We just returned from the joyous madness of San Diego Comic-Con. For us, SDCC produced a number of personal and professional highlights. Perhaps our favorite part of the show, though, was our “How to be a Nerd for a Living” panel on Saturday, July 11th. We assembled six of our favorite podcast guests to discuss their careers and how they …
Sarah Marino, Animation Artist – Nickelodeon Studios; Book of Life
Sarah Marino is a character designer and background painter at Nickelodeon Animation Studios, working on the upcoming cartoon series SHIMMER AND SHINE. She was previously at animation studio Reel FX, as a visual development artist working on the stunning animated feature film BOOK OF LIFE. We talk about Sarah’s education and artistic background, and how she transitioned from an early production coordinator gig into an artistic career.
Josh Blaylock, Publisher and Founder of Devil’s Due Entertainment
We talk with serial entrepreneur, writer and comics artist Josh Blaylock, founder and publisher of Devil’s Due Entertainment. Devil’s Due currently publishes a number of creator-owned comic book titles, including Squarriors, Plume, Drafted, Solitary and Josh’s own Mercy Sparx. Josh also recently launched Blockhouse – his nerd-trepreneur incubator and umbrella for business endeavors outside and alongside comics.
The Third Floor Pre-Visualization Studio’s Artist Manager Robin Linn
N4AL’s Adron Buske talks with Robin Linn of The Third Floor, a pre-visualization studio that creates animatic storyboards for Hollywood film and commercial productions. Robin is an artist manager, supervising, training, and recruiting animators for the Third Floor team. He has an extensive background in art, animation and film. But he started as a bank manager who only did sculpting as a hobby. Learn how a chance opportunity turned into a 25 year career in the film industry.
‘How to be a Nerd for a Living’ panel from C2E2 2014
Recorded at Chicago’s C2E2 2014, this panel of nerd industry professionals discusses different types of jobs that exist within pop-culture. Each speaker talks about their career path, from education to on-the-job experience. Topics include small business start-up, the challenges of working for yourself versus corporations, networking and more. Panelists include Lorenzo Lizana (art director, Lion Forge comics), Andy Schmidt (owner, Comics Experience and Brand + Entertainment Solutions), Jaimie Cordero (CEO and art director, Espionage Cosmetics) and Pat Loika (Comixology, the Loikamania Podcast). Moderated by Nerd For A Living’s Wendy Buske.
Respawn Entertainment Community Manager Abbie Heppe
N4AL interviews Abbie Heppe of Respawn Entertainment, the independent gaming company that brought us TITANFALL. Abbie is Respawn’s Community Manager, as well as the voice of ‘Sarah’ in the Titanfall video game. Her gaming career started in 2006 as an editor at Tips & Tricks magazine. Later she was the Senior Games Content Producer for G4, the co-host of the Feedback podcast with Adam Sessler and a reviewer for X-Play.
Drew Blank, Illustrator and Writer
We talk to writer and illustrator Drew Blank, a veteran of the convention and expo scene with a highly recognizable, humorous art style that attracts a crowd in every city. We discuss how the loss of his previous job kickstarted his career selling fan art, and how he juggles that with his true passion, writing. Drew is the author of the hit indie novel ‘Memoirs of an Anti-Hero’.
‘How to be a Nerd for a Living’ panel from Wizard World St. Louis 2014
Recorded at Wizard World St. Louis Comic-Con 2014. This panel of professionals discusses different types of jobs that exist within pop-culture entertainment, gaming, film-making, writing and more. Get tips on finding a way to a new career from those already working in the industry. Moderated by N4AL’s Wendy Buske, panel speakers include: Rachel Rieckenberg (Sass and Slash Creations), Jeremy Corray (Coolfire Studios, Voltron), Amanda Nuckolls (GnomeAcres), Matt Raithel (Graphite Lab), and Genese Davis (author of The Holder’s Dominion).
Jane Espenson, Television Writer – “Once Upon a Time”, “Game of Thrones”
At GeekGirlCon 2013, N4AL’s Wendy Buske had the opportunity to interview television producer and screenwriter Jane Espenson – along with Husbands director Eli Gonda, as part of a group conversation. Jane is an award winning writer whose credits include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Battlestar Galactica, Game of Thrones, Once Upon a Time, Husbands and Warehouse 13. This group interview explores her entry into the male dominated world of writing for television, advice on pursuing a job in tv and film, how she juggles multiple projects, and more.