Professionalism: To Write or Not to Write?

An incident happened to me on Christmas Day that's brought an old battle of mine rising to the surface of my mind.

I won't go into too much detail save to say that someone anonymously posted a handful of flames** on a fan fiction story that I posted. Normally this kind of thing wouldn't bother me, because you typically get lots of "trolls" who will come across your work and seem to get a sadistic pleasure from making you upset. But this particular person I knew, so it was surprising to say the least to see them do that.

Not wanting to cause unnecessary drama, I quickly removed the story to destroy the comments. This was done in immediate reaction to the comments posted and had I known what I know now, I wouldn't have been so quick to remove it. A friend informed me about some new features I wasn't aware of. Apparently you can get rid of anonymous reviews without deleting the story in the process. It used to be (some 5 years ago) that wasn't possible, but the site itself where I post has seen many upgrades in their technology.

Bearing that in mind, to the subject at hand.

Saying the word "fan" tends to drive up a bunch of images in a person's mind - watch the "Nerd" on Robot Chicken and you'll see what I mean. And add on the "fiction" part and you can say goodbye to any hope of gaining any shred of dignity from the average Joe on the street. Or is that really true?

Home for the Holidays

I can't believe I'm actually going to be in Kansas City this year for Christmas. It's true! Last year when I was working through Christmas at Shutters on the Beach and Casa Del Mar, I did some serious thinking about the holiday season in general. It was very different for me.

I didn't have a tree. I didn't have a family. I didn't have a feast. I had a banquet microwave dinner and my feet were exhausted from being up all day - and I had to go to bed early knowing I had to get up to work again.

I had a little ornament on my desk from Casa. I still have it here too. It's a little shopping bag with some sparkles on it. I got it for 6 dollars on half-price the last day I worked there. It's to remind me of that job. To not forget what Christmas is for.

I know, I'm starting to sound like a holiday special, but you know what? Those are some of my favorite programs. They remind me why I'm alive. What's important. You're family, your friends, having a home and a warm place to stay when the weather is nasty outside.

Love is so important. It should be cherished.

It's not about gifts. I learned that a few years back. I used to be rather miserly about Christmas, thinking it was only a "good" one if I got what I wanted. I'm not ashamed to admit that. I think it's something most young people in this country go through. You have to fight back the consumerism.

It's about being together, being thankful, and celebrating life. I still believe in God no matter what's happened to me so far. I think I always will. God has never given me a reason to believe he doesn't exist, but I still doubt just like any normal person. I just work through it. The fact that I made it through so much hardship and here I am smiling and typing with the snow is just proof of that. I think everyone has to find their own proof in what they believe, which is why I never force my opinions on someone else. Everyone is on their own journey.

I'm going through a lot of changes this year - it will be interesting to see where I am this time next year. I won't say any more of those "next year I'll be" because I never know where I will end up next.

If you had told me 5 years ago I would be living in Seattle, I would have laughed my head off at you and called you nuttier than a fruitcake. But you were right regardless because here I am. I think that's a big part of life. My theatre professor said, "you wouldn't want to know how it ends, would you?" and I agree. I'd rather be surprised. So here's hoping next year I end up somewhere just as interesting with more stories under my belt. :)

Love to everything and everyone in the universe,

- Joanie /^>

Settling Into Seattle with a Vegan Thanksgiving

I have to say I had quite the adventure coming up here. I had three major events happen in succession:

1. ) Mom fell after we packed all of my stuff into White Lightning, my '98 Dodge Stratus. We had to take her to urgent care in Bakersfield while on the road. Thankfully the doctors gave her a pain shot and some "Super" Motrin (800mg, holy cow) to stop her spasms.
2.) White Lightning broke down 22 miles outside of Red Bluff on Night 2 - leaving us in the morning with no car and a $500 car bill that afternoon. Thankfully the local garage guys were awesome. Can't say the same about the Hollywood Firestone since it was their fault the new fan belt they put on four days prior snapped and killed the idler...
3. ) After arriving we discovered the new third roommate was really 16, had been drinking and smoking in the house, damaged the carpet with her hookah and was having random guys over. The mother's verdict "Joanie, if she doesn't move out, you will." So the next morning she was out by noon with threats of the Russian Mafia. The police assured us that everyone knows someone in there. I suppose I do too if Masha and Max might, hahaha. That wouldn't surprise me. My grandpa knew guys in the KC Mafia after all. Small world.

Other than that, I'm finally moved in. Alex (my friend from VanArts, CA21) is doing very well at Nintendo as a tester and we just signed on a much nicer roommate, Sabrina, who has the most well-behaved small dog I've ever seen in my life! We're excited to have her after "X" (I'm saving her face by leaving out her name.)

I'm still job hunting (my favorite past-time if you know me well - marking the Mark Twain sarcasm if you would) and hoping I will find something soon. Things are definitely much more affordable here in Seattle. I think altogether I've shaved off at least 600 of what I was paying for the same amount of insurance, rent, groceries, etc. down in North Hollywood, California.

