Why i left the animation industry

A follow up after my first video from 3 years ago to where i am now! Link to my original video: • My Art School FAIL+ Ho...
A LOT has happened since that video and i hope my story provides some insight into what life is like after school and inspires you to keep going even when things seem hopeless.
My IG: @fawnbomb
My shop: www.peachiieshop.com

[@camdenbenesh1159]

Honestly the more and I more I read and hear these bummer situations and work environments, s/o to the instagram salty animators for shining light on the animation industry, the more it becomes less desirable. I feel like starting your own freelancing career, being your own boss and working remotely is the way to go. I want to be a story artist but I’m always seeing like these 10 year vets posting hire me content and I’m like what? Where’s the stability in that tbh. Thanks for sharing, you’re very strong!

[@zeekayart]

Similar situation happened to me with a more senior member of the company at a previous job. Some people just have it out for you... there's no explaining it! I watched your previous videos after this one. I'm with you, it's hard to go through it but it's your lived experience and what you do at the time... that's just what happens. And yes! Finding out what YOU want is really important. Some people don't even get there their whole lives. Proud of you for sticking things out and Jon too for being so supportive. Rooting for you both and good luck in the states :)

[@wormdust]

Aw thank you Sammy!! 🥺 you know ive heard so many similar stories from fellow animation peeps, and its really not that uncommon. I feel like it should be talked about more because i really felt so alone and ashamed at the time. And thank you!! Not looking forward to moving again lol

[@IvystarArt]

Your story about the unnamed studios made me cried so much. I had an exact similar situation just like you last year, but as a storyboard artist. Instead of screaming, I received passive aggressive and unclear comments (sometimes insults) from my director and producer (mostly director), otherwise even being ignored, excluded or targeted in group discussions and meetings. Sometimes I kept thinking to myself that I am not good enough as both an artist and a person when it comes to that job, and it caused me to have a lot of pent up anger and anxiety issues when I took on my second job. I remembered clearly there was once I was frozen in fear at my desk, and I could not even focus on doing my work at all. I am grateful to hear that I am not the only one who have dealt with this, and I wanted to say that your video encouraged me to move on but stronger in what I do as both an artist and animator. I hope you are also doing well together with Jon, and stay strong in what you are doing too💪

[@wormdust]

oh man i am so so sorry you had to go through that as well :( its shocking how common of a story it is and frustrating that we dont hear about it until its happening to us. I am glad my video could bring you even a crumb of comfort. You are certainly not alone 🖤

[@IvystarArt]

Yes, it shocked me a lot because I used to like working in the animation industry. But don’t worry, I am doing a lot better now mentally But thank you so much on the video too🙏🙏. It really means a lot

[@Rohan-uv2sz]

Storyboard artist is very challenging for almost all the artists... may join some courses regarding the same...

[@yifats7649]

I'm glad your story ended up well. That toxic lead story is insane! the fact that the studio kept him there means that they were supporting his behavior... so good thing you were out of there.

[@wormdust]

Yes! So glad i got out ❤️

[@theloniuspoon]

honestly as an animator i've never worked at a studio or haven't gone to school for it. i did freelance since day one and had to self teach myself. this kinda makes me glad i never even attempted a studio this sounds so rough. self employment as an artist is the way, call your own shots, be creative, use your creativity to earn your own money. that's the way. i'm glad you survived the artist trial by fire, it crushes almost everybody until they cant get back up but you did

[@BarKeegan]

Something has to change in the industry. If you’re good enough to get hired, you’re good enough to get at least the average industrial wage. Edit: I kept listening 😱 A LOT has to change. In a law firm, you’re rewarded for giving blood, sweat & tears… but the animation industry will eventually implode unless issues like these are addressed. Also good to hear the happy ending. Goes to show, there may be those who are promoted to supervising positions in the pipeline, but may not have the skills to manage people properly. Here’s to the entrepreneurial spirit

[@FlashVedder]

Your story is very toughing… I had it rough the industry I applied everywhere and then decide to work for myself … animation is still an trade … it’s an value gift to have … never stop what you love doing ✌🏻

[@FlashVedder]

Touching*

[@lockheart619]

The job stability in animation is so scary. The cons seem to outweigh the pros.

