The timeless lessons of a "One Room" School House

When I was young I attended a "one-room" school.  For those who are unfamiliar, imagine students from K-12 having one teacher.  I know some of you think this would be total chaos but the success of that type of school can be attributed in part to older students acting as teaching assistants, helping younger students with assignments.  They also watched over younger students during recess, which was a time of play and more learning for everyone.  This memory was triggered while I read Innovate the Pixar Way by Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson, specifically the chapter "Ready Set, Go!" Now I see there are timeless lessons in that old school experience.  Everything was about family, just like my vision for Studio Kinate.  I can see the benefit of a multi tiered model where we mentor, support and develop together.  It is important not to copy but to innovate.

Next year is going to be the first of many busy years for Studio Kinate. We will begin production on animations for the Office of Naval Research under the leadership of Rusty Mills.  We will be prioritizing our production schedule, developing our stories, meeting clients, seeking investors, attending conferences/workshops/seminars, etc.  WHEW!  In the midst of that beehive of activity, and no matter how big Studio Kinate becomes, I will remember to observe the lessons of the one-room school—no one is left out ,and we’ll make work and learning FUN!

Studio Kinate: "Field of Dreams" Part III

Go the Distance!

2009 Studio Kinate Concept Art

When considering your dream, you will set short-term goals that will help you achieve your vision, which is the focus of this, my "Field of Dreams" blog.  In part I, I shared about building Studio Kinate.  It was about building a studio,  one that will be different.  Part II it was "ease [their] pain" about the artists/animators.  After all, without them what IS the point? This brings me to the final stage, going the distance, and this truly is the hardest part of the journey.  Allow me to take you back to the movie.


Near the end of the film much had been revealed to Ray but uncertainty still hung over his head.  He was on the verge of losing his farm, the bank was ready to foreclose.  The choices before him seemed to be keep the field and be evicted or sell the farm.  He looks at the field of players, his family and the sales contract.  How will HE decide?


I know only too well the emotions and the strain that Ray must have experienced.  I've pushed our finances (with the support of my husband) to the utter edge. However, I know this is the thing I am supposed to to.  I have seen the future and it is bright and wonderful.  I have talked to those industry professionals who tell me the vision is good and the approach is right.  Despite how it may look, I choose to "Go the Distance."  Studio Kinate IS the first woman owned animation studio!  This studio IS about developing strong CHARACTERS and STORY!  This studio IS about the ANIMATORS and ARTISTS!  This studio IS making history! And I WILL move forward and not look back.


And so, I pass this on to you.  You cannot copy what someone else has done to achieve your dream; however, you CAN learn from them.  You will have successes AND failures.  Study the failures of others and learn from yours.  Set your goals and work to achieve them.  Attend critiques and workshops. If you want to be a writer, write and read.  If you want to be an artist, take classes from the best teachers (even if you have to travel!).  If you want to be an animator, study the masters and (in the words of Larry Lauria) DRAW, DRAW, DRAW!   

Well, ladies and gentleman, next week I will be making a very important announcement.  I am VERY excited about the new year so during the coming holiday season I am going to be reflecting on this past year and what lies ahead for Studio Kinate.  So until next time, keep your vision alive and let your IMAGINATION be UNLIMITED!