I miss Chris and Faith and a few other friends, but they're happy I'm up here and that's what's important. Plus I'm in contact with them and letting them know how I'm doing. I'll get to see them again someday.

Also to report is that I met up with my college acquaintance, Erin, and she invited us to her friend's house for a Very Merry Vegan Thanksgiving, if you will. It was honestly super awesome. I got to try a lot of new foods, and some twists on a few favorites. The tofurkey was very interesting. The best tofu food I had, but I still prefer the real thing. You can take the girl out of the farmland, but not the farmland out of the girl, I suppose. :) Still, I love experiencing new ways to celebrate the holidays.

I have a lot to be Thankful for and the biggest of which is that I have a chance up here to start all over. Here's hoping this year is full of surprises, lessons, and love.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Moving to Seattle

So many explanations and so little time.

Isn't that how life goes sometimes? One minute you're here, the next minute you're there. It's something I've come to expect out of life now that I'm better understanding the world. Everything changes. And when it comes right down to it:

You have to bend with the wind.

So I hit my 1-year anniversary here in Hollywood, California, and basically I was confronted with the horrors of my existential contemplating. I have been here for a year and I still don't have that fabled "entry level" job into the industry. I've been working so hard for so long and it still hasn't come. I got hurt by numerous people and I suffered severe emotional and spiritual hardships.

That and I thought about what I really wanted out of life. Why do I love animation? Why did I want to pitch a show? I wanted to give myself back to the people who made me happy, who gave me hope and happiness when I was fresh out. Who made me laugh and cry and think about what life is all about. Who taught me what friendship was and how much family and home mean to me. To inspire the new kids who are going through the same things I did, be it in another form and in a different time. Some things change but many things are always the same.

I wanted some things for the wrong reasons. When you see the people you admire not being happy - what's there to gain by following their paths? If the end result is unhappiness, count me out. I don't care anymore if I make a name for myself. That's not what I wanted. I just want to create and share.

I've rediscovered the power of the Internet. I don't need a studio to do my shows, I can make my own. I may not make any money, but why the hell not? Besides I wasn't in here to make money anyway. The only reason I wanted to get in the studios was to see how they did it. And I think I know now. I've seen more than I probably wanted to, but it was a good thing. My eyes are wide open and I was able to grab myself before tumbling into a pit of despair and mediocrity. The world is at my fingertips and all I have to do is create.

Change is coming. I don't know in what form, but I know that the Internet will be part of that new change. It's already started and as the old generations fall apart and the young people take charge, we will see another technology boom. Count on it.

I don't want this all to be doom and gloom though, lol. Sheesh, Joanie, don't get all preachy on us, right?

To sum things up, there's opportunity in Seattle for lower cost of living (in more than just apartment rates) better weather and possible jobs. I'm excited! I know things won't be easy. If LA is any indicator though, I'm a true Freedom Fighter - I'm a survivor.

No matter what happens, I'm sticking to my guns and going for what I want. I'm going to keep writing my young adult novel and dabble in my art as I like and as I explore my new world I'm about to create. Whatever happens, I know that God is with me. He's made me to be my own unique person and to find happiness here along my journey of life. I'm working hard to create a better world and I know that no matter what it was worth everything I've put down.

Dear Reader, if you have something that you want more than anything else, than go for it! Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. But also, don't be afraid to do it in a creative way. New cartoons are springing up on the net like wildflowers. You can too. Just do it! Who cares if no one likes but you, do it anyway! Do it!

I've been at the lowest low. At one time I suffered from severe depression and I thought "why bother"? But I know why now.

You see, it's not only "Yes We Can!" But "YES I CAN!" You have the power to make your own happiness and to share it with the world. No one can ever take that happiness away from you, because you made it and it's in your heart.

Love to all,

- Joanie /^>

Working for Disney!? No way! Yes way.

Even though I’ve only been here for a few months, I think the most amazing things have happened to me in that short time. Here’s a quick recap:

1.) Got my first real studio job doing Storyboarding at Yu+Co - thanks to my dear friend, Ron Noble! (shameless plug for Ron: http://www.nobletown.com)

2.) Met and worked alongside one of my favorite animators, Pendleton Ward, creator of Adventure Time! Here’s hoping Adventure Time continues, Pendleton! I wasn’t kidding when I said I was a huge fan!
:)

(I’m such a fangirl sometimes, but I can’t help it, I love animation.)

3.) Joined ASIFA (finally!) and I got to vote for the 2008 Annie Awards. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be on a committee like that. I know I’m just one voter, but to me it means the world to be able to vote and show my appreciation to all the nominees. It’s a big honor to me and I hope to continue to do it and hopefully volunteer as much as I can.

4.) Started my own web business! That’s right, if you need a website, just come see me at: LAWEBCHICK.com I’m also offering to tutor in Flash for either animation or websites if you are interested. Just drop me an email at: joaniegecko at gmail.com.

