Today, we’d like to introduce you to Eli Orth.
Hi Eli, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I had a pretty unique childhood since I grew up in the middle of nowhere on the eastern shore of Maryland, on a remote island at the edge of a marsh. My parents had purchased an abandoned 18th-century ship captain’s house on the shores of the Manokin River and quickly set to work fixing it up. Days were spent running along the beach and playing in the fields outside, while nights were spent wondering if a snake was going to fall out of the unfinished rafters into my bed.
Over time, the house has gotten fixed up completely, and it is an incredible, one-of-a-kind place to live and visit. However, the seclusion of that location meant that most of my interactions with kids my age were at school, so on the weekends and during the summer break, I found solace in books, video games, and movies- especially animated movies.
I was very lucky to have parents who actively encouraged my creativity as I developed a passion for art and telling stories, and they continued that encouragement as I set my sights on a creative career. I was fortunate enough to attend Savannah College of Art and Design, where I studied motion design and built a foundation of knowledge that I would use for years to come.
I managed to get an internship at Cartoon Network and was fortunate enough to be brought on the marketing team as a full-time junior designer, which was a dream come true. Eventually, I left that team, looking to grow my skills in a new environment. I worked in feature and television animation productions, and agencies and freelanced as a gun-for-hire designer and animator until recently, when my partner and I opened an animation studio called Linefolk.
There’s a real need for better working conditions in the entertainment industry, and we’re determined to be the change that we want to see in the future. In an industry that so often takes for granted the value of its people, we’re intent on treating artists with respect and paying them what they’re worth.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been parts that have been very smooth as I look back on my journey today. I write this today at a period of my life where I feel in constant flux, as is the nature of running a small business. There are an endless amount of tasks that all need to be done and done well.
Some days, I remember the smooth parts of my journey maybe a little too fondly, wishing for the simplicity of working on one task at a time rather than being pulled in multiple directions by the nature of business and life.
However, I recognize this is a period of change in my life, and change is never comfortable. I think once I have stepped back on the smooth part of the road, I will reflect on this period and recognize that it has been a time of incredible growth.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m mostly known for being a bit of a design generalist with a specialty in illustration. From a young age, I have always drawn characters and worlds, and now, with modern tools, I can create them in 3D and fully realize my ideas. I pride myself on my ability to see a task that needs to be done and figure out a way to do it, whether that’s learning a new tool or simply putting in the work until it’s finished and it’s perfect.
I’m most proud of the variety of work that I’ve been able to contribute to. I’ve created everything from broadcast graphics for Adult Swim and Cartoon Network to doing visual effects on feature and television animated productions. Even outside of those structured productions, I’ve found time to contribute to music videos and stand-alone animated projects, lending my talents in multiple ways. I guess I just like learning- my path tends to flow toward whatever I want to learn about next.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as being able to pay my bills while doing what I love. I’ve been fortunate enough to succeed in that right for the past several years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.linefolk.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elimovesgood/
- Other: https://www.eliorthdesign.com/
