Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Dinh.
Hi Daniel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in Chicago, I’ve always been interested in animation ever since I was a kid. I loved coming home to watch any and all shows from PBS Kids and Disney Channel with the occasional Studio Ghibli film, anime airing on Cartoon Network here and there.
I studied at Columbia College Chicago with a degree in 2D animation. I mainly pursued background painting/design for my love of environments and settings. I motivated myself to make a short film every year and editing became my secondary skill. Little did I know that it would play a big part in my current career.
After graduating, I had the amazing opportunity to be a production intern at DreamWorks TV on The Mighty Ones and Archibald’s Next Big Thing in the summer of 2019. One day, I met with