[@wormdust]

Its pretty tough when you first start out but it does get better. I just wish schools warned us about that in advance

[@Whimmery]

The stability party caused me to leave the studio life industry. Indie/freelance is a little better. Same for commercial and advertisement side can be a little more rewarding

[@andreakhaid]

I'm sorry you had to go through this! This story is super relatable for me and probably for many others. I've been in the animation industry for many years and I got to a breaking point. I finally needed a break, which I'm on at this time. The way your lead treated you is just unacceptable but unfortunately a lot of leads and upper level management in this industry treat employees this way, like they are disposable. Really, leads and management should be SUPPORTING artists with their work and their mental health! I'm glad you realized that their treatment of you was their problem. I'm sorry it unfairly affected you. Thank you for making a video to speak about this. I had the opportunity to work as an animation lead a couple of jobs ago and I did my best to be supportive to my team. I'm sure I wasn't perfect but I tried to be the lead that I wish I could have. I wish you the best in your pursuit of acting!! How cool!!! Happy for you and Jon :)

[@BBWahoo]

Stephen Silver has a quote on this "There are two kinds of people, those who want to get into the industry, and those who want to get OUT of it."

[@canewalden107]

Super super inspiring video, and I'm so glad you put it on the internet. I definitely needed to hear this, seriously, you have no idea. Thank you! 🙏

[@delespi]

I completely get it. I have an MFA in concept art and struggled for years to break in as a character designer. It's only in the last few months that I realized I don't wanna be an artist in animation. I started pivoting to production instead, but also branching out beyond animation (looking at film, tv, and publishing as well). I wanna make art on the side (my own projects, not commissions. I feel the same way about commissions lol) while working a more stable job full time. Getting a job now is so incredibly difficult but at least I'm a lot less stressed about getting a production or admin assistant role. Those are easier to find lol. I'm sorry you struggled the way you did. There are just some ppl in any line of work that are difficult to work with and make experiences at a company a living nightmare.

[@nathansuachang9614]

Your personal journey was incredibly insightful to listen to. Although you specified your own personal experience in the animation industry, your problems, conflicts, and share of bastard bosses are a universal theme too all graduates that are still unsure of what they want from their career. It makes it all the more enduring that you still managed to find a path that you wanted to pursue, even if it wasn't something that you were studying originally. I wish you the best!

[@wormdust]

Thank you haha yeah i think that maybe sometimes students assume the world of animation is all fun and cartoons but its not that different than any other field! Mean bosses are everywhere 🤪

[@DJ_Narcan]

Contracts in ALL employment should be 2 sided. I have seen so many good people lose jobs over a shitty manager. The company should absolutely have to provide direction especially for new employees. Firing someone like that should be illegal. Private corporations are desyroying the world because they can do whatever they want

[@CarlinTerror]

Great story Gen, thank you!. As an artist I appreciate stories like yours to get perspective about what I do!. Life isn’t about probing anything to anybody, but finding your spot in the spectrum of happiness and success!…blessings!

[@modoodles]

I'm glad you're both doing so well! I am currently trying to plan my escape from animation. I started a picture book illustration career on the side and have illustrated a book already, but I know deep down I really want to start my own shop and be a full time illustrator. I would love to learn about making my own shop

[@JoTokutora]

Thanks for the story. Jon's works is super dope!

[@MartaMaki483]

I’m so proud of youuu! You’ve come a long way and have been through hell and back. I’m constantly inspired by you and proud of both of you ❤️

[@_yikesforever]

I'm so sorry to hear that happened to you. It's incredibly disheartening that so many of us (including me) in this industry have a tale like that. I'm so happy to hear you found a new dream and can focus on the things you truly want

[@wormdust]

Im really happy i could do that for you, but selfishly i was so glad to have you there! Haha. Its sad that my story isn’t unique, i hope the more people like me talk about it the more prepared younger folks can be going into the industry.

[@vitrusha1]

There are so many bad places, I have been in a similar situation before but in the other creative industry not Animation. It's very traumatic. I'm sorry, you went through that hell. Usually, toxic environments are hidden behind famous impressive names and prestigious titles. The first sign was that they did not compensate appropriately. Now, I'm trying to look for the red flags. Thank you for sharing your story! 🧡🙌

[@carmenschweiger1330]

thanks for sharing !!! You're story is so inspiring

[@mariamelo118]

What a journey uff, it was so inspiring to see the way your eyes just brighten up at the end of the video speaking about acting and your shop, you are clearly following your heart 😌🦋

[@wormdust]

Thank you!!! 🥹

[@tinkr.spelle2535]

What a rollercoaster this video was. Thanks for sharing your story! I found this video as a recommendation in my feed and I watched it, then I realized I know your art very well! You're amazing and I'm so happy that you found success in yourself!!

