Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1475662
D E PA R T M E N T 33 KEYFRAME After giving Ladensohn her first shot, Purdy helped her get other jobs, and they developed a project they eventually sold to Freeform. Starting out as kids' show, it evolved into what they laughingly call animated adult horror comedy. Purdy was still supervising Ladensohn, but now they were also partners, and she says, "It was the most fun experience I've had thus far doing anything." "Joe knows what it's like to build an animated show from the ground up. What do you need in character design? Making sure the script is going to work when it hits the screen," she says. "He's [also] super professional but can have fun with it. I think it's really easy to take things too seriously, and with Joe there's a good balance." The two have become so close that their families are friends, and now that they're on equal footing in many ways, it would seem that the mentorship would fade away. Not so. "We've been getting coffee through every iteration of my career," says Ladensohn. "Joe's been a sounding board, helping me stay the course in tougher times, as well. He is still the person I turn to for advice." Though his is the teaching role, Purdy is fast to point out what he has gained. "Ariel is a true scholar. She's a quick study and also fun, but she does a deep dive on subjects," he says. "I always respect that there is this wide and deep conversation about things. She's ridiculously loyal and a hard worker and really is appreciative of what she learns." Now freelancing and in development on a few shows, Purdy credits the organic nature of their relationship for its multi-lay- ered success: "It wasn't set up. It wasn't forced." It felt natural for him to guide her the way colleagues and friends had helped him along the way. "The creative kitchen was always open," he says. "I think it's fun to just keep inviting more people in." "JOE VERY MUCH LEADS BY EXAMPLE. HE'S NOT SOMEONE WHO GIVES YOU UNSOLICITED ADVICE CONSTANTLY." SPRING 2022 33