"an artist first" interview with Mike Giaimo

(Mike Giaimo and Joe Ranft, 1983)

while wasting time looking at film credits on animation artists i've heard of but have not met, i came upon this great interview by Tee Bosustow from "Toonin to the World of Animation."  in his interview with art director/ designer Mike Giaimo, he sheds some great light on the philosophy of being an artist first before performing your "artistic" duties at your studio job.  as examples, he name drops some important figures in UPA 50's animation like Jules Engels and David Weidman (two artists i admire greatly), and how they pushed their own creative endeavors beyond work.  it's incredibly inspiring listening to Giaimo reveal the secrets behind the success of all animation by explaining the brilliance of these UPA men and their passion for creating good art even previous to working at a studio.  by being an artist first, a master of their craft, they've obtained the skills necessary to express what is aesthetically pleasing.  Giaimo mentions how the UPA men didn't see themselves as anything other than artist who fell into animation.  this to me is sexy talk to my ears, words of great encouragement.  i for one see myself as an animator.  but it's my hope to escape that mentality and lure that artist within.

to listen to this great interview with Mike Giaimo click HERE.

thank you!

i just wanted to say thank you to those who came to the goodbye party last friday.  i hope you all had as much of a nice time as i did.  i will honestly miss you guys.  for those who couldn't make it, i gave out a lil gift, and this is what it said:

-My Dear Friend-

It's really quite odd how the days come and go,

Then life's gone at the bat of an eye.

Some may have no care and tell me, "So!"

But, each day is important, and this is why:

You see, in this world there are so many people,

Like the stars, you can't begin to know.

And in it's pure form, love is its staple,

So, embrace it and you'll find that you grow.

Each person, whether enemy or friend,

Has a heart that is like no other.

So with my small but strong arms I break this earths trend,

Grab hold of you and call you my brother.

In the days that we grew, this shouldn't come as a shock,

But you listened during those hard times and strife.

And so I think of you as my special rock,

One that brings such joy and warmth to my life.

Surely more days go by like the rolling of thunder,

Days you can not relive to see.

And though the large distance may put us asunder

 I daily thank my God for thee.

Just like the stars with vast lengths apart,

Lonely, longing for a friend,

Humble yourself, don't think you're so smart, 

And call on those who'll be there till the end.

For if a day comes and one is leaving you stranded,

Don't give up, just pardon the blame.

Know there's a God who leaves no one abandoned

And each day matters all just the same.

                                             Love,

                                             pvose