CTN Spotlight on ... Sam!
CTNX: Hello Sam, it's a pleasure to speak with you! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
SV: My name is Sam and I'm an aspiring storyboard artist from a cute little town called Godfrey, IL. I've lived in Los Angeles for 5 years now and in that time have helped produce independent board games, directed a dozen narrative short films for my YouTube channel, VestFilms, and illustrated three children's books.
CTNX: When and how did your relationship with CTN begin?
SV: I went to my first CTN in 2012 when my friend from CalArts highly recommend I attend. I'm so happy I took his advice!
CTNX: What have your positions been with CTNX and what have you learned most from your experience working with CTN?
SV: I started off as an attendee then decided to volunteer to get more involved. I had a blast manning the door to the main showroom. Then I work on staff as a photographer and filmed interviews with artists at the Road Trip. I've even had the incredible opportunity to be an exhibitor at the Road Trip so I've sone pretty much everything CTN! Throughout my experiences I've learned that animation is the coolest industry to work and has some of the most passionate and talented people in the world.
CTNX: What are your ultimate career goals?
SV: I eventually want to produce an animated musical feature film akin to "The Nightmare Before Christmas" which inspired me to become an artist in the first place. If I did that I could die a happy man.
CTNX: How does working with CTN help you meet those goals?
SV: Working with CTN connects me the with the people and resources I need to improve my art and land a job at a major studio where movies get made!
CTNX: What have you learned most from your experience working with CTN?
SV: I've learned that even the best animators and artists are humans too just like you and me. We all have 24 hours in a day and struggles, but ultimately if you put in the work then you can become great too.
CTNX: What do you look forward to most in the coming years regarding your career?
SV: I can't wait to meet more talented artists and work alongside them to make incredibly entertaining films.
CTNX: It was a pleasure to talk with you Sam!