Animation Guild

Summer 2019

Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine

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P E R S P E C T I V E Many older workers remember being in awe of the older animators who had worked on the movies and shows they grew up with. We couldn't believe our luck when we finally got to collaborate with these artists who worked for Disney and Warner Bros. in the 1930s. Sometimes older workers feel as though we don't garner the same respect that we gave those who came before us. Not all the projects we worked on were spectacular but many of us contributed to great TV shows and movies that helped earn the 1990s the name "the second golden age of animation". Today, I would encourage younger workers to learn more about their older colleagues by going on the internet—or just ask them. They would love to talk about their previous projects, their triumphs and their struggles. Undoubtedly, older workers have to address and overcome certain challenges—for example, technological adaptation. Boomers didn't grow up with technology at home, as younger workers did, so that's why it can be challenging to learn new software. But it's still important to take the time to learn new technology and stay relevant. Find out what's being used in the business and update your skills. Take advantage of TAG resources including the computer lab and free classes offered through Eido. Health is absolutely an issue for older workers. Yep, things start to break down. Yep, those years of crazy 80-hour weeks catch up with you—carpal tunnel, old injuries, and years of sitting to "get that project done" all take their toll. Get healthy (or stay healthy). The best way to "keep up with the kids" is to take care of yourself— eat right, exercise and do whatever else you need to do to stay sharp. Staying physically healthy helps to keep the brain alert. Over and over, I hear older workers saying that the folks they always called for work have either retired, moved away, or passed away, and now they don't know who to contact. It's also tough when you're in your 50s and you have to convince a producer who is 20 years younger than you that you know how to use Storyboard Pro, even though you have no examples of it in your portfolio. We remember when we were fresh out of school, knew nothing and were given chances to work on something for the first time—and that doesn't often happen to the older worker. So perhaps younger members can give older workers "a break" just like they would someone starting off in their career. Older members should get out there and network. Go to the Gallery 839 monthly art openings or attend the TAG mixers and union meetings. Don't be afraid to meet and talk to younger people. If you walk into an event and see mostly young people, don't turn around and leave—voice your opinion, be a mentor and stay positive. Dare I suggest it? Be proud of your age instead of ashamed of it. Don't let it be a reason that you put yourself down. And keep your elevator speech ready; you might connect with a young producer who needs an artist just like you. That being said, when an older person makes that connection with a younger worker, and they share their struggles, the older one shouldn't assume that they know what the younger one is going through just because they were once 21. Being 21 in the '70s, '80s or '90s was a lot different than it is now. Let that young person talk, listen to them, and respect their thinking. As a teacher, I have met some brilliant young adults in this business and heard some of their stories. Some of their concerns and issues might seem familiar to us older folks, but some are a product of today's environment. For example, LA is expensive. The economy makes it tough to be a young adult just out of school—working a low paying job while paying off huge college debts all while playing "roommate roulette". And once they've landed that dream job, it then might end. The studio can't or won't hire them back. What did they do wrong? (Probably nothing.) They begin to panic and think they might have to move back to their hometown. All of this can be mentally and emotionally taxing. That's where older workers can become mentors and help calm fears. Together, older and younger members can establish a supportive network that benefits everyone. *They've recently been labeled as "The Silent Generation" because they had a tendency to work very hard and keep quiet. Born 1965-1980 GENERATION X (39-54 years old) Born 1997-2012 GEN Z (7-22 years old) Born 1981-1996 MILLENNIALS (23-38 years old) Born 1946-1964 BABY BOOMERS (55-73 years old) Born 1925-1945 SILENT GENERATION* (74-94 years old) SUMMER 2019 17

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