA - had a few jobs - best life - for sure
Should've gotten me, i woulda worked for free xD
On a serious note, I definitely relate to the communication part. Had that same issue in uni for a game project where no one was really making the clear decisions, and at least for me I felt hesitant on speaking up (asking for and presenting updates) cause i didnt want to appear pushy or annoying.
Wow! I really wished I was aware about this studio, I would have loved to work with you... It's sad the studio has to shut down now, but I wish you good luck in your future endeavors
Wow very interesting and insightful. I'm frustrated, 2 things in this country: we still as a whole think animation is for kids and we think failure is a bad thing. We should not feel bad for admitting nor retelling how we "failed" because you CANNOT have success without. Americans have an ignorant view of that. Shoot I've only really learned this to heart recently! You said it was a learning experience, that's ALL failure is. And you get better. Shoot I want to make my own studio every since I could remember and I would love to bring you in with your experience. I'm not even too familiar with your animation skills but I would Def have you on as a consultant or animation director. Definitely keeping you in mind so you can come work for OUR team in future. I love your stuff sir wade and thank you for this. You'll be hearing from me soon. Making a solo project or rather several.
I may be biased in saying this, but it looks like your video could have benefited a lot from compositing. From the clips you showed there are a lot of rough edges (probably coming from unreal) which could be ironed out in comp.
You didn't fail you just took the first step on the way to success
Sir, Challenges in starting animation Studio but there is something(Artificial Intelligence) out there is coming for us . Please throw some light on AI art and Future of AI in animation industry...Will there any animators in future?
I feel ya! - all the fun or not as fun challenges of running a business. - BTW. would be good to have you go over the backend.. what did you use for your pipeline stuff and remote software and proj. mgt stuff and remote review. etc..
Thank you very much for sharing this. God bless.
Thank you... To communicate before assuming, is a skill
Were there team meetings or a project schedule? I think you need a kind of project manager. Well in any case, it's invaluable experience.
I’ll never be able to express how grateful I am that you gave me a year of your life to try something risky. You’re a great friend and also a great man. Thanks for helping me learn some difficult lessons. I’m gonna need a long game night when I get back from Japan 🫶🏼
So what were the projects that got in the way of the music video? There were a number of clips with the cat character, but where did those projects come from? Were they internally started or did they come from an outside client?
This is amazing, learning a lot, and true to it, I did try to open a studio back in 2019, it failed, and it is funny how I relate, did a 3 month project in a year. Eventually back to employment but about to refocus. #Gettingbackup. Good luck Sir Wade. keep inspiring!
Hi Man, Thanks for sharing i have learnt a lot. You are the man.
Thank you, I’ll take all of this as advice and it’s really useful to other people. As such, it’s not a failure since you found a way to make it profitable to you and other people. You rock, I sub !
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Please, put out that big little fox!!!
I relate deeply to this for my last album - I HATED making it and I learned a lot and I never want to hear it again
Thank you Sir Wade!
I am myself interested in opening a studio due to the perfect timing, location and opportunity in my life. I am currently writing a business plan and vision, so this video is super handy. Thanks!
sorry to hear, thanks for sharing.
thanks for sharing ..I thought I was bad at this ...now I feel so much more competent. hah. Even if you're a creative always think about the cost, the money side of things if you're going to start a business...try to plan for 5 years and not just one. Good luck.
2. direction is a big reason for failure how money helps direct and having one man on a wheel or one leader in a relationship helps.
you learned the hard way. i appreciate you sharing your experience for us to learn from.
Appreciate this! Thanks.
Hopefully sometime you can zero-in on the more contractual, legal, and business aspects in terms of hiring, contracting, licensing, and production. That would be juicy, if only to me lol!
This was very educational, thank you!
I have a quick question though, where do you get the budget from to pay your freelancers, given that the music video was the first project for the Animation Studio? and how did you plan on breaking even with the film?
Thanks!
Aw, man, that must've been such a horrible experience. But I really like the fact that you made a video about it, explaining the important things so that others don't make the same mistake. Now I want to watch the music video, I will just be heading out for it.
This is what I'm trying to do
Wonderful insight✨🙏
thank you for the candor
About Planning + Management part, why did you deviate from your main project and start other projects? Were those smaller projects for clients intended to help fund the main project? Splitting into smaller projects without aim makes no sense to me and I'd like to understand if you had a good reason for this.
I really appreciate you doing this video. It is a learning experience. I wish I had tried to do something like that when I was younger. I am blessed with a beautiful family, which also means more responsibilities, Now Im going slower with personal projects, but I am grateful that nowadays we have people like you who create amazing resources, I hope you find what you are looking for.
Speaking as someone who found a studio and then later joined a start up, I sympathize.
Great video! Its always good to analyze mistakes and learn from. Thank you for letting others learn too.
It sounds like you guys needed a producer / production manager with experience in animation industry who would help you with planning and getting everything done and organized. If you ever do need such person feel free to contact me as this is what I do 😄
I’ve started my own studio and I agree with paying people what they want to charge, but sometimes that doesn’t match what they are worth.
I often look at people as an investment; are they high or low risk and what will be my return if I hire them.
You get a great experience and this is cool.❤
I applaud you for starting a business.
Good learning experience. Good luck on future projects. 👍♥️🤘
I'm commenting because I want a video about designing, modeling, rigging, animating, and developing that character from scratch.
