Animation Guild

Spring 2022

Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine

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WHEN I WAS FIRST STARTING MY CAREER AS A PROFESSIONAL ARTIST I ASSUMED THAT HAVING A MENTOR WAS A FORMAL RELATIONSHIP AGREED UPON BY BOTH PARTIES—THAT THE MENTOR AND MENTEE WOULD HAVE REGULAR CHECK-INS. THIS MADE ME NERVOUS ABOUT ACTIVELY SEEKING OUT A MENTOR. What if I was rejected or told my talent wasn't at the level to deserve their valuable time? So I just asked as many questions as I could to anyone who would listen. Looking back over my long career, I can see all the people who helped me in a less official way. Many probably don't realize that they were even doing it. From my co- workers being generous enough to show me how they were approaching the work and inspiring me with their novel takes to my supervisors who took the time to talk me through my scenes or boards, making me a little better every day. When you ask for advice or criticism or help, I learned that it is your responsibility to roll with whatever is thrown at you. Take it in. Allow yourself time to process it. Try not to take it personally even if sometimes it can sting. It can only make you stronger. Now that I'm a veteran, I try my best to pay it forward. I meet with as many students as I can and give portfolio reviews and career advice on how to survive this crazy industry. As a supervisor, I try to make time for every member of my team and see how they are doing and give guidance along the way. This week I'll be meeting with a group of 8th graders from Long Island to talk about The Animation Guild and the benefits of unionism in art. I am really looking forward to speaking to these girls and setting them on their way. As I shifted from learner to teacher, the one thing I hadn't anticipated was how rewarding being a mentor is. My younger self thought that only the mentee benefitted from the relationship, but it is such a thrill to see people grow as artists and know that I've played a small part in that. In Solidarity, Jeanette Moreno King | President The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839 MENTEE TO MENTOR ON THE COVER Page meets screen as The Bad Guys books become a feature film. L E T T E R

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