[@ArcTrooperRod-269]

I HOPE YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

[@CuteyKitty]

I am sorry to hear that happened, and they had it out for you . Some of the horror stories I hear from studios are just awful. I also worked at Rainmaker, been there with panic attacks and feeling like I am failing. But thankfully they were amazing there to me, and love working for them. I am glad you found your footing, and wish you more positive success ! Your work is so much fun and creative.

[@wormdust]

Really happy to hear you had good people supporting you! It makes all the difference. Its really all about your community & team, not the studio itself. Sadly negative work environments are not uncommon in this industry. Thank you so much!!

[@rockon8174]

@@wormdust Rainmaker is one of the cheapest places!!! It's a place to start, not to stay.

[@Audiomaker49]

I also left the animation industry best decision I’ve ever made and I don’t regret it

[@aitoluxd]

Wow! You and Jon really motivate so much. I'm glad you've moved on from that crazy phase and doing the things you really now. Well, I still feel I'm still in that shitty phase too, and I hope I breakthrough soon. But until then you guys give me hope. Thanks sir sharing Gen. Love you guys!! ❤️

[@wormdust]

It takes time but if i can do it, you can too! Im rooting for ya. ❤️❤️❤️

[@shanshanchi2340]

Thank you for sharing your experience, hope youre doing well

[@ninewojcik9669]

Hey, just wanted to say I am currently in the exact same situation. I am getting my bachelors related to game art and I just feel soulless about it. I decided to pursue acting instead too. Tysm for the video. It made me believe a bit more in my crazy plan

[@manablade0x244]

Hey I just wanted say that i appreciate you sharing your experience with being industry and you transition to owning your online store. I thinks that awesome :D

[@wormdust]

Thank you so much! 💖💖

[@pluviophile4602]

I'm an aspiring animator and I've never commented on a video b4 but I just want to say I'm so happy for you!!!❤

[@captjerski4165]

Animation Layout is really hard, as for me I do Layout (traditional) since 90s at Hanna Barbera I did Tom and Jerry, Flintstones, Johnny Quest, Capt Planet then at TNT I did Power Puff Girls at Disney I did Dark wing Duck, Lilo and Stich in 2002 to present to name a few shows like Flash layout for Guava Juice, Archiebald, PinyPon, My little pony , Cheneques, etc. now I am jobless since November even thou I can do 20 to 30 layout per week and our layout here cost $6.00 cheap per piece it atleast $15.00 would be decent enough. Sad some companies dont value their artist. I will be glad to help you in layout.

[@AndreaRuizCa]

Jeeeesus, now im feeling better that I am just a freelance editor x_x I'm so sorry you went thru this.

[@CeedFX]

As a former Titmouse employee who also worked on Star Trek Lower Decks (season 3 and 4), I can vouch Titmouse is a great company to work in. Especially for new artists / fresh out of school. I left only because as a veteran, I just want to work on star trek related shows and was only plan to stay for 1 season, but Titmouse was so nice I ended up staying for 2 seasons (also worked on the Strange New World cross over episode, that was a blast). Made a lot of great connections along the way, and I was not even in animation industry, I'm in live action VFX film/tv industry. Now I'm planning to visit California for 3 months to do some personal project with a friend, and maybe say hi to Lower Decks director in LA early next year. Anyway, those people in the lead and management from that un-named studio sound completely unprofessional. Studio have to understand sometimes a great artist does not mean that they're a great team lead, they need to be re-trained. It's admirable as an artist to nitpick and criticize their own work, but it's another story when you transfer those traits to a leadership role. That guy that lost his temper and screamed at you will not fly in Titmouse, especially now that Titmouse in-house artists are unionized. I personally think union have its flaws, but I do believe situation like this is what union is great for, and I'm all for it. I'm glad youtube algorithm recommended this video (after 2 years), hope to see more updates in the future.

