Wasaru / Thomas Fourniret Animator Animation Galaxy : Tell us a little about who you are. Who do you work for? What job do you do? Wasaru : I’m a french 30 years old boy. I’m currently working for a french animation studio called ankama (www.ankama.com). I worked as assistant animator, animator, and lead animator.
Animation Galaxy : How long have you been working in the animation industry? Wasaru : I started working in animtion 5 years ago when I came in ankama.
Animation Galaxy : Name a few of the projects you've worked on in the past. Wasaru : In Ankama studio, I worked on our main series “WAKFU” and on a new series (yet unreleased) and several other small shorts/video games in our studio. I also worked in my spare time on some personnal projects like animated shorts I directed with 2 friends of mine, called “ice cream road” (https://vimeo.com/23581962 ) on some music videos ( Le peuple de l’herbe : https://vimeo.com/42830522 , Klakomaniak : https://vimeo.com/21687233 )
Animation Galaxy : Do you have any future projects planned? Any independent animation projects? Tell us more. Wasaru : Now, I’m thinking to leave the animation business and try to work in Live video. I really love music videos and I would like to work in this. Maybe animated, but I would prefer Live now.
Animation Galaxy : Do you have any routines for uncorking your creativity? Wasaru : Not really. It depends on the project I’m working on. Sometimes it’s serious, sometimes it’s crazy. I let go my mind on the project and try to make it well.
Animation Galaxy : How do you feel your work has progressed since you started your career? Wasaru : I assume I progressed a lot, and that is absolutely normal since when I started I didn’t know anything about animation.Spending 8 hours a day on the same routine is a really good school for me. Learning by ourself is definetely something good. I would have loved to learn in an animation school, but I have no regrets.
Animation Galaxy : What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation? Wasaru : Ahah, I worked in computer some years, and before as a cashier. That was a very instructive job, I spent all my time looking at the people. I liked it.
Animation Galaxy : What motivates you to move into a career in animation? How did you go about pursuing it? Wasaru : I always wanted to make films but I didn’t think it would be possible. That’s why I learned and worked in computer. But after some years, I told myself “it’s not too late”. But without any fund, it’s very hard to start film making, that’s why animation was a good thing : anybody can make a film alone, juste spending time on drawing. Then I kept on drawing all day long during several years, then I quitted my job and took one year to make my first animated short… (http://www.wasaru.com/animation/babylon/video_trailer.html)
Animation Galaxy : What about those just considering starting in animation? Any educational or career advice, memorable lessons, etc? Wasaru : My only one advice is : DO IT ! It won’t be easy, it will probably take many years, but anyone can accomplish anything if he really wants to. Just work hard.
Animation Galaxy : Do you ever appear at conferences? What animation events and conferences would you recommend? Wasaru : I heard Richard williams gives some conferences, that looks interesting.
