-Dale L. Baer, Supervising animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios
"Willie Downs has accomplished what few would dare dream--he's gotten animators to communicate in words rather than imagery. Words of encouragement, none the less! Too often, the emphasis in the animation industry is on job openings, technology, and the competitive side of things. It's nice to have a place for animators to share their knowledge and experience, putting industry aside for community. If you're a professional animator, please consider contributing to The Animator Letters Project. It only takes a few minutes to hand-write a letter, but you never know who you may inspire!"
-Austin Madison, animator at Pixar Animation Studios
"For any budding artists dipping their toes into that vast pool known as the animation industry, Willie's project will give them that little push they need to jump right in...Willie's Big Idea is already such a positive influence on so many young talents that it's a no-brainer for any professional animator in the industry to contribute."
-Jeff Joe, animator at PDI/ DreamWorks Animation Studios
"With the Animation Letters Project, Willie has undertaken a large project which is good for inspiring others. If completed, I believe it will be a nice piece of writing to help others.
I commend him on his efforts."
-Jeff Nevins, animator at Tangerine POP
"For a young person contemplating how to land the coveted “dream job,” the road to the future can seem bleak, long and downright scary. That’s one of the many reasons mentors are so important. An experienced voice of reason can make all the difference in helping someone get a start in an industry, which is why I am such a fan of the Animator Letters Project.
The project is the brainchild of Texas resident Willie Downs, an aspiring animator who struggled with his decision to attend school and pursue a degree other than animation. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was going down the wrong path but, as he writes on the project’s website, he was hesitant to change degrees—and schools—because “my parents had already spent so much money for me to do what I was doing.”
So Willie reached out to Pixar and DreamWorks via letter, and asked the studios for advice and encouragement. The Animator Letters Project was born, and Willie now aspires to “publish a book packed full of letters from animators of different major studios, encouraging people who have a passion for animation to not give up and to follow their dreams.”
Wow. How much more inspiring can you get? And I’m not talking about the letters, although I know they’re full of invaluable advice and wisdom. I can’t help but be moved by Willie’s effort, his decision to reach out for help, and his further commitment to share the results with others who are in a similar position.
I plan to write a letter to Willie, and if you work in the animation industry, I urge you to consider participating, too. As if you needed additional incentive, Willie plans to donate the proceeds of the book to start a scholarship that will help an aspiring animator attend animation school.
If you’d like to help, send your letter to:
Willie Downs
605 W. Main St.
Whitehouse, TX 75791
Kudos to you, Willie. You’ve already achieved so much, and are an inspiration to so many. I can’t wait to read the Animator Letters Project book.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a letter to write."
-Brenda Chapman, writer, director, original writer-director of Disney-Pixar's Brave
