Harlen Bertrand’s (IDEA Grad 2023) first week at Jesters Animation proves to him that he is in the right field
IDEA Grad 2023 has begun their eight-week practicums at companies across Vancouver! Industry can meet the IDEA Grads on April 3, 2023. Check out this story by Harlen Bertrand at Jesters Animation.
“Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.”
I always knew that I wanted to get into telling stories and bring 2D static characters to life by giving them voices, personalities, and names. I knew it, but I had no idea what exactly I wanted to do. Much like reality and dreams, my vision of my ideal future didn’t quite align with the complexities of being a storyteller and artist.
One of the first things I did at the start of my practicum at Jesters Animation was pick the brain of my practicum host, Brad Gibson. Since he and his friend are the founders/owners of Jesters, I launched a lot of questions to not only what it’s like to work in the animation field, but what it’s like to own a business as well.
My noob view on it was like any other naïve artist. You get to draw all day and tell people what to do, right? But, reality is way different than that. Making sure everyone is paid. Making sure equipment you bought is used. Making sure everyone has a space to work. Coordinating with other companies and artists. Big oof.
And, turns out, I think I need to work on a few of my drawings. Take for example this image I made for Jesters…
I delved into a style of drawing that I never really do.
Cartoons.
My style of drawing is much more rigid and realistic. Think to the likes of Marvel comic book artists. This character is an example of the style of posing that I do. Rigid, proportioned realistically. BORING, but safe and comfortable.
But, thanks to advice given by my practicum host, turns out I was a little bit off the mark. Sure, the drawing looked alright initially but it could have been better. Take into account the notes and draw overs. Right now, I’d say if my posing and stuff were a spice, it’d be flour. But this time at Jesters should upgrade that spice to something tangy and delicious.
Like Steak Seasoning.
Anyways, my first week at Jesters proves that I am in the right field. The days pass by like a hot knife through butter. Smooth and silky. I am deeply enjoying what I’m doing and I’m FINALLY getting my money’s worth out of this Cintiq that I sunk so much cash into. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead on this little trip of mine. Who knows what things are waiting for me to discover?
Jesters Animation
Jesters Animation is an award winning, versatile, and experienced boutique animation studio based in Vancouver, BC. Our artist driven studio works with a large collective of freelance and in-house animation professionals to create, develop, and produce a wide variety of projects, from commercials and short films to television broadcast animation. Jesters Animation is owned and operated by experienced animators, Jesse Cote and Brad Gibson who have over 40 years of combined experience in the animation biz.
