CTN Spotlight on... Michelle!

CTNX: Hi Michelle, it's a pleasure to speak with you! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

MR: I'm an Animation post-graduate from CSUF working to become a professional TV animation storyboard artist. Currently I am doing freelance as well as taking a storyboard mentorship with Kris Wimberly (who is AWESOME) and I'm involved in some animation projects with friends.  I love meeting new folks which is why I attend mixers any chance I get, and I'm a regular con-goer.  I love cats, dancing ballet folklórico or J-pop on stage, and chips are my ultimate weakness. I'm pretty sure if I was a superhero it can effectively be used against me.

CTNX: When and how did your relationship with CTN begin?

MR: In 2014! I heard so much about it from friends and peers that I had to check it out. I was a little intimidated by the cost to attend at first, but I didn't regret it because of the abundant exposure to the animation industry. I had never volunteered for such a big event before, but I wanted that challenge and experience so I applied and was asked to join shortly before the expo took place in 2016.

CTNX: What have your positions been with CTNX and what have you learned most from your experience working with CTN?

MR: I worked line control, manned panel entrances, and worked as a booth buddy. Customer service is tough! I work as an Administrative Coordinator at a busy office right now so I am very familiar with customer service, but it's something entirely different when there are crowds of people you have to help manage and point in the right direction. It reinforces my patience and ability to give cohesive directions and information. Communication is always key!

CTNX: What are your ultimate career goals?

MR: I want to work as a storyboard artist for TV animation! I am also just deeply interested in learning more about how a production pipeline works, and making my own show would just be the bee's knees. Which is why at this time I am actively doing what I can to advance into the industry.

CTNX: How does working with CTN help you meet those goals? 

MR: I am able to greet and therefore meet many professional and non-professional artists.  It's a great way to not only network, but volunteering for CTN looks great on my resume.  It even gives me the opportunity to apply to jobs, or to inquire about any possible openings.  Usually while there I also try to get my work reviewed which is extremely helpful when you have various pairs of eyes giving constructive criticism.  I feel I improve faster after every year's expo.

CTNX: What have you learned most from your experience working with CTN? 

MR: Customer service is tough! I work as an Admin Coordinator right now so I am very familiar with customer service, but it's something entirely different when there are crowds of people you have to help manage and point in the right direction. It reinforces my patience and ability to give cohesive directions and information.

CTNX: What do you look forward to most in the coming years regarding your career?

MR: The idea of working on an animation with a team is just so exciting because I know there is so much growth and inspiration happening along the way. Everyone shares the same end-goal and I think that's so cool. I also believe in equity in the industry and contributing to that as a professional doing something I love is really important to me.

CTNX: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

MR: I really appreciated the training session we received when I volunteered in 2016 for CTNX. I hope it continues and I look forward to volunteering again!

CTNX: It was a pleasure to talk with you Elizabeth!