[@wormdust]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and in-depth comment! I agree that Titmouse has been the salve i needed in order to need be bitter about the industry. I really enjoyed my time on lower decks as well and i actually just finished a contract with them last week. Its always been nothing but good experiences ^^ also grateful for the union too haha, i think more artists need to unionize cuz the amount of unpaid overtime we did in canada was ridiculous 😩

[@Shimamon27]

I haven't gotten an official job in art yet, but, I got to do art for some indie games, and I love doing it, it's fun for me. Aside from that, I have fun doing animations and uploading them on youtube. I have no idea if I fit the industry, but art is certainly my field, and I really love to do animations. Thanks for your experience, if anything, I know that if I manage to ever get into the industry, I better enter in the correct position, otherwise it'll be a nightmare.

[@rockon8174]

2:30 in Cali six figures is the norm fresh out of school and really good

[@r0d_mp]

Wow,I just heard this in my way to work. I still remember having panics attacks as well after working in a shit show of a small company,to point that made me prefer work on fast food for a while. Rn I'm an animator in a medical company,hoping to get in the industry one day, and I just love hearing these kind of realistic scenarios. Propts to you and congrats, that was so a satisfying ending, really looking for new content

[@wormdust]

Sorry to hear about the panic attacks mate :( sounds like you are already well on your way in the industry though! Thanks for watching :)

[@rockon8174]

Stick to the medical company and work on your own stuff in your off time. Both will pay more than a Canadian animation studio.

[@Ultimate81]

These stories are good, the truth is the more people come forward hopefully the processes will change.

[@AnssiRauhala]

Ooh, I shall never forget how I made my first layouts for a 1989 series... I was a storyboard trainee when our director gave the gig to me, for like a dozen scenes, when he was busy with something else and I needed the extra money. I delivered those pictures maybe over a weekend, he took a look at them, and then proceeded to actually draw most of the stuff again. Right there, in minutes. Like, "See, this is how it is done". You meet every sort of people, I have been very lucky with mine. Am I working in animation today? Not today.

[@arkanimation9833]

What’s Peachy shop? What’s your update from this? I’m graduating after the fall so what advice do you have for anyone who is aiming to jump into animation? I left the Navy after 12yrs and have had a whole life full of bad jobs, but I’m loving animation.

[@Tonishasupreme]

i am so sorry the person from the company did that some of these supervisors dont believe in investing into employees but to nitpick until they humiliate you enough to quit or "do better" all while they dont pay you enough to afford adequate housing to maintain your mental or physical health! so im glad you were able to be here today and tell your story because people suck and that is another reason why so many people are quiting but do you have any software recommendations for people starting. i have youtube called mi dough co that i would love to turn into an animation but i want to do it as a solo because i hate the job culture for people who are just starting

[@AndyWalsh]

16:55 - I've had that! I worked for a company in Canada (I'm in entertainment now but back then it was graphic design). All of a sudden my boss stopped being encouraging. Then he would stand behind my desk while I was working and not say a word. But I could feel him looking. Days before my probation period was up, I get called into the big boy office. Someone walks in behind me with my bag/coat, sits it down. My boss gives me a super fast handshake and runs out the door. HR lady: "I'm sure you're aware of why we're letting you go?" I'm like... what?? I have no idea! So yeah.

[@Schwa_]

Woahhh WHAT THE HECK??? Listening to that horror story… got such a rise out of me. I don’t know you but it made me legit willing to die for you. Literally I was yelling at my phone like noooo… 💀 That guy who did that to you better HOPE he never meets me. He goin DOWN to the GROUND. He ain’t gon have no fingers left to write in that notebook. Ain’t NO ONE should talk to their fellow employees like that. I’m so glad your story has the happy ending/continuation that it deserves! Thank you for sharing… despite it probably bringing back bad memories.

[@wormdust]

Just saw this haha.. you are too sweet thank you!!

