He's one of the veterans at Pixar who hasn't stopped surprising us because as he says, he hasn't stopped learning. This man committed to the animation is not satisfied by just being an excellent animator, but also by helping those who dream to become one, because one of his biggest passions is teaching.
1. Name: Andrew Gordon
2. Age: 36
3. Profession: Animator
4. Artistic training: Vancouver School of Animation, William Patterson University, CSU Summer Arts.
5. Work done you're most proud of: I enjoyed developing the character Mike Wazowski. I also enjoyed my work experience on Gill in Finding Nemo and Edna Mode in The Incredibles.
6. Work done you're least proud of: Probably the work I am least proud of would be some of my earliest work. I was learning to be an animator, and it lacked good acting and physicality. It was during the first two shows I worked on, A Bugs Life and Toy Story 2. I still had some good shots, but some were pretty cliche...
7. The project you are currently working on and the next one, if any: Toy Story 3!
8. You are inspired by: I get inspired by good acting in Film and TV. Also, everyday life can be inspiring. Watching my daughter grow up and all the emotions she goes through. Music, Art, science etc. Also, family members... My wife, childs, aunt, etc will inspire me to have a character act a certain way...
9. Favourite artist: Magritte.
10. Pencil & paper, or mouse: Cintiq... :)
11. Music you listen to while working: Jazz - or classic rock (ie Van Halen, Journey, Iron Maiden or Bill Evans...)
12. Curious habits while working: I still have the same old ratty chair that I started with because everytime the ergonomics people try to get me a really good one, my back hurts. Also, I think the chair has history and I dont want to give it up for sentimental reasons.
13. Crazy stuff on your desktop: I used to have a lot more on my desktop, but mostly, now it's what is behind my desk which is a secret Casino/Bar that you have to open a bookshelf to get into. I have had the chance to meet lots of famous people and have a whiskey with them.
14. To work, night or day? I get my work done during the day so I can see my family. I used to work the graveyard hours when I was younger and sometimes work late if I have a hard deadline.
15. Three movies to spend a Sunday relaxed at home: ET, First Blood and the Big Lebowski.
16. Classic animation favorite: My Neighbor Totoro.
17. Ancient Art or Modern: Ancient... More symbolism, which really interests me. I do like Modern art but I enjoy the history behind the Ancient stuff. It seem like they really were tapping into primal stuff.
18. Comedy or Drama: Comedy... I love when things are just flat out funny. It so great to watch good comedy. It's interesting that some of the best comedic actors end up being the best dramatic actors, like Tom Hanks. They seem to have such control over their factions.
19. The thoughest moment of your professional career: Thats a tough one. There have been many tough times in the 11 plus years I have worked at Pixar. Loosing our Supervising Animator Glenn McQueen was tough. Also, when Pixar was sold to Disney, it was a bit tough.
20. And the sweetest moment: The sweetest moment... Hmmm, There have been many. I really enjoyed working on Presto with Doug Sweetland and the small crew we had. We didn't want it to end. We were so close and intimate and really became good friends. At the end of the production we all went down to Los Angeles to celebrate at this place called the Magic Castle. It was a great time.
21. What you see yourself doing in 20 years? I'd will hopefully be directing. I also always want to teach, especially abroad. I feel that animation is in its infancy in so many parts of the world and I want to spread the knowledge that I have learned from working with the best people. I also want to keep animating and getting better.
22. Finally... tell us which has been the best advice you've been given both professional and personal: It's funny, the best advice I was ever given was to never stop learning. Never to be satisfied. Also to work with others and show your work to other animators. You cant work in a box and expect to get better. You need to collaborate. I have about 15 or more of my students that are animating at Pixar. Many of them have surpassed me in their work. I want to learn what they are doing and use it in my work. It's amazing how that happens in everything. The student becomes the master. I think it's important to let go of ego and really try to grow as an artist.
His web: http://splinedoctors.com
His reel: http://splinedoctors.com/the-doctors/dr-gordon
Thanks Andrew for your participation in our blog!
http://the-animation-art.blogspot.com
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