Bryan Konietzko discusses the future of animation and “Avatar: The Last Airbender”
Written by Ashley Wehrs, Graphics by Ashley Wehrs
There was a widespread anticipation for the final AnimationFest event: “Creator Conversation: Bryan Konietzko on ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’” Konietzko’s panel began at 5 p.m. and SCAD Associate chair of animation Matt Maloney moderated the conversation.
Konietzko spoke on entering the industry and different career paths, while concluding with sentiments on “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”
As students step into the professional world, Konietzko believes that an intentional portfolio is key. He suggested avoiding a “life’s history” or a series of assignments. “You want to show stuff that is representative of the style of the show you’re applying to,” Konietzko said.
Above all, he clarified that being reliable, communicative and able to respectfully share your opinion will go the longest way. He’d rather hire an artist with potential and a genuine attitude than only a skillful artist.
“Animation and being an animator is not synonymous,” Konietzko said. He wishes more people were familiar with the variety of jobs available. “Everyone wants to be a character designer, and I’m not dissuading [you, but] don’t limit yourself to thinking it’s the only job,” Konietzko said.
Beyond the popular aspiration of character design, he explained the importance of jobs like storyboarding, prop design, background design, animatics and color styling.
Konietzko explained that the television animation industry has a shortage of storyboard artists and very few people aim for prop design. “If you can’t get an art job, just try and get a job in the studio,” Konietzko said. “If you’re paying attention you will undoubtedly learn just by your proximity to them.”
Many students wanted advice on creating and pitching their own show. Konietzko recommended to learn different production positions and to see if there are better ways to do what’s being done.
Konietzko created “Avatar: The Last Airbender” alongside Michael Dante DiMartino, a friend he met while attending Rhode Island School of Design. Konietzko and DiMartino have been creative partners for 18 years now. The show was initially created as an assignment, that came about through a crucial balance of executives’ needs and creative fulfillment.
Before his official “Avatar: The Last Airbender” pitch, Konietzko went out to lunch with an executive who he knew would be in the pitching room. He learned about what the executive was looking for and built a stronger relationship.
During the student question portion of the panel, Konietzko was asked about the character costuming in “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and the necessity of cultural representation in animation. Konietzko explained the costuming process included a lot of research, and they worked with Asian and Asian-American artists.
They referenced real cultures while balancing what would make sense in their fantasy world. On the importance of cultural representation, Konietzko was knowledgeable and self-aware. He admitted to imperfections in “Avatar: The Last Airbender” but felt the show’s staff worked hard and intentionally to maintain truth and avoid stereotype. “It’s a big deal [to have cultural representation] and something that is unfortunately done without a lot of sensitivity in Hollywood,” Konietzko said.
Konietzko was generous with his time – speaking an additional forty minutes after his official panel time. “#ByanPodcast” trended throughout the panel attendee chat box. His passion for teaching through his expertise was undeniable. Maloney concluded the panel and Animationfest in a thank you to panelists, attendees and all who helped put the festival together.
