Featured Student: Francine Mangin
|
Francine Mangin's
Avatar |
Animation Mentor:
What inspired you to learn animation?
Francine Mangin:
I love cinema, theater and literature… in short, I love stories. I have watched cartoons and Disney films growing up and never EVER thought I could do that for a living since I was not that good at drawing.
It is much later in life, in my final year of Graphic Design, that I finally was able to put my finger on it. I had a class on storyboarding, storytelling, stop motion; we viewed all sorts of animated shorts and did our work on computers. The pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place. You might say that 'I saw the light' (you mean I can tell stories using my computer!?! Yes, you can.) So after years of getting entertained, I want to be able to take part and do just the same.
Animation Mentor:
Who is your favorite animator?
Francine Mangin:
I must say that I have great admiration for the animators of short feature films. Who not only master their medium but also create artistic gems through years of dedication to their work. To name a few: Frédérick Back (The Man who Planted Trees) and Alexander Petrov (The Old Man and the Sea.)
Animation Mentor:
What is your favorite animated/CG scene of all time?
Francine Mangin:
There is a scene from The Incredibles coming to mind that, in my opinion, 'has it all.' It is when all the secrets of the film unfold through a series of shots starting when Helen is making her phone call at Edna's and discovers the truth, about Mr. Incredible getting caught in a blob of inflating projectiles. This scene has great design and staging, superb camera work and editing that build to a climax and a score that is just right. On top of that, you've got amazing body mechanics and acting that make great performances. That scene is one fine moment in film entertainment!
Animation Mentor:
Can you tell us about your experience in becoming an animator and challenges you have faced so far? Can you also share with us how Animation Mentor played an important role in your journey to an animation career?
Francine Mangin:
Like a lot of Animation Mentor students, my path to animation has been a long and winding road.
I started my university years in Biology, transferred to Communication studies which opened the doors to Graphic Design. I was in my final year of Graphic Design when I took a class that changed everything. We studied animated shorts, storylines, storyboards, and even tried stop motion and digital editing. Through that class, I was able to finally nail it down to what I really wanted to do, which is to be able to tell stories, not with a pencil, but with a computer.
So from then, I found a school in Montreal which offered a 2D-3D animation class. It was an intense 8 months, and I got out with strong software knowledge which was helpful to get hired as a modeler and shader artist but not as an animator. Although I did 'break the ice' and was thrilled when I animated a sneak on my demo reel, but I still had LOTS to learn on animation!
Since I started working, the challenge was to keep growing as an animator outside regular work hours. As you might have guessed, this is a slow process. You rely on books, tutorials, and comments of friends that can tell you when something is wrong, but you still have to figure out how to fix it on your own.
Then in 2004 I jumped on an opportunity to have a steady contractual job to work from home for a year. I also bought "The Animator's Survival Kit" by Richard Williams which was a big eye opener for me on many animation principles and working methods. With a lot more free time I was able to really focus on my animation. Only then, I showed real progress and it gave me hope. I felt I was getting closer to getting a job as an animator!
Since Spring 2005, I have been a part of the Animation Mentor adventure while working full-time as a modeler at Ubisoft, a gaming company in Montreal. This combination is not ideal, but it can be done. When crunch time comes around at work, then my time for Animation Mentor shrinks. But at one point, I decided that I would have to take as much as I can rather than as much as I would want to. Still, the Animation Mentor learning experience is absolutely amazing. The progress I've made is unthinkable on my own. The entire Animation Mentor team is so understanding and it sure helps when the going gets tough!
Looking back over the past year, I have learned so much and my work now is way beyond my initial expectations! I have showed my work to colleagues and have received so much positive feedback that I began to officially apply for an animator job within the company. Well, I was lucky to be chosen to join a team, not because I was the best around, but because I was determined, passionate, and showed potential. All those things count too!
The animation path is not an easy one and we often doubt that we can make it. There is still so much for me to learn but I am getting there! So if you are on the same path as I, never stop animating, never stop learning and keep the flame burning!
Animation Mentor:
How has your experience at Animation Mentor been so far?
Francine Mangin:
My experience is nothing short of amazing. Not only do we learn the basics through advance performance but we get many tools and tips of the trade straight from the pro! I must also say that I am in awe of the immense community feeling on campus. The classes, the mentors, the staff, and last but not least the students, ALL THAT is what makes Animation Mentor an unforgettable experience.
Animation Mentor:
What's one of the most important and/or interesting lessons you've learned while at Animation Mentor?
Francine Mangin:
I will be forever in debt to Animation Mentor for teaching me the foundations of animation and I mean REALLY teach me the basics. I can't choose one lesson over another because they are all important in building a strong performance. By giving me a stronger foundation, I have also gained more confidence as an animator and that is very precious.
Animation Mento:
Anything else you want to say to your fellow and prospective students of Animation Mentor?
Francine Mangin:
I must mention to fellow Animation Mentor students that they are inspiring, through their work and support. There is so much talent and determination here at Animation Mentor, you guys are awesome! So if the going gets tough, please hang in there and keep animating!
For those thinking about joining, what are you waiting for? Animation Mentor has a rock solid foundation, and you will receive sound advice from working professionals seriously crazy about animation. Animation Mentor helps you reach your goals and even push you further than you could have ever imagined!
