Salvé Black shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Salvé, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve recently gotten into swordfighting. More specifically, it’s a team martial art called “Evach Lahak,” and we use swords made out of bamboo instead of metal. Before you ask – no – we are not LARPing. I’ve never been a very sporty or physical person, but this is just right for me. ‘Not too much running involved, and not too much physical strength required. The best part about it; it feels a lot like playing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a freelance animator based right outside of Atlanta. I graduated from SCAD in 2021 with a BFA in Animation and have been freelancing since. The biggest project I’ve worked on (and still regularly work on) is Angel TV’s “Tuttle Twins.” My clients have also included Hulu and Flocabulary. So far, I’ve had the honor of working on serialized shows, illustrated books, music videos, short films, mobile apps, and mobile games. I get a little teary-eyed when I think about my wonderful peers and clients, who keep inviting me back to work on their projects.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Fear. Growing up, fear kept me safe, and from making the “big” mistakes. In a career, however, it can keeps you from growing and challenging yourself. For instance; When I first got the opportunity to work with Tuttle Twins, I could have backed out out of fear. I knew that I didn’t have much experiencing animating rigs, and that I hadn’t even touched one in years. But I reminded myself that I learn fast- I didn’t let fear stop me from trying.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Keep doing what you’re doing. There’s no need to be so afraid of the future. The future will come, whether you worry about it or not. And, when it comes with challenges, you will get through them. You might not know exactly how to get through them at first, but you are very capable, and you will figure it out.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
A lot of us are telling ourselves that AI will steal all our jobs. That’s only partly true. AI can work faster than us, attempt a task an infinite number of times, and will never ask for health insurance. Some of us will be hired to become “prompt artists,” or be hired to finesse whatever junk AI spits up. Many of us will just be let go.
AI definitely will reduce the number of human workers across the creative industries. But, I was fortunate enough to know what I wanted to be from an early age. And so, I intend to thrive in this career through any means necessary.
Survival in the industry will take a willingness to adapt, even if we don’t like what we’re adapting to. And – trust me – I don’t like this AI stuff at all. Still, I’m going to look for ways that AI can aid me, without removing my own hard work and care from the creative process.
As a nice side note, though, there will always be a market that seeks out 100%-human-made animation. There will always be a crowd who doesn’t just consume art – but appreciates it. And the audience who appreciates art is bound to care about how it’s made. I will be receptive to new tools that’ll help me stay competitive in animation. But clients and projects that prefer a workflow completely void of AI will always be my #1.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace whenever I’m “playing,” or feeling in touch with my inner child. The swordfighting stuff definitely does that for me. Lot’s of things can do that; A tickle fight, a board game, looking at bugs on a hike, watching kids’ cartoons. Peppa Pig is surprisingly funny.
It sounds a bit like I’m regressing, but I don’t really care. It’s fun and relaxing to just feel like a kid every now and again. We all need ways to balance out the drudgery of adulthood.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.salveanimation.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salvevblack/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salv%C3%A9-b-4748a8132/
- Other: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~0121725f46b9bba43a
