Applying for my character design dream job

I take a crack at making a character design portfolio in the Avatar the Last Airbender universe. I'm not an ATLA deep lore expert so plz spare me if I get anything incorrect, in fact most of my knowledge comes exclusively from fanfiction I read 2 years ago so I actually no longer know if the things I know are real or fanon.

Also I'm aware that calling something your dream job is a double edged sword. Many artists have become disillusioned about entering the animation or game industries after realizing it is not in fact a dream job, and just an office job in an industry that can be quite grueling. I am well aware of the realities of working in animation, but still hold out hope that some pockets of the industry are striving for kindness and fairness for their employees, and good stories for their audience.

[00:00 - 01:25] Intro
[01:26 - 04:33] Analyzing & Planning
[04:34 - 06:47] Lineup + 1st mistake
[06:48 - 10:54] The Cast
[10:55 - 12:27] Technical skill != Substance
[12:28 - 17:21] Giving the characters personality & story
[17:22 - 18:41] A brief update vlog
[18:42 - 21:46] The home stretch

[qrbitsart]

Nov 10 update: vid on the final result is out on my channel, along with replying to comments from this vid!

Oct 9 update: I’ve passed the first phase! It’s time for some interviews before the final decision

Thank you all for the response on this video, I enjoy reading all the comments about ATLA, these characters, and the support as well. See ya soon!

To answer some common questions:
- What app do you use to draw? In this vid, I use Photoshop to draw, Clip Studio Paint to color
- What is the artbook near the end? Sophie Li/mmcoconut's life drawing book, I believe you can buy a digital version on gumroad
- How did you find out about the opening? I found it in Asians in Animation's Discord where members share job postings. It also got posted to Nickelodean's instagram & Linkedin

[SilverGoldYT]

I love these teachers and their students! I can immediately imagine their interactions and developments, very creative and each one is unique

[evanchilson]

No matter what the results are or what feedback you get from the studio, you should be SO proud of the work you've done. The character designs are so gorgeous and the lineup + expressions are super compelling -- I wanna know more about each of their backgrounds! Great portfolio and great work in the video!!

[RashLolz]

I absolutely adore the Earthbender duo. I feel like the girl is very curious of the world, but is too scared to explore it on her own, so her teacher travels with her and they try new things together

[toxous]

i guess you could say that fire bender teacher was... burnt out heheheh

[Silreen]

That's a deep cut nugget drop right there: "skills are there to ensure that anything you make is fundamentally sound, the skills themselves are not the art". Damnnnn, that's something everyone pursuing the arts needs to hear and might only realise part way through their academic career.

[vheart_png]

I applied as well and tried creating my portfolio in a week 😭 it’s pretty barebones & I definitely underestimated how hard it would be. Your designs are so cool! I wish you luck <3

[sumisumi]

As someone who has never created a portfolio (tried but failed) this video came at a great time!

[pancakeoftheopera]

I'm 16 and haven't scratched the surface of character design, despite wanting to do it for a job after college. This really inspired me to start out with a world I'm familiar with (like avatar, or she-ra, or kipo, or nimona) and work from there! It really takes the pressure off of needing to figure out a brand new character's world on top of everything else. So thank you ^-^ <3

[cherrycookie]

I love how much personality you put into these characters. Especially how with a rocky start to the fire duo, it ended up so wholesome! Amazing job

[NeroMai]

I found out about this on September 14th and didn't know the deadline was the 21st. 😭 I was busy preparing to travel for a funeral and flat out missed it. On the bright side I started a funny animation that I can't wait to finish when I come back. Good luck to everyone who applied! Even if you don't get in it's still a learning experience and fresh designs for your portfolio!

[kamaljohnson]

Love the overworked character for fire nation and the creative use of firebending. The earthbenders personalities made me think of very different ways they'd use it, the teacher with tons of wide swings and mountain moving attacks and the student using the earth to propel herself around and becoming the earth version of twinkle toes

[shrimppy]

Gah what a lovely portfolio!! The charas all have such a fun vibe I'd die to see them in motion!! Wishing you the best of luck!!

[nikecoro]

Oh I love the Earth Kingdom teacher and student! The little shy bean she's so cute! Also, the poses you did with the both of them are great, I really loved the tender moments between the teachers and students for Earth and Fire.

[minoru]

I really love the Orochimaru vibes for the water tribe student

[EmeraldEire]

This sounds like something you need to hear. so this is a quote from one of my favorite anime's, Assassination Classroom. "Sure, you stand on the shoulders of giants, but the hold point is to see farther than they did. You have to think for yourself make your own discoveries." Which basically means we must learn from those that come before us and inprove it. stop beating yourself up.

[jayme]

As a art student myself, ur experience, especially on technical skills not being the most important factor, in character design is relatable! I think especially on stuff like briefs and stuff that isnt personal work theres a sense of disinterest and we usually rely on things like skill to push bare minimum art work out - but you just showing that process of picking urself back up and willing urself to do better really show that creative work ethic, especially what avatar is looking for! You seem really keen and i really do hope you get the position you wish!

[aileen_]

I’m in love with the characters you’ve created! They came to life so quickly, I’m praying you get the part your work is amazing!!

[karoisart]

First of all, very brave of you to make a video about this! The video is very helpful, not just for people wanting to work in the industry! Every time I watch one of your videos I feel the need to draw and become really inspired. Thanks for the amazing video and have a nice day

[winnieletsgo]

omg, i feel like i'm watching you manifest in real time. just hearing you talk made me tear up. fingers crossed for the avatar academy. i know that it will work out for you regardless of the result!