[@Wuzeio]

My god your lead was absolutely horrible, it was insane to hear about his verbal abuses to you…. It scares me to think about how there’s probably quite a few people like in the industry😭 I’m really glad you’re able to now pursue something you’re passionate about!! Good luck on your online business and acting :’)

[@geneyu9887]

As a person who recently graduated animation school and worked on some projects and met some shitty people in the job place, I was totally related to what you said in the video. what I found out was Job is just a job. No need to prove myself to others. Living everyday fulfilled and comfy is way more important than living in hell with fancy label. I'm actually really surprised that every single words you talk in this video is exactly what I had thought. I wonder if you are INFJ or something similar haha. Anyway, Thanks so much for sharing your raw experience. This helps a lot to somebody who is living on a similar life. Hope you will be healthy and keep doing what makes you who you really are.

[@wormdust]

Its surprisingly common for people to feel this way the more i talk to others!! I wish schools would disclose this. And i am an ENFP! Haha but i have many INFJ friends 😁

[@francisco3254]

I wonder what happened after. Did you move? Did it work out well for you?

[@Brea_Bee]

This exact thing happened to me when I was diagnosed with Hashimotos, I had to leave work early because I had bad migranes and would get sick. The super pulled me in to tell me everything he disliked about me and where im going wrong, in front of HR and people I did not know. ALSO I WAS AN ANIMATOR ON Archibald

[@gaston.]

Really sorry to hear about your abuse. Other workers should step in if they witness this crap stand up to this abuse and get this guy out. He sounds like a coward/bully.

[@sodapopjam]

People are afraid to lose their jobs, so most would just keep shut.

[@chloek1182]

I would like to know your thoughts on this now and if they're the same. im in college for animation right now haha and im slightly worried

[@ald7248]

Glad you are out. The teaming approach in modern animation doesn't scale. It's like working in a dysfunctional insect colony. There's a fantastic documentary (can't remember the name) where they interviewed rotoscoping animators who worked on both "Snow Queen" - which is from the USSR - and "Alice In Wonderland" - which is from the USA. And, remarkably, both animators said the best thing was that they would only work with 1-2 other persons at a time and it was only possible to work when those other persons were in total agreement about what needed to be done. A quick word to the wise: agents are gatekeeper parasites.

[@wormdust]

Interesting!!

[@fioreirving]

Would you consider doing videos explaining the layout process or directed viewers to other resources to learn?

[@wormdust]

Sure i can, what part of the process are you interested in?

[@aziziabdrahman7756]

My brother is trying to get a job in the animation industry in the UK since last year, and he’s still struggling.

[@iLuvBvnny]

are u the creator of jellypinch of the ita jackets?? 😱 also you’re so brave and inspiring for posting this! i’m a 3D animation student in vancouver

[@rockon8174]

3:00 40K is cheap for student loan debt.

[@tedzehnder961]

I wonder if that is where the term Starving Artist comes from?

[@fuwabnuuy]

But I've been spending years studying animation and building my skills.. What do I do with my life now?

[@KIMCHITUNA]

GIRL I relate to this too hard 🤣 My lead also trap me into that humiliation box too lolololol Thx for sharing im gonna plan on making my drama episode too 🤣

[@mfrancisco_850]

A beautiful angel such as yourself should never have to suffer a day in her life I would have taken care of you and lifted you up so you wouldn't even have to walk on the ground and hurt your feet

[@ericsart6474]

Sorry for your experience with that lead. My question is, why wouldn't you or him have just made a copy of the file when handed off to you? This way it wouldn't matter if you deleted the layer, It would still exist in the other file. It's hard to believe there were no backups or other versions of it somewhere.

[@osh3104]

I've heard that animators in japan get 17cents per cut 💀

[@wormdust]

Its notoriously bad in asian countries for sure, north americans have it better in comparison

[@rockon8174]

7:57 Wolf Spiders. 😬

[@SiD19884]

the problem of it all is that it wasn't the animation. Animation is fun.. It's the people.. the human nature of it all. As long as you have to work with people and their salad toss of selfish upbringing and world view.. it will be shit. Above all else, artists are one of the most vein, shitty, jealous type of ppl i've ever known from artschool classmates, lectures to industry. i've grown tired of ppl... so i stopped interacting.. with that i realized, i dun need to even animate to show ppl or tell stories anymore.. with that all together i stopped attempting to share my art.. way before this whole ai thing came about.. Now I'm just laughing at the whole industry falling apart. I dun watch others anymore too.. I simply don't give a shit what people does.. i dun give a shit to learn how they did it.. it all seem vain and pointless.. I guess in a way i'm in a deep state depression in a sense but it's fine. If only i could get to a place where i dun feel uneasy at myself feeling this way, that'll be the enlightenment for me. anyway i feel your pain..