What inspired you to learn animation?
Francine Mangin:
I love cinema, theater and literature… in short, I love stories. I have watched cartoons and Disney films growing up and never EVER thought I could do that for a living since I was not that good at drawing.
It is much later in life, in my final year of Graphic Design, that I finally was able to put my finger on it. I had a class on storyboarding, storytelling, stop motion; we viewed all sorts of animated shorts and did our work on computers. The pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place. You might say that 'I saw the light' (you mean I can tell stories using my computer!?! Yes, you can.) So after years of getting entertained, I want to be able to take part and do just the same.
Animation Mentor:
Who is your favorite animator?
Francine Mangin:
I must say that I have great admiration for the animators of short feature films. Who not only master their medium but also create artistic gems through years of dedication to their work. To name a few: Frédérick Back (The Man who Planted Trees) and Alexander Petrov (The Old Man and the Sea.)
Animation Mentor:
What is your favorite animated/CG scene of all time?
Francine Mangin:
There is a scene from The Incredibles coming to mind that, in my opinion, 'has it all.' It is when all the secrets of the film unfold through a series of shots starting when Helen is making her phone call at Edna's and discovers the truth, about Mr. Incredible getting caught in a blob of inflating projectiles. This scene has great design and staging, superb camera work and editing that build to a climax and a score that is just right. On top of that, you've got amazing body mechanics and acting that make great performances. That scene is one fine moment in film entertainment!
Animation Mentor:
Can you tell us about your experience in becoming an animator and challenges you have faced so far? Can you also share with us how Animation Mentor played an important role in your journey to an animation career?
Francine Mangin:
Like a lot of Animation Mentor students, my path to animation has been a long and winding road.
I started my university years in Biology, transferred to Communication studies which opened the doors to Graphic Design. I was in my final year of Graphic Design when I took a class that changed everything. We studied animated shorts, storylines, storyboards, and even tried stop motion and digital editing. Through that class, I was able to finally nail it down to what I really wanted to do, which is to be able to tell stories, not with a pencil, but with a computer.
So from then, I found a school in Montreal which offered a 2D-3D animation class. It was an intense 8 months, and I got out with strong software knowledge which was helpful to get hired as a modeler and shader artist but not as an animator. Although I did 'break the ice' and was thrilled when I animated a sneak on my demo reel, but I still had LOTS to learn on animation!
Since I started working, the challenge was to keep growing as an animator outside regular work hours. As you might have guessed, this is a slow process. You rely on books, tutorials, and comments of friends that can tell you when something is wrong, but you still have to figure out how to fix it on your own.
Then in 2004 I jumped on an opportunity to have a steady contractual job to work from home for a year. I also bought "The Animator's Survival Kit" by Richard Williams which was a big eye opener for me on many animation principles and working methods. With a lot more free time I was able to really focus on my animation. Only then, I showed real progress and it gave me hope. I felt I was getting closer to getting a job as an animator!
Since Spring 2005, I have been a part of the Animation Mentor adventure while working full-time as a modeler at Ubisoft, a gaming company in Montreal. This combination is not ideal, but it can be done. When crunch time comes around at work, then my time for Animation Mentor shrinks. But at one point, I decided that I would have to take as much as I can rather than as much as I would want to. Still, the Animation Mentor learning experience is absolutely amazing. The progress I've made is unthinkable on my own. The entire Animation Mentor team is so understanding and it sure helps when the going gets tough!
Looking back over the past year, I have learned so much and my work now is way beyond my initial expectations! I have showed my work to colleagues and have received so much positive feedback that I began to officially apply for an animator job within the company. Well, I was lucky to be chosen to join a team, not because I was the best around, but because I was determined, passionate, and showed potential. All those things count too!
The animation path is not an easy one and we often doubt that we can make it. There is still so much for me to learn but I am getting there! So if you are on the same path as I, never stop animating, never stop learning and keep the flame burning!
Animation Mentor:
How has your experience at Animation Mentor been so far?
Francine Mangin:
My experience is nothing short of amazing. Not only do we learn the basics through advance performance but we get many tools and tips of the trade straight from the pro! I must also say that I am in awe of the immense community feeling on campus. The classes, the mentors, the staff, and last but not least the students, ALL THAT is what makes Animation Mentor an unforgettable experience.
Animation Mentor:
What's one of the most important and/or interesting lessons you've learned while at Animation Mentor?
Francine Mangin:
I will be forever in debt to Animation Mentor for teaching me the foundations of animation and I mean REALLY teach me the basics. I can't choose one lesson over another because they are all important in building a strong performance. By giving me a stronger foundation, I have also gained more confidence as an animator and that is very precious.
Animation Mento:
Anything else you want to say to your fellow and prospective students of Animation Mentor?
Francine Mangin:
I must mention to fellow Animation Mentor students that they are inspiring, through their work and support. There is so much talent and determination here at Animation Mentor, you guys are awesome! So if the going gets tough, please hang in there and keep animating!
For those thinking about joining, what are you waiting for? Animation Mentor has a rock solid foundation, and you will receive sound advice from working professionals seriously crazy about animation. Animation Mentor helps you reach your goals and even push you further than you could have ever imagined!