Creator Spotlight: @min-play
I’m Min! I’m an animator and storyboard rti t who also posts comics and fan art online. So far, I have worked on the Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and LEGO Monkie Kid. I run on AAA batteries.
Check out our interview with Min below!
How did you get your start in animation and storyboarding?
Fanart! My hyperfixations kept me drawing and posting online since I was around 16. Later I dropped my Computer Science degree to study animation. After graduating, I worked as an In-between Animator, Key Animator, and Storyboard Artist. My fanart of a couple funny skeletons played a big role in getting hired.
What do you wish you knew when you first started out creating content that you know now?
It’s ok to make mistakes. All the flaws in a drawing make it look much more interesting. Also, it’s a lot more fun than spending ages perfecting one line.
Have you ever had an art block? If so, how did you overcome it?
I always get 3 different flavors of art block (that I remember):
Art block from perfectionism
- Sometimes there’s this self-enforced pressure that what you make has to be of a certain standard. Gotta loosen up and forgive yourself for not meeting an imaginary quality. Do it for the fun of it. Instead of thinking’ needs to be better,’ think ‘eh good enough lol.’ It’s cool to strive for improvement! Just don’t do it to the point it becomes self-deprecating.
Art block from burnout
- Art hibernation! It’s ok to take breaks. Not every waking moment needs to be productive. Treat yourself to something yummy, hang out with people you’re comfortable with, or pick up a new anime series. Take the time to get some well-deserved rest.
Art block while drawing as a full-time job
- WELL DANG.
- Switch your ‘drive.’ If you’re running off on passion or interest as a motivator for work, that’s great! I do too! But also, it’s finicky. Set up routines for when that high runs out. I have a ‘Do task’ mode where I play a song or a movie I already watched on loop in the background (sometimes for weeks on end). I don’t know why but it helps me concentrate. Last week, it was the movie Cars.
These are personal methods and may not work for everyone, but I hope it helps!
What are 3 things you can’t live without as a creator?
Music + Noise-canceling headphones + Big blanket = Comfort force field
What is a medium that you have always been intrigued by but would never use yourself?
Does blacksmithing count as a medium? I’d like to try it out at least once, though.
How do you want to evolve as a creator?
To connect with other creators more. Especially writers. They are so powerful.
Warm tones or cool tones?
Cool tones! Especially this one particular blend of blue and green.
Who on Tumblr inspires you and why?
So maaaanyy. At the top of my head, though: @northpen. I am obsessed with their vivid-imagery writing style, and immaculate characterizations. Their character banters always have me in a gigglefit. They have this fic I binged in one sitting and left me crying and empty in a good way.
Thank you for such amazing answers, Min! You can check out more of Min’s creations over at @min-play!