People Won’t Remember What You Do

They Remember How You Make Them Feel

Being creative always means being evaluated by what you produce. Artwork and creation are not something you can fake, so delivering successful results is essential to becoming a successful 3D Artist.

Combine that with the stereotype of the “difficult and moody” creative genius, and you might, as I did early in my career, land on the false conclusion that how you produced something didn’t matter as much as the finished product.

Boy-o-boy, was I wrong.

I have found that creating something beautiful doesn’t guarantee you’ve helped your career. If you made everyone else’s life a living hell during the process, the likelihood of them wanting to work with you again is slim.

People may not always remember what you created, but they will always remember how you made them feel. If you were difficult, they would associate you with anxiety and stress. If you were reliable, respectful, and generally made their day a little easier while delivering on the final results, that is your ticket to a long career.

So, how do you ensure that people feel positively about you?

Focus on Positivity

The answer is straightforward: Focus on the things you love and stay quiet about the things you don’t. Complaining, unless wrapped up in a funny story, brings negative energy into your interactions. Even if you think you’re bonding with the other person over the complaint, it will eventually make you seem petty and a bit of a bore.

Side note: This doesn’t apply to reaching out to a friend or loved one during genuine difficult times. You don’t need to focus on positivity when you’re going through times of real sorrow. But if you complain out loud about the internet speed, how much traffic there was, or how hard it is to get the plastic film off packaging these days, please continue.

Instead of complaining, share your passions and interests. When you get excited about something, your enthusiasm becomes infectious, drawing others in and creating a shared sense of joy and engagement. Be open and honest about it.

Nerd Out and Include Others

Find something you’re passionate about and nerd out on it. Whether it's a hobby, a project at work, or a new skill you’re learning, let your enthusiasm shine. But don’t keep it to yourself; excitedly include those you think would enjoy it too. Your genuine passion can inspire and uplift those around you, fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere.

People Feed Off Your Energy

People are social creatures, and part of that is reacting to social cues from others. If someone is extremely nervous talking to you, your anxiety level will go up. If someone is warm and friendly with you, you are more likely to reciprocate.

One piece of advice I give anyone going into a job interview is to convince yourself that you are just catching up with a dear friend. This will help you loosen up and enter the room with warmth. That loose, positive energy will be felt by the interviewers, and they will often like you more.

Choose Your Battles Wisely

In any environment, it's crucial to pick your battles. There will always be annoyances and disagreements, but most people aren't plotting against you. They just want a drama-free day to get through their responsibilities and go home.

Constantly being combative over minor issues makes you a source of irritation, and people will start tuning you out. As Roger Federer said in his 2024 Dartmouth Commencement Speech, "it's just a point." Even world-class champions win only slightly more than 50% of the points. Learn to let go of lost points and focus on the next task.

Be Mindful of Your Impact

Every interaction shapes the overall atmosphere and culture of your environment. By being mindful of how your actions and words affect others, you can cultivate a positive and supportive atmosphere. This makes people feel good about their interactions with you and more likely to remember you fondly.

Conclusion

The way you make people feel has a lasting impact. By focusing on positivity, sharing your passions, choosing your battles wisely, and creating a supportive environment, you'll be remembered not just for your work, but for how you make others feel. Embrace this approach to improve your relationships and create a more enjoyable, fulfilling experience for yourself and those around you.

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The 3D Artist Community Updates!

Updates:

• This Thursday, Apple's Lead Motion Artist, Jeremy Postell, will visit to discuss his path to working at Apple and provide insights into his work.

• Last week, we had an incredible AMA session with Jonathan Beals, Nike's former Director of Virtual Materials.

• We started a book club and kicked off with Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being.

• We also have regular online meetups where community members can connect, ask questions, and make connections worldwide!

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3D News of the Week

"Breaking Down Years of Degradation": An Update on the State of Things at Unity - 80.lv

The visual effects of ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga - Before & Afters

Canvastique3D - YouTube

This Unique Stylized Colorful Blender Shader Lets You Paint With Light - 80.lv

Canon Developing New RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM Dual Lens for EOS R7 Camera for Recording Spatial Video For Apple Vision Pro - Canon Rumors

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3D Merch is here!

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3D Tutorials

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3D Job Spreadsheet

Link to Google Doc With A TON of Jobs in Animation (not operated by me)

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Hello! Michael Tanzillo here. I am the Head of Technical Artists with the Substance 3D Growth team at Adobe. Previously, I was a Senior Artist on animated films at Blue Sky Studios/Disney with credits including three Ice Age movies, two Rios, Peanuts, Ferdinand, Spies in Disguise, and Epic.

In addition to his work as an artist, I am the Co-Author of the book Lighting for Animation: The Visual Art of Storytelling and the Co-Founder of The Academy of Animated Art, an online school that has helped hundreds of artists around the world begin careers in Animation, Visual Effects, and Digital Imaging. I also created The 3D Artist Community on Skool and this newsletter.

www.michaeltanzillo.com
Free 3D Tutorials on the Michael Tanzillo YouTube Channel

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