I have never considered pursuing anything other than an artistic career. My grandfather introduced me to painting at a very early age and it was always considered something of value in my family. Luckily, I had parents who encouraged me to pursue it and I never looked back.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
Ever since my earliest memories, I have been drawing. I went to college for illustration and design and naturally gravitated towards animation. I began teaching myself the fundamentals in my free time and quickly became obsessed with the medium.
After graduating, I was offered a job at a tech startup and moved out to California. After leaving that job, I moved into Los Angeles and have been freelancing full-time ever since.
2. When and how did you decide to pursue art?
I have never considered pursuing anything other than an artistic career. My grandfather introduced me to painting at a very early age and it was always considered something of value in my family. Luckily, I had parents who encouraged me to pursue it and I never looked back.
3. How would you describe your art style?
If I had to put words to it, I'd say it's graphical, minimal, playful, and conceptual.
4. What were the struggles in your career as an artist and how did you overcome them?
I struggled to discover what felt authentic to me after college. It took me about 4 years after school to search internally and experiment externally before I found something that resonated with me as authentic. When you are too focused on trying to get a specific job or get a foot into the industry, you can do more harm than good with your body of work.
5. Who inspires you the most and why?
Other than my grandfather who I mentioned before, I enjoy fine artists like Kandinsky, Mondrian, Picasso, and other artists that deconstruct and simplify. I also love directors Genndy Tartakovsky, Brad Bird, and Chuck Jones. They all embody the minimal and soulful animation that resonates with me.
6. What message would you give to aspiring artists?
Put in the work and be patient with yourself.
7. Which is your favorite book and why?
I read "The Phantom Tollbooth" at least once a year. I feel like a child and think freely every time I read it.
Robbie Shilstone has always carved out his own creative path. The New York-born, Los Angeles-based animator and the director tell stories that are innately human. His background in illustration and perpetual experimentation has led Robbie to develop a unique animation style.
He has chosen to follow in the footsteps of his late grandfather and renowned illustrator, Arthur Shilstone, and pursue a life full of creativity. Robbie is now working with some of the largest entities in the entertainment industry and telling stories of his own.
Interviewed By - Anshika Maurya
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