Animation was his plan B.
Eric Martinez is an animation teacher who had no intention of being one.
“To be honest, I didn’t even think I would be a teacher,” Martinez said. “I went to school for computer, but I was trying to go the more of the software developer programmer route.”
Even though being an animation teacher was not his original plan, Martinez still finds it enjoyable to teach. He said he likes being able to teach students new animating techniques.
“I like seeing what they are able to create,” Martinez said. “I like seeing the wild moment in their face.”
In addition, Martinez enjoys being an animation teacher because of the freedom of making up his own lessons for his students. He said he always changes the way he teaches and what he teaches, making it more interesting for his students.
“I have really no one to work with, I make up all the content and the curriculum on my own.”
Even though he said that he found it a cool experience to teach himself how to teach animation, he did have some complications in doing so. He said he didn’t get proper criticism for his work.
Martinez’s work life is not the only thing that builds him to be who he is. He said outside of work he likes spending time with his wife and two kids.
“I very much enjoy spending time with them, taking them to the movies and taking them to the park or SeaWorld or just even outside and outside in the front yard.”
Eric Martinez still made a living from teaching animation even though it was not something he wanted to be in the first place. This plan B of being an animator has really helped him learn new things throughout his career.