Former executive of Disney and Pixar’s Animation Studios, Doug Nichols, made the stage at Living Arts College (LAC) presenting, “What Studios Want: Getting in and Staying Ahead.” Mr. Nichols has over 20 years of experience working in the animation film industry and has managed both Pixar Entertainment Studios and Disney staff.
Students welcomed Mr. Nichols with open arms as he provided insight into the working world of digital animation as a highly rewarding and competitive field. He expressed the importance of making a great impact, as a talented animator is not all it takes to succeed in the entertainment industry. If animation films such as “Finding Nemo”, “Up”, “Mulan” and “Fantasia 2000” ring a bell, then one could only imagine his passion. He is admired in the entertainment industry as a production professional that has contributed his knowledge and expertise on what studios look for in an artist.
“Your name, exceptional work and interaction with people will never go unrecognized”
- Doug Nichols
Being talented alone is not all it takes to make a great impression with an employer. Teamwork, relationship building and maintaining a good name in the industry will do wonders in maintaining a career in a most highly competitive field. Mr. Nichols expressed the need for passion to strive and sustain a creative career in both animation and game design. When you have the passion working overtime doesn’t seem so bad, which calls for the saying, “time flies when you are having fun.” How’s that for a career?
“Find it, define it and execute!” – Doug Nichols
As the discussion moved forward, Mr. Nichols covered the key points of success and how to get the job you want. Plan your career by creating goals, know your skill set and define it. Once you are skilled take it to the next level and execute your design. Animation is a talent driven business and “the best get the best” jobs so let your work speak for itself. Your reputation will follow you, respect your colleagues and partners, present your work with open critique and never burn any bridges. Setting goals will help execute the final result and land you a dream job.
The presentation ended with a few final words of wisdom from the “guest of honor”.
“The future of animation is very bright. While it is hard to predict where the industry will be in five or more years, one thing is certain, it will grow and there will definitely be more jobs.” – Doug Nichols
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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus
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