CTN Spotlight on ... Ainsley!
CTNX: Hello Ainsley, it's a pleasure to speak with you! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
AD: My names is Ainsley Dye (You can call me Ains.). I am nineteen years of age, a native Californian, an avid pug lover, and currently a fifth term student studying Character Animation at Art Center College of Design.
CTNX: When and how did your relationship with CTN begin?
AD: My first encounter with CTN actually began in high school, when I was able to spend a day at the CTN Animation Expo on a field trip with my animation class. I had never seen ANYTHING like it- so many amazing people, so much cool art, and just such an abundance of talent all in one place! As someone who had known all their life they wanted to go into animation, I was hooked. And as soon as I got home, I looked up the CTN website and starting frequenting several of their other events- such as exhibits and drawing nights at Center Stage Gallery and the CTN Road Trip in spring.
CTNX: What have your positions been with CTNX and what have you learned most from your experience working with CTN?
AD: I worked as a Booth Buddy at the CTNX all three days, where I assisted the exhibitors and tended to whatever needs were thrown at me. To say it was an incredible experience was an understatement. I got to meet so many artists that inspired me with their work and dedication, get firsthand knowledge of how they organized their booths, and see just what it means to really work and exhibit at an expo like CTN. It was a great gateway into the animation and design community for a scruffy newcomer such as myself, and I deeply treasured it.
CTNX: What are your ultimate career goals?
AD: In college, I am currently studying a wide variety of skills that fall under animation- such as traditional animation, CG animation, and modeling- but my ultimate goal would be to become a story artist as at a major company. I have always been fascinated by story, and I yearn to be part of the process.
CTNX: How does working with CTN help you meet those goals?
AD: It gave me first hand exposure to the companies and people that inspired me! One of my all time unforgettable experience was one of the CTN Road Trips, where I was able to get my portfolio reviewed by a slew of different working professionals, many of which I deeply looked up to. Being able to interact with them in person and get feedback was truly amazing, and has helped me greatly in my own art. I have also had wonderful conversations with either the people I booth-sat for at CTNX or just soothing professionals in general, who were all incredibly friendly and gave lots of great advice.
CTNX: What have you learned most from your experience working with CTN?
AD: I think I've really gotten a lot of exposure into my industry and gleaned some very helpful resources for putting myself out there as an artist.
CTNX: What do you look forward to most in the coming years regarding your career?
AD: I look forward to going through the rest of my school training and continuing to improve- that's all we can really try and do as artists! I'm also tremendously excited for any internship opportunities or job openings that might come my way- it's certainly an exhilarating time for someone just coming into their own in the industry!
CTNX: It was a pleasure to talk with you Ainsley!