Yo! Glad to have finally joined!

[Gligarman]

Hello everyone. I'm so glad to have finally joined this forum after months of snooping. Animation is something that's been a part of my life since before I can even remember and it's nice to be surrounded by so many others that feel the same way.

Don, if you're reading this I just wanted to say that your films are some of my earliest and most precious memories. To this day you continue to inspire me and I thank you.

[Gligarman]

I hope I posted this in the right place. I was going to make a few more posts before saying any of this but I need to get this off my chest before I start conversing here seriously.

My name is Gregory Jones Jr. I'm 26 years old and I've been drawing since I was 14. I knew that I wanted to animate shortly after starting high school. But after I graduated and attended community college, I became severely discouraged after getting a D- in my first post-high school drawing class and decided to give up.

For several years I didn't draw anything aside from the occasional doodle. But last year I saw the single most inspiring movie I had ever seen and it was called Waking Sleeping Beauty. I'm sure many of you have heard of it. After it was over, I knew right then and there that I wanted to be an animator. I've been taking classes at the Animation Guild in Burbank for a start. But lately I've been feeling a bit unsure as to where to go from here.

Over the last several months I've drawn more that I ever have but somehow I feel like I'm just not going about this the right way. I plan on applying to CalArts but I'm not sure what to do if I don't get in. Before I ramble into a fifth paragraph, I just want to know. Did I wait too long? Am I too old to start pursuing such a sought-after career?

[Rodney]

I just want to know. Did I wait too long? Am I too old to start pursuing such a sought-after career?

Gli,

I'm going to answer your question in two ways (the harsh reality) and the (everything is going to be okay). True reality... your future, is going to be somewhere in between.

The harsh reality is what you'd hear from someone in the business that wants to save you the pain of rejection or that would prefer you don't become their competition. That voice will tell you "Quit while you are ahead kid. You ain't got the stuff. You've got no heart for it. Don't quit your day job. etc. etc."

The 'rose colored glasses' approach would tell you that nothing can stand in your way. Knock on every door. Walk right up to the boss's boss. You are invincible. You can move any mountains that is in your path out of the way.

I don't know what it is but somehow... someway... you have set for yourself some unrealistic expectation (heck, it's free education) but don't be so hard on yourself. You love to draw. You can do keep on drawing whether all alone or all powerfully rich and famous. That alone should encourage you to continue on whatever path you choose to take.

I won't tell you not to listen to others and what they have to say. You should take everything said seriously. Grab what helps you reach today's goal and set what doesn't work aside for another day. Look back and see the obstacles you've already surpassed and expect to meet more difficult ones some day.

Every day is a new day. Smile at people... a lot. Draw silly... and important things. Be kind to those who don't have a clue who you are and don't have the time to understand what you want to be.

If your expectations don't work for you... change them. Allow yourself to be happy. It's okay. Then when all is said and done you'll be glad for the choices you've made.

Did I wait too long? Am I too old to start pursuing such a sought-after career?
That was my long-winded way of saying... 'No.' and 'No.'
Now, go animate something. :)

[Rodney]

I've already said hello in a way in your other post... here it is officially...

Welcome to the forum! :)

Post some of your drawings to the gallery as you can.

[OwenWelsh]

Welcome Gregory, you're in the right place.

[andrew sharp]

Welcome to the site lots of good people here:)

[JoshSketchInMotion]

Glad to have you here! In your pursuit of animation you are among friends! Take care and feel free to ask for help!
It is never to late to follow your dreams! Just follow what you feel in your heart is right and be your best self!

[KayMartha12]

Hi, Gligarman (did I spell that right?)

I appreciate your heartfelt introduction. I am not in the animation industry, but I want to say something encouraging to you without being trite. I will say that I am inspired by everything you have done in pursuit of your passion, and I hope this site gives you the knowledge and inspiration you need to make your path ahead much more clearer. Best wishes and welcome!

[Gligarman]

Thank you Rodney. You have no idea how much that helps. And thanks to everybody else as well. Guess there's no going back now.