My time so far as a Coordinator at One Animation

While updating my LinkedIn profile on what I do as a coordinator, I could only churn out a couple of points that made sense to be added into a professional resume. But I couldn't help but feel a certain sense of injustice as there is definitely so much more to being in the coordination department - just that these things don't actually color up my job description.

So, I guess, I'm just taking some time to offload some of my thoughts on being in this amazing department.

One of the main questions I get from people within the industry is why had I chosen to be a coordinator. It's usually either this, or they generally assume that I do not have any CG knowledge - but I don't blame them. It is, admittedly, quite unusual for someone to have undergone some creative training, only to be in a job that does not require you to take any active part in it. Even my own father thinks that I have wasted his money on my animation diploma (to whom I replied that my understanding of CG helped me be a more effective coordinator as I understand better the processes).

So, why have I taken this path?

Just a myriad of reasons (not exhaustive):

• I see a need for myself to diversify what I can do within the industry - reason being that animation jobs are getting scarcer due to the inevitable reality of studios opting to outsource these jobs to other countries.
• I don't see myself being an animator in the long run. Yes, I love animation, but I'm also interested to see it grow as an industry/business in Singapore.
• Being in coordination, I feel, gives me the stepping stone toward understanding how studios operate as a business.

Along the way, some (negative) main observations I've found about being in coordination:

• There will always be people who see us as just being in an administrative/personal assistant role - which is wrong on so many levels (and we literally roll our eyes at that).
• Some people think we only read/answer emails on a day-to-day basis, and that it's all we do.
• It is generally a thankless job - when things go smooth, nobody celebrates that it could be because you have helped to manage things well. But when things don't go as planned/we meet with hiccups along the way, the coordination department is the first to receive blame (and yes, we do accept blame if we were the ones who caused a lapse in communication. And yes, we know and understand that we could have done things better).

It took me quite a while to get over this horrible realization. Of course, it still irks us that our work is often misunderstood, but at least I am able to better appreciate the value that we bring to the project - and it made me reflect about the way I may have misunderstood my own production department in my previous company!

I have learnt so much as a coordinator so far - skills that tutorials/schools probably can't teach you.
Things like:

• Learning how to people-manage. Especially when it comes to frustrated artists/directors (deadlines are real, and so frustrations are real too).
• Practising talking to people. I am actually a very introverted person, and to have to be able to talk to people everyday as part of my job is incredibly challenging - but I'm glad for the challenge as now I think it gives me more confidence.
• Communication skills. We have to learn how to adapt according to different people's communication patterns - so that we are able to be as effective as possible in getting the appropriate (and detailed) information across.
• Learning to be humble/professional. It is one thing to be lashed out at by someone/a department, but how we choose to respond to it is a different matter. Do I go with my instincts and be defensive about it? Or do I try to take a step back and better understand the underlying needs behind the frustrations? This is something that I still am learning from the gurus before me (like my supervisors etc) - it will undoubtedly take a lifetime to learn. Of course, at the end of the day, it is important to understand that nothing is ever done on a personal level.
• Google scripting! This, I think, is most surprising to me - whoever knew that the ability to write code will come in handy when I have a desire to automate repeated tasks in Google spreadsheets etc? I am now so glad that I did not choose to quit pursuing my Computing degree - and I am going to get my (future) kids to learn programming from young.

I do miss being part of the creative process from time to time. I am still looking for opportunities to further expand my exploration of this industry, so hopefully something may open up - or, pray, whichever path God leads me to.

So right now, I'm only doing animation as a hobby - but much like many other hobbies I have, priorities often shift as my view of the world and my own life shifts. And for now, it's about cycling (it's healthy and fun!) and thinking about what's my next step in my career (a Masters degree in Arts and Cultural Management? Maybe a stint in an overseas studio if the opportunity arises?).