How I Became - an Animator.
How I Became - an Animator w/ Sandi Tsai.
Welcome to the ‘How I Became’ series where Billie talks to girls across New Zealand who are killing it in their chosen career and see how they got there!
Trying to decide what you ‘want to be when you grow up’ is hard enough as it is and your careers counsellor probably won’t have all the answers you need.
HIB aims to give you a bit of insight into different career paths and what it takes to get there.
Name: Sandi Tsai
Age: 32
Current job: Animator
Firstly, what drew you to animation?
Ever since I was very little, I was always fascinated with cartoons. I remember during the preschool holidays, I would be getting up very early so I could begin my morning ritual of watching two movies (Peter Pan and Totoro). Afterwards I would spend the rest of my day drawing my own little comic strips.
What subjects did you take in high school that you think helped?
I took Physics, Classical studies and Calculus. I ended up studying accounting in university but after a few years I went to study animation. I recommend if you already know what you want to do, maybe do an art subject because it will be good to build your art foundations early.
What did your pathway towards starting your career look like?
I was journalling one day and had an epiphany that I wanted to be in the art industry. My partner brought home a pamphlet for a free graphics design course, so I started from there.
What did you study/where/how long did it take?
I studied a Bachelor of Animation at Animation College (now known as Yoobee). It took 3 years.
What’s the best thing about your job?
It feels good to see things come to life after hours of work.
What’s the hardest part?
The nature of my work is working project to project. The hardest part for me was being in between projects, if there is no work, the uncertainty is scary.
What surprised you most about your job once you started working?
I was surprised at how passionate everybody was in the creative industry. Sometimes I would hear intense debates about a character would act, or debate about the script.
What does an average day look like for you?
I’m currently working in studio, so I’ve been getting up at 6, traveling to the studio, addressing feedback, animating, asking for feedback, and then going home at 4pm. In the evenings I do some admin work.
What advice would you give to those looking to follow a similar career path?
Download a free animation software and start animating something simple, maybe a bouncing ball. Do some life drawing. Attend some animation networking events or do a course.
What are the biggest challenges in your opinion to getting into animation?
I think it’s the networking aspect. All the work I’ve gotten are from people I know or by referral.
What kind of skills does your job require?
Taking and giving feedback, listening, animating, self-discipline.
What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
The best part is when I spend hours animating a character, trusting the process, and now it has a personality.
What has been an absolute highlight of your career?
Being able to make a living out of it and seeing my mum showing people my work.
What’s an unexpected element to your job that people don’t realise you have to do?
Since most of my work is project based, sometimes I’m still working after dinner. I had to learn to schedule rest time.
Describe your job in three words
Fun, collaborative and patience.
Sandi is one of the talented animators behind the acclaimed kids show The Poo Files, available on TVNZ+ and Youtube.
