Animation Artists React to The Inauguration of Donald Trump
Casino owner and reality TV host Donald Trump was sworn in today as the 45th president of the United States.
It remains to be seen how his presidency will affect artists and the animation industry, but there is no question that it will have some kind of effect, whether it means changes to the outsourcing of animation or new limitations on creative expression. Even before coming into office, there have been reports that his administration has been mulling the elimination of all government arts and humanities funding, which is already a minuscule part of the federal budget, dwarfed by even the cost today’s inauguration activities.
Many throughout the animation industry have closely observed the election cycle and have already taken the time to express their views. Today’s tweets show that our community will continue to do so.
Below is a sampling of thoughts being expressed by animation artists on Twitter. If the tweets seem overwhelmingly negative, it’s not for lack of trying on our part. We searched long and hard for industry artists who are receptive to the idea of a Trump presidency. If there are any, they have chosen to remain quiet today.
Louie Zong, storyboard artist on We Bare Bears
we're gonna miss you prez pic.twitter.com/Ht2sPuAvrW
— Louie Zong (@everydaylouie) January 20, 2017
Bruce Smith, animator on Tarzan and The Emperor’s New Groove, animation director of Space Jam, director of Bebe’s Kids
Trump painted such a bleak picture of today's America that I thought I was in sepia tone.
— Bruce W. Smith (@BruceAlmighteee) January 20, 2017
Lauren Faust, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic creator and executive producer
We're our only hope pic.twitter.com/Sd3l8gu9qH
— Lauren Faust (@Fyre_flye) January 20, 2017
Joaquin Baldwin, Disney Feature Animation layout artist and supervisor
The crowds were definitely much larger for Obama. There are other subtle differences too. pic.twitter.com/5yYL7cVD8e
— Joaquin Baldwin (@joabaldwin) January 20, 2017
Tara Strong, voice actress on Rugrats, The Fairly Oddparents, Teen Titans, Batman: Arkham
Negativity does NOT bring people together. The #Inaugurationspeech was NOT positive or inspiring. It was insulting. Farewell to diplomacy
— tara strong (@tarastrong) January 20, 2017
Sam Levine, Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero co-creator and exec producer
Won't watch the inauguration of the corrupt, fascist, racist, sexual-assailing, arrogant, ignorant, traitorous, hateful, serial liar.
— Sam Levine (@Sam_Levine) January 20, 2017
Thurop van Orman, creator of Flapjack and producer of Adventure Time, Sanjay & Craig
Samantha Kallis, art director at DreamWorks Animation
Thank you. #obamaday?? pic.twitter.com/J11RwOH4nx
— Samantha (@SamKallis) January 20, 2017
Stu Livingston, co-director of Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie
Cannot work today O_o
— Stu Livingston (@stulivingston) January 20, 2017
Mark Osborne, director of The Little Prince and co-director of Kung Fu Panda
That's it. I'm out. Gonna go listen to some XTC all day and pretend I'm back in art school. #DearGod #Resist
— Mark Osborne (@happyproduct) January 20, 2017
Cat Hicks, animator at Pixar
Here we go. Most hated US president of all time. Not worried about the end of America, we're solid… but looking forward to the end of him.
— cat hicks (@cathicks) January 20, 2017
Brian Lynch, screenwriter of The Secret Life of Pets and Minions
And welcome to our darkest timeline!
— Brian Lynch (@BrianLynch) January 20, 2017
Is it great yet
— Brian Lynch (@BrianLynch) January 20, 2017
Matt Doering, background designer at Dreamworks TV Animation
I know this sounds cheesy, but regardless of work, life, or politics, start your day off with gratitude. Bitterness only hurts you.
— Matt Doering (@mattdoering) January 20, 2017
