Today, I realized I’ve been living one of my one of my childhood dreams.
I actually came to the conclusion early that though I’m an artist, I’m not meant to be an animator BUT even then, I’ve been able to find a role within ToonBro Animation Studio which has helped me achieve a dream I used to only fancy… To help make an animation.
We had given a preview of the Centennial animation project earlier today and I allowed my heart to swell at the sight of my name in the credits. What made it more special is the people I’ve been working with. The profs and friends I’ve made through this endeavor are too numerous to count. The things I’ve learned and still learning from the time I spend in the studio will be one of my foundations in my future works… I just know it.
There is still Act 2 and 3 to tackle but I hope that even when we show the final product this November… it won’t be the end. I had actually thought back in High School that I’d like to make a Pixar-quality like institution in the Philippines one day. Though the studio is just beginning its long journey, I feel like maybe Toonbro is the starting point of that dream in some way.
Though my interests also extend to film nowadays, animation will forever hold a place in my heart. Through animation, I first found my love for arts. Through animation, I empathized and learned about the world. It also helped me form some of my most basic principles both personally and in my work. It’s even dearer now that I’ve been able to experience the different happy and difficult moments of a production.
NEVER ignore the effect of something as simple as a cartoon/anime/art/inspiration can be in your life and NEVER stop thinking and striving towards a dream.
