10 Second Tip: Understand Non-Animators

One of the most frustrating aspects of being an animator is dealing with certain comments from those not in the industry. Today we offer a short checklist to keep in mind when trying to maintain your sanity as you speak with fellow (non-artist) human beings.

  • Be Patient

It is difficult when someone doesn’t understand the process of animation and makes broad assumptions. People often think art is easier than it is. To some, art is just a form of play, not work, and in some ways it IS about playing. However a great deal of effort is necessary too. Remember to be patient as people are speaking with you regarding your art. They simply don’t know how hard it is, because they have never tried it in the same way you have. They don’t understand the dedication necessary.

  • Be Kind

Some people have just never seen the nuts and bolts behind an animated film, and will enjoy hearing about the whole process. Some people, unfortunately, are just stuck up and self centered, and they don’t want to hear the process so much as tear you down for doing something like “art” as a job. They do this to feel better about themselves, it isn’t really about you. It can be tempting to fight back against the meanness of this second group, but truthfully it doesn’t help anyone to do so. Be as kind as you can to them, and then excuse yourself and talk to someone who is willing to hold an actual conversation.

  • Remember What YOU Don’t Know

It helps to keep in mind that even while you are an expert at the art of animation, there’s a great big world of things you DON’T know very much about. Every animator would love for the world to appreciate how time consuming and demanding animation is, but the simple fact is the majority of non-animators just don’t have that knowledge. You can connect and understand them better by remembering how many things outside of animation you yourself are not well versed in.

  • Know Your Worth

If you value art and animation, that is enough. If someone else does not, that’s their decision. Arguing with them about how what you do has value is never going to get you anywhere. Be confident in your work and worth, and if someone devalues it explain you disagree but then leave it at that. When you are aware of your own significance, no one can take that away from you by saying otherwise. There is no need to argue with them when you know your own worth.

  • When All Else Fails, Think of a Puppy

Puppies make any situation better
  • Save

Most frustrations can be soothed by an adorable puppy.

What techniques do you use when dealing with frustrating non-animators? Do you find yourself able to keep in control? Often exploding when lack of understanding seems overwhelming? Share your stories below!

 

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Olubunmi John

Lot of problems,but the big one i have is when i try to explain to my girlfriend what i do,or what i was trying to adjust that delayed me in getting to the events she invited me to come to…Once she hear me mention animation,She will be like,’you know i wont probably understand,so don’t bother explaining’…Funny enough,she is a big fan of animated movies and series but she is not just interested in knowing the process(well,i cant blame her,she has her own career she is dedicated to).It hurt me sometimes,when she tells me not to bother,but then it dawn on me that i have also done the same to people,like when a friend tries to explain programming to me,it felt boring and i told him him not to bother explaining again.One more thing i will love to add is,there are handful of people that appreciate what we do,they love it,they can do the extra-ordinary to go to the theatres to see an animated film,but they aren’t just interested in the process(cause they have their career to think about).Example of such person is my girlfriend.So what we do when we try to explain the process to such people(when didnt ask) is FREAK THEM OUT!!!.Thanks for this Mr rikki,now i have more tips to handle the non-animators when conversing.

Jim Richardson

On a train once, carrying a stack of animation paper and a scene folder. The guy next to me asks about the paper and I tell him I’m an Animator. “So do you have the mentality of a child to do that kind of work?” At the time, I just remembered the line and smiled, but now I think I might have laughed really loud and done something very childish.

youngPacha

“Try to understand men. If you understand each other you will be kind to each other. Knowing a man well never leads to hate and almost always leads to love.”

― John Steinbeck

Camel

Full marks all around. Camel stamp of approval… lovely

jud

Do you have any tips and hints for how to tell nonanimators about animation?

I’d certainly appreciate it.

barbwallow

Hate people who act like art isn’t important. Flunkers don’t know how art is around us every day. Just open your eyes. Everything is designed and art.

Elle

I’m very glad that you shared this helpful info with us.
Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
We all need to be more understanding.

ernest_furey

nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following.

Nancy

Very helpful thanks. I always forget that most people don’t understand how to do the actual animation work we all do every day. I will definitely come again again.

Donnel

This advice is incredible! You obviously know how to keep everyone playing on the same team. I have had to work with many non-animators in my career as a freelance animator and it can be a very hard thing to do to make sure everyone is happy and keep working towards a common finish line.

Sabina K

It all comes down to be nice and respectful to everyone and don’t let them bring you down. 🙂 Nice article!

münch

Good article thanks.

mazzeo

It’s in fact very difficult in this fullofactivity life to listen to people and not just talk. Good advice!

agologic

I don’t talk to nonanimators. Problem solved! 😛

matt

nice