Ghazal Tahernia

What Program did you graduate from and when?

Integrated Media: Digital Painting and Expanded Animation
 

What is your current title or role? (e.g. freelance designer, art practitioner, etc.)

Stop Motion Animator

Why did you choose to attend OCAD U?

Initially, I had plans to finish the Drawing and Painting major and paint for a living! I was accepted to a general arts program, which most applicants get into, do a few general courses from different programs to help and find what I like and then chose my major in the second year. From there I decided to do something more physical and hands-on, so I chose the sculpture major. While in my second year I started animating my sculptures and I developed a passion for it, so I ended up enrolling myself in Integrated Media (DPXA) courses and switched majors again at the end of the 3rd year.
 

Please briefly describe your current job/practice.

I am a stop motion animator. I use physical puppets and objects and animate them frame by frame. I work both in the industry with set goals and styles, and as an independent artist for my artistic practice.
 

How did you get started in your career?

After finishing school, I used my thesis work to edit a professional reel and I started applying to companies. I was hired by Stop Motion Department Inc. studio, (the studio that generously offered me a free space to animate my thesis film for 2 months) for a short commercial for Centrum Gummies, then a longer interstitial for the show Let’s Go Luna! and eventually a 6 months long unannounced project. After I finished my terms with them, I applied to Stoopid Buddy Stoodios in LA where I got a chance to animate for their recently announced show M.O.D.O.K. During the COVID-19 surge in April, I returned to Toronto where I animated a couple more interstitials with Stop Motion Department Inc. and worked from home while continuously working on my skills as I wait for the studios to open back up and go back in business.
 

What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work?

I did my share of wrong jobs and engagements with no pay and no value experience at the end during the first and second year of student life. I did some research and found out about TAIS, where I got connected to the community. At TAIS, I helped with some workshops as a TA and later on as an instructor. Meanwhile, in my late 3rd year in the university, I did an internship with Stop Motion Department Inc., which then I asked them to be my Field Placement partners in my fourth year for the internship course at OCAD U.

I’d say look for red flags when applying! Be specific about what you apply to, and if in communications the person sounds difficult to deal with and unaware of what goes into the process of making art (especially if unpaid) avoid them. You’ll get more out of an unpaid internship or volunteer position at professional companies with specifically defined services (ae 2d animation studios, 3d effects studios, stop motion, etc).
 

What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

I love bringing dead objects and puppets to life! It is always so satisfying to see the puppet move like a human, act to a scenario, and feel emotions. I can reflect a part of my personality to my creation that is unique and fresh. Same with many other art majors, the job market is competitive and hard to get in. It takes a while to get the skills right and when you finally get your foot in, you’ll have to work hard to keep up with the pace. If you are planning to work on TV productions, you’ll have to be able to animate as fast as they ask you to, so efficiency becomes an important skill which you’ll have to develop over time.
 

What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? Is there anything you would have done differently?

Having done a little bit of everything helped me in my field. I know how to animate and I can make sets, fabricate puppets, plan a project from start to finish, edit, design folly, etc. These are important elements of a production to know to give you a broader vision in your field. I would make sure to use the time to find like-minded people and links in the industry between profs and students to carry out the relationship after school.
 

What are the key responsibilities you maintain for your practice?

Showing up to the job every day, hard work, discipline, good attitude and positive energy, as well as keeping up to date with the industry I am planning to work in.
 

What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years?

I’d love to animate a feature for LAIKA studios! And direct a feature stop motion film for my practice before my 40s. But for the time being, I am planning for another 3-5 years of working and learning tips and tricks from all departments as well as finessing my animation skills.