How Experience Ruined My Career Dreams
Back in 2007 I started my first professional job. I was still a student, trying to kickstart my future dream career as a Director and a script Writer. However, an opportunity to work as an Assistant Video Editor at an actual Studio was too good to miss. I took the job, and needed to learn a bit of Compositing and Animation on the side to help support the incoming projects better. After a while, when I decided to switch jobs, I applied for a new job as a Compositor at a much bigger Studio. As I was learning the Comping trade, I needed to learn a bit of Motion Design on the side to help with some additional projects that came in. I went freelance after a couple of years and focused mostly on Motion Design. I needed to learn a lot about Design on the side to support the »Design« part of Motion Design. That came in handy as I started my own Studio in 2011. I did all my previous jobs (Editing, Compositing, Motion Design), but also needed to learn how to Art Direct and Lead Teams on the side. Later, as I went back to freelancing, I got opportunities to Art Direct, Direct and sometimes, Write Scripts – coming full circle.
“There are two ways to wash the dishes. …”
As a student, I dreamed of being a Director and a script Writer, where I could focus solely on my creative visions, not necessarily understanding my trade. But now I have a bucket-full of managing, post-production and production knowledge and experience. Whenever I direct, I now WANT to help my team by using my previous experiences. I WANT to sit down and get my hand dirty to animate additional elements in a shot that will elevate the entire sequence. I WANT to sit down and animate some of the more time-consuming shots myself. I WANT to help with the compositing, the editing, the scheduling... That’s how being »backwards compatible« has RUINED THE SPECIFIC FUTURE I had envisioned for myself back in 2007. Experience and knowledge have created a better one.
“… The first is to wash the dishes in order to have clean dishes …”
Nowadays, I still write Scripts and Direct Animation, always proud of the path behind me and thankful for the wonderful people that helped me to learn. When we carry enough knowledge and experience to update or discard an old dream, we should always let it go. Clinging to it only creates friction and bitterness. Some dreams are best served ruined and can then be left to decompose on their own. All paths should always lead forward.