We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ariel Paxton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ariel below.

Ariel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

As a creative, I feel like I’ve learned to wear so many hats. This can be a great thing especially if you are working freelance but sometimes doing it all can be stressful. I’ve heard the saying Jack of all trades, master of none. When I heard this saying I realized how important it was not to stretch yourself too thin. It’s exciting to work on more than one project and for someone people including me, it’s even more exciting to write it, produce it storyboard it, and animate it. However, you have to remember that you are not a machine. You need breaks, time to sleep, and a healthy work-life balance.

For one of my freelance jobs, I had a very kind director who worked with every animator and storyboard artist to ensure we weren’t overworked while making sure that we met our project deadlines. For the first time in my life, I had a major family emergency and I thought my director was going to replace me with someone who had a more flexible schedule but he didn’t. I stressed myself out thinking that I wouldn’t be a part of the project anymore when all I had to do was communicate with my director and let them know what was going on. I understand this isn’t the scenario for every director or studio but it’s important to try and put your well-being first.

Ariel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, My name is Ariel Paxton and I work as a Story Artist for nickelodeons noggin. I got into my industry by doing freelance work for various independent companies. I provide a storytelling experience through storyboards and animatics.

Problems that I usually solve are connecting the script to visuals. Communicating and collaborating with my director and producers to help solve which shots or scenes work better for the storytelling. I’m most proud of my ability to draw fast. There have been situations where work needed to be turned in quickly and I’m thankful that I can quickly rough out a scene to give to my directors.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

There’s this book that I still pick up and look through called, ” Cinematic Storytelling,” It’s a great refresher on different camera angles and what meanings they convey.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Seeing the viewer’s face or reaction to a project is the most rewarding. It could be a good reaction or a bad reaction but both are great for growth. I’ve learned from watching people watch films that have different storytelling and It’s always so fun to talk to people and hear how they feel about a shot and why they felt that way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arielsarting/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-paxton/