It was a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BRIC Summit 2026. In support of Talent and Education Day, Wacom called on a few of their favorite creatives in the animation industry to join an Animators Round Table where they shared insights and information on what it’s like to work in the industry, the importance of finding and fostering community, and of course building relationships.
Joining the discussion was Raha Dabiri (storyboard artist), Todd Hoppmeyer (storyboard artist and animator), and Vinod Krishnan (technical director on The Simpsons), moderated by Megan Davis from Wacom.
Key Takeaways & Memorable Quotes from the Round Table:
Breaking Into the Industry:
All three panelists emphasized that relationships and genuine connections are crucial. As Todd put it: “I think networking has kind of a cold connotation to it. I think it’s about building relationships.” Vinod added that it’s about “making friends and having good conversation,” rather than traditional networking.
Essential Skills & Portfolio Advice:
Todd stressed the importance of fundamentals: “I think foundations stand out. I think if you understand core basics, it really makes you stand out. Understanding things like perspective.” Vinod emphasized personality in portfolios, noting recruiters look for “what kind of person they are through their branding, through their way they carry themselves, the way the fonts they use.”
Industry Wisdom:
Vinod shared a particularly insightful perspective: “We’re not looking for Disney artists… We can elevate you in time, but it’s the mentality you carry.” He emphasized being open to learning and making mistakes.
Work-Life Balance & Personal Projects:
The panel honestly discussed the challenge of personal work, with Vinod admitting to having “about 130 unfinished PSD files.” They recommended scheduled creative time and the mantra “finish not perfect” from Jake Parker.
Staying Adaptable:
Raha emphasized curiosity: “I think recently I’ve been learning more about myself and prioritizing myself and what excites me.” The group agreed that soft skills, and understanding that there are always new things to learn, are as important as overall artistic ability.
Community Building:
For those outside LA, they strongly recommend Discord communities, fan projects, and online engagement. Todd shared a success story of a Portland artist who connected him with Disney artists through fan art forums that eventually led to him securing a job.
