Saturday, July 19, 2014

Last Day on Spongebob (7/18/14)

"Today was my last day working on the second Spongebob Squarepants movie. I started almost one year ago and it feels like it was just yesterday. I know this job was my first but it will always be one of the most special. I'm lucky to have been working on something I love.

As a fan, it was like getting your Make-A-Wish dream granted without having to be terminally ill. I witnessed ideas behind the film's story grow and change every day. Checking the server for updates became an hourly routine. The movie constantly surprised me by its ability to constantly improve on itself. Easy to say, I gained more respect for people who were already heroes.

Getting to work alongside pros, veterans, and legends is inspiring to say the least. It pushes you to take leaps forward and forces you to excel as an artist. I learned to draw the characters by constantly practicing, studying the humor and style of board artists from the show, watching my co-workers draw, and always asking questions.

My fellow artists were kind enough to help me whenever I asked for it and open enough to joke around with. They are people who I can call friends and not just co-workers. It was the kind of environment that felt more like home than my own apartment. It made living out here a lot easier.

I lived in my studio space because I loved my job. To wake up every morning and be greeted by talented, friendly people gives you a reason to look forward to Monday. I'll miss working with all of them. It has been an honor to have been a part of the Spongebob family.

Spongebob meant a lot to me growing up and now it means much more."

- Adam Paloian