Name, Age, City and State: Royden Lepp, 29. Bothell, WA

Job-title: 
Animator, Illustrator

Web/blog site URL: http://roydenlepp.blogspot.com/

Give us your job description in 25 words or less. I manage an animation team that I am a part of. We create character animation for video games. After my day job I tackle side projects that usually include illustrating for graphic novels and, or children's books for various publishers or employers.

Describe a typical workday. I go to work between 8am and 10am depending on traffic and coffee. When I arrive at work I get caught up on emails for a few minutes, and then dig into animating characters, participating in planning meetings, or connecting with coworkers to get a better sense of the project as a whole. 2-3 days a week I go to the gym for lunch. After an 8 hour work day I head home. If I have time after dinner and chores, I draw for whatever project is on the table at the time.

What led you to realize that you wanted to do this type of work? Nothing necessarily made me think I could actually do this as a day job. I am as surprised to be here as anyone would be. I pursued things I loved and looked for ways to make money doing them. I've always loved visual storytelling of all kinds, my first step towards this career was attending the Vancouver Film School. Even then, I never expected to be in games or comics.

Did you have any heroes or mentors in your industry that you admired? Glen Keane. Kazu Kabuishi. Claire Wendling. David Brewster. Michel Gagne. HR Rookmaaker.

What type of education or training was required to land your job? Some kind of art training is required, but no official degree. When looking for a job in the art industry, your portfolio should always eclipse your resume.

What do you love most about your job? Creative teamwork and creative solitude. During the day I get to work with a team of powerful artists, and we can together make something cool. And then in the evening I get work alone, and make decisions from my gut and take responsibilty for them, (and hopefully make something cool.)

What one part of your job do you wish you could hire someone else to do? For my illustration work I do sometimes hire colorists or 'flatters' to make flat tones or colors for my linework. The games industry is always looking for great artists for all disciplines.

What advice would you give to teenagers wanting to get into your field of work? Work hard - don't stop creating art. Don't stop learning. Pursue an art career because you love art - not because you love games or movies or comics. Always swallow your pride and be willing to be humbled.

How does your job allow you to use your God-given gifts? God created me as an artist. Not only do I get to use it to glorify him, He also allows me to use it to provide for my household. But at the end of the day it's still just a job, and if I make it my idol, then if it gets taken away I'll lose my identity. I need to daily pray that I not have my identity in my talents, but in Christ.