Q & A with Frank Tai
Frank Tai is an alum of the Media Arts and Science program at the IU School of Informatics at IUPUI. He has since gone on to a career with Pixar, where he has worked on such films as Toy Story 3.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in media arts and science and, ultimately, a career in animation?
I have traditional art background and I was interested in the graphic design field. I was at first fascinated by those motion graphic commercials made by AfterEffects, Flash, etc. I was also very interested to know how video production works. I had a lot of ideas for my own design in motion and I found that Media Arts and Science had the courses to teach me how that can be done. Animation = (Story + World + Motion + Design + Art) * computer graphics = Full of Possibilities.
How did your education at the School of Informatics prepare you for your career today?
It provided world-class equipment and software. The professors were very friendly and reachable and, of course, they were very enthusiastic about their courses. I had opportunities to work in a team environment and easy access to computing. My graduating capstone experience was the best experience ever.
What was your favorite class in the media arts and science program?
It was my first 3D class (taught by Clint Koch), which blew me away. 3D is a tool that can achieve more of my ideas. In the course, I had to team up with two German exchange students who were brilliant in 3D. We came up with a three-minute short in two months. It was a lot of work, but one of my best school experiences. And, of course, I learned 3D is something I wanted to do more of in my life.
What do you miss most about IUPUI and Indianapolis?
I most miss school life. And I miss Jimmy John’s sandwiches.
What do you miss least about IUPUI and Indianapolis?
Snow and cold weather.
Tell us about that first professional job out of school. What was the transition like, and what did you learn?
When I first joined Pixar, I was very nervous and felt challenged every day. I felt very exhausted when I got home from work in the first few months. It took me a while to understand the pipeline and get to know my teammates. I’m a shy person and it took me a while to feel comfortable and joke around with my teammates. Once I overcame that, everything became fine.
I learned how to communicate better and to be a good team player. That is very important, especially when many departments are interacting with each other every day. A better communicator will make sure things are running smoothly through the pipeline. If you are a good communicator and team player, you always have the respect of others and your work will be appreciated much more. Of course, people are willing to teach you more as well. Just because you are really smart or really good at 3D doesn't mean Pixar wants you. You need to be able to work as part of a team too.
What advice would you give to students wanting to repeat your success and break into the industry?
Don't be afraid to make mistakes. School is a playground for mistakes that will push you to find more answers and improve.
You played a part in bringing Toy Story 3 to life, which has since become a monster hit. What was your role on that project? What’s it like being part of an animation giant like Pixar?
I was a Sets Modeling/Dressing Artist for the movie. Most of my works are vegetation and small props in the background. It got stressful sometimes, because you are working with people who are very good. I always have this fear that I can't keep up with new technology. However, that thinking helps me to keep up with new stuff and learn new things. Once, I told myself - when I was still in school - that I would be so happy if I could have a job working in MAYA and build sets every day. Pixar has not disappointed me.
Looking back to your time as a student, did you always know you’d be this successful?
There were so many nights where I’d go to bed around 3 in the morning, after more than 12 hours of working in front of computer. I would lay on the couch and watch TV. I told myself, “What am I going to do for my future? Is whatever I’m doing now helping me get to the place where I want to go?”
So did I know I’d be successful? No. I’m not even sure what that means. I just want to do what I love to do, and do what I am good at.
What’s next for you and your career?
It is a dream for me now, but I hope one day I can make it possible. I really wish to design and build a set myself and put it in one of our Pixar film.