[@jinchoung]

unfortunately, what they say is true - first impressions count. as you say, it primes them to LOOK FOR CONFIRMATION of what they already think. that is a huge landmine that must be avoided for anyone starting a new job. frankly, your friend didn't do you a favor for recommending you for something that wasn't firmly in your wheelhouse. that ends up backing up on the both of you as well as the studio that needed you to hit the ground running. it's certainly not a crime to be an entry level employee but if they expected a seasoned pro, that was always going to be a problem.

[@rockon8174]

26:00 you and he are partners in life. Enjoy the journey together. 🙂

[@elizabeth4689]

Your lead sounds like an absolute tool,and honestly the fact that hr and the company thought this kind of behaviour was okay is a huge red flag. I’m glad you got out of there

[@keithyakouboff8755]

Good for you honey. I've been in the VFX industry since 2002. During that time, I've had very good periods and very bad. My worst to date started in 2017 and lasted until Oct 2019. I was homeless for 21 months. I'm currently in the midst of another employment drought, 7 months long to date. I am *SICK*OF*THIS*. I need to find a job that I can tolerate, that will also be stable and that will also give me a little above my break-even point in earnings. That has been a hard search. Advice to animators (3D, 2D, etc.) from a 59yo: Have a Plan B. I like your entrepreneurial spirit Ms Gen. I wish you continued success.

[@BrunoCasas.M]

Hi, do you still work at titmouse?

[@rockon8174]

19:53 he was actually incompetent. Because a leader is there to set an example not make people dependent on them. He didn't understand his role. Most likely insecure.

[@osh3104]

yo the animation industry sounds like hell on earth.

[@mfrancisco_850]

yes it can be for sure lol

[@FriedFrogLegsAnimations]

Hey its ok if you like making cartoons if its not your thing

[@dijik123]

U can always teach here

[@Mangofuzzz]

I'm from the Caribbean...a territory that just figured out that the talent in the country is worth outsourcing. Still....you could think of it as being an animator native to Japan. No pay and all sweat. So living here in the US is not really an issue for me regarding pay. I live within my means and I am just really happy to succeed this far. I usually fall back on package handling and it pays the bills while I keep the goal alive (fattening the portfolio). As for your leads. From my observation, alot of art people have some sorta mental issue that stunts their opportunity to communicate effectively. Too many emotions in a pipeline that has no room for it. This is film....fall in or fall out. I am glad you got to a better point in your life but your situation is totally doable for someone like me. In the Caribbean, your feelings are definitely put to the test. Looking back at it, im glad my coaches in sports yelled at me and that my elders were militant enough to show me how to be hard about this stuff. It paid off. I'd eat your lead for breakfast. Prob a wimp who gained false boss status. It happens. Thank God I moved here in the States....Easy to dominate these bad boys. God bless you for sharing this.

[@Mangofuzzz]

I forgot to say RE student debt. My heart goes out to everyone who has student debt. I fortunately dont have this isse being a dual citizen. I just copied what I saw on my favorite cartoons and kept at that. So that explains why I am ok with package handling. I gotta say....I love working in other jobs because its just alot easier on the mind. Like. Work at fedex...be consistant, get a raise and afford a house. No Fluctuation BS. So I feel ya dude.

[@Igorooooleynikov]

17:56 It is just abuse, he deserve to be sent to a reeducation facility in the north-west of china. I agreed to super low pay(300$ per month with delays between payments) for a very cool project with super realistic animation like cooler than ghost in the shell. But supervisor and producer were worst people to work with. On calls they talked either with passive agression to other people or just insulted everyone. Production was badly organized, project is very ambitious but there wasnt any good pipeline to support it. And working there didnt help me too much with career.

[@wormdust]

this story is all too common unfortunately :( im sorry you went through that.

[@hawshimagical]

16:24 among us

[@rockon8174]

3:39 different story in California.

[@FriedFrogLegsAnimations]

At least you realized its not your thing

[@ivanminchev888]

Spiders>>>roaches

[@williamoverton7775]

animation is a really boring job

[@michaelcorleone3286]

Whether you believe in him or not, Jesus loves you and he's with you always. No matter where you are and no matter what situation you're going through