What I gather from this is that animation shouldn't be started until storyboards are completed and animaticed to death in a small studio before the first frame of animation is started. Like television, and very unlike big budget feature animation. And there also needs to be a hardcore production coordinator who establishes deadlines that are The Law. It's a better investment for a small studio to hire an A level board artist who gets 11 minutes of script done in 3 weeks, than an A level animator who gets 10 seconds of animation done in 2 weeks.
I admire this video and you even trying to do something that ballsy - A trillion percent. We take for granted how many talented people end up making necessary and sometimes costly mistakes before their breakthroughs. Maybe interview Corridor Crew and see if they have little tips and tricks or contacts for you if you ever want to be a part of something like that again. Not as a manager but maybe a co-founder.
Oh how I felt the half backed projects. 😂😂😂 the story of an artist.
💀💀💀 I've been 2d animating a music vid for like 20+ secs on my phone, the initial idea was to animate a shot 30+ sec animation but as I'm animating it's taking longer and draining me...😪💀 I just hope I can finish it..
Fascinating how your outset attitudes were all about enjoying yourself and 'ideals' not the customer. I worked in the real world making crafts/arts. You may be doing the basic craft you like doing but forget making things just that you fancy doing. You have to make what a customer wants. At a price they are willing to pay not what you fancy having for it. Most will say can you not do it for less not, have more money, spend longer making it, have fun, make it a bit fancier, or ever say how great you or the work you do are. That is the price you pay for making a hobby fun activity into a work job. Yes, running a business is horrid, a very different thing, tedious and boring, irritating and annoying compared to just making.
Thank you for sharing, very valuable insights
Thank you for sharing. I wish that more entrepreneurs would share content like this instead of acting like they are infallible.
9:01 say that again
Every young person who complains about the managers who "never do any of the actual WORK" needs to see this video.
Too many shiny objects> The gold is in the process. Thanks for this brave video
I don't know what you define as failure or success but a friend of mine saw one of your videos he was so inspired he wanted to learn animation , I taught him 3d , even though he is not an animator , more like a 3d artist , he was from a very poor background , he now has been able to pull his entire family out of poverty, I don't know if this helps or not , I know different people have different metrics on how they measure success.But Like I said you got someone that you might never meet to change his entire life , not just him but his family.Peace.
Did you have an screenwriter and storyboard artist??
The experience you achieved is outstanding and the courage as well. So many factors can lead to success. Normally takes time, you know "Avatar' took so many years to accomplish for multiple reasons. Also is important to define what are your responsibilities. I follow a few talented animators in their careers, to understand what I should do, also I follow all interviews as much as posible to learn. One example is Alberto Mielgo who work hard and struggle before he receive recognition. Took him years to make "The Windshield Wiper "& Jibaro" short animations, but receive awards, didn't make any money with the shorts animations but help him to be considered a Great Animator Director, so I'm learning the steps, what I understand is that in film/animation first need to have a solid work/short/project to prove what you are capable of making and if posible receive some kind of award or recognition for your personal work and talent, I believe this is a way to get exposure and start making contacts towards your goal. If you check the interviews of Alberto Mielgo, Robert Valley and many other creative people you will understand, learn from them so many many things that will help how they work and the perseverance to achieve their dreams. I read about how many talented artists work crazy hours in big studios like Marvel Studios, they created a toxic work environment for VFX artists. Nothing wrong to work as independent artist, is hard bur rewarding. Peace to all doing what you love.
I wanna see the video though. =)
Sounds like it was all good learning though.
Your story reminded me Bryan Konietzko's notes on making the Legend of Korra: he said that directing an animated show was like having his dreamjobs - all at once. It was difficult to manage, and it is part of the game. Most people tell the same: managing teams is the hardest part. On the other side, planning helps to prevent budget losses. I thank you a lot for this video, as I am thinking of starting an animation project, and I am realizing how difficult it is to keep the focus.
Awesome video! It's really fascinating to see all the ups and downs you went through with the studio. Sorry it didn't work out in the end, but at least you learned some things, and will probably be better moving forward! Im eager to hear/see your progress towards a studio job. Best of luck!
Excellent
very good explanation
*You can't buy this kind of advice.* This sort of lecture can only be found from beneath the bluntest of teachers: *Failure, and its syndicates.* As an individual hoping to form and tell stories for the rest of his life, I thank you for your honesty, and for your willingness to risk shame, in trade for the education and betterment of others. Bless you. May you find excellence and success in your future endeavors. I will pray for you.
Thank you for the video and sharing your experience!
@4:49 I would appreciate it.
Thank you, Sir Wade. This was fascinating. I can't help but feel bad that you did not produce something that you loved. I'd been fascinated by animation since I was a kid. Wouldst that I had organizational skills to take me into such a thing as animation, but alas, my self-esteem told me I was not worthy. I got focused on living my meager life.
When I'd heard of "How to Train Your Dragon," I went and saw it. I had to then find the books that inspired it when I found out it was some seven years in the making? That boggled my mind. I tried to imagine the work people put forth to build this project over that time. It absolutely fascinated and astounded me.
When I hear your excursion into this, a thought came to mind. Does a project spring from a studio, or does a studio spring from a project. I know there are a lot of people involved, but I guess the thing that's really important, in my mind, is the story, and the character development. Again, it boggles the mind.
I do sincerely hope you've found the love of your work since this happened. Perhaps you'll develop those skills and interests that bring you closer to creating a studio. Working in a studio has to go a long way to gaining insights into that process. Best of luck to you, Sir. I look forward to seeing the product of this effort. Thank you.