5.) Met some great friends, including my newest friend, Shondalia White, who I met through WIA. It’s so nice to have a girlfriend my age in town! I miss all of my usual gal pals back in KC, so it’s refreshing to have someone to run around with. Shondalia works at Nick as a Production Assistant on Tak and she loves it!

6.) And last but definitely at the top of my list: I just signed on for an entry-level job at Disney Interactive in their QA department! Many of you who know me know that I’m a huge gaming fan and that a few of my favorite titles have come from DI - including Kingdom Hearts - and that although Animation is my first love, I can’t deny my Gaming side - SONIC FOREVER! *laughs* Which is just as strong. I’m really excited to start work. I know it will be hard and long hours and it won’t always be pixie dust and rainbows, but heck, it’s working for DISNEY! If you would have told my 10 year old self that she would have died of some kind of happiness heart attack.
:)

She was funny like that.

That’s the thing too, I never seem to know what’s coming up around the bend. Ron’s been trying to get me on at his studio too (very excited about that!) and I’m working with a couple other people on possible animation jobs. I went from nothing to do to having to choose between projects, which is something I never forsaw for myself.

Looking back, I’ve really matured the past few months that I’ve been here, and I feel like Hollywood is my home now. I even know how to drive well on the highways without getting lost and that’s saying something in itself! My first time alone on the 134 I had a death grip on the steering wheel and the look of a hamster stuck in a toaster, lol.

Here’s hoping 2008, the year of the Rat, is just as good, if not better, than the last.
:)

Love to all, especially to my new friends: Indy & Tasha, Ron, Georgette, and Shondalia!

- Joanie /^>

Animation Events worth waiting for!

This past week has been a blur of events! And each one I’ve walked away with more wisdom, knowledge and of course business cards than I’ve ever gotten. If you’re new like me and you haven’t gotten involved in a group

Full house for the WIA Short Film Panel!

like Women in Animation, Animation Army, or a gathering like the WIA Writer’s Round Table, I strongly suggest you do so, no matter where you are.

You can check out the WIA Blog for info about the Short Film panel here: http://wia.animationblogspot.com. As you can see from the photo, many people attended from all ages and ranks, from industry veterans to students and people everywhere in-between!

Animation Army (check out their website here) had their monthly meeting last Sunday at the Bigfoot Lodge in Glendale. Animation Army basically is a social networking group for animation artists of all kinds where we meet together to talk about opportunities, to find project help and to make some new friends. Our guest speaker was Rusty Mills of MyToons.com (a producer of Animaniacs and Pinky and The Brain to name just a few of his credits) and he spoke about pitching series ideas to studios. We also got to view his work and he even brought along some of his pitching material, giving advice on creative things to do - and equally what not to do.

And finally last night was the first new meeting of the recently reinstated Women in Animation Writer’s Round Table! Our speaker was animation writer Craig Miller who has been in the business for a long time (whose credits include a lot of the shows I grew up with in the 80s like The Real Ghostbusters and G.I. Joe) and had a lot of good advice on what makes a story great. (The answer by the way, is the characters!) Craig also answered questions about how to pitch yourself to a studio as a writer and how pitch a good series bible to a studio as well. Friendly and humorous, he was a great speaker and we all enjoyed talking with him. For me, it was a wonderful opportunity to finally come face-to-face with a real animation writer and to hear what it’s like.

If you want to attend the next Round Table and will be in the LA area sometime early December send an email to wiawritersrt@gmail.com. You don’t have to be a WIA member to come and we’d love to have you! Our next speaker will be one of my personal favorite animation writers, Jeffrey Scott, author of the book “How to Write for Animation.“

Drop me a line to if you want to know about any of these events at joaniegecko at gmail.com.

Officially a Californian Girl

Everything fit into my car! Magic!

It’s been a few days since I moved in to Altadena and things have been happening so fast I hardly have time to keep up with them. But today was especially sweet because today I finally received my Californian driver’s license in the mail. Huzzah! So it’s official now, I’m Californian and here to stay.

Unfortunately, there’s been nothing new on the job front yet. I’m still applying to jobs and waiting to hear back from one. I’m really hoping to get a chance to interview with Nick for a Production Assistant job. I know I’d do a great job with it!

Of course, as everyone knows (and if you’re new like me, listen closely) it’s really hard to break in and get that fabled “First Real Job”! (Can you hear the heavenly choir when you read that?)

Speaking of which, since I’m knew to the neighborhood, I’m looking to meet some friends in the industry! Any hungry animation artists out there? I’d be more than happy to buy you some lunch. Just send me an email.

Look at all the studios! I’m almost there.

On a very happy note, tonight is the semi-annual General Meeting for the Women in Animation guild in Glendale - and this will be my very first meeting in person. I’ve been involved with WIA since 2005 and they helped me find a good school and now I’m volunteering on their website (which, if you haven’t seen it yet, then you must)! I’m hoping to make some friends and possibly make some networking connections. I will type up a report, but for now I have to get ready.

- Joanie /^>