When I was growing up I really wanted to be a Disney animator even though I had no idea how to go about that. I was also always interested in computers. My family had Atari computers, but one summer I bought an Amiga with money I earned washing dishes, because it had more colors and better games. Eventually my dad bought me a program called the Disney Animation Studio which let you make your own animations. The pencil test examples were from real Disney films and looked beautiful, however, drawing with a mouse at 320x200 was pretty much impossible and scanners back in those days were not cheap. It did give me an insight into the whole process though.

I have always loved animated films, visual effects films, and video games. Although I didn't know exactly how to get into this industry, it seemed like the perfect place to be an animator. You can read the long story if you like, but after going through college, I was lucky enough to break in because of my friend Jesse Newman at Computer Cafe. I started as a 3d artist / generalist and eventually moved on to be an animator at DNA Productions. Since then I've had the opportunity to work at great places such as Sony Pictures Imageworks, Rhythm & Hues, and Id Software. I've worked with some great animators and artist over the years and hope that continues for many more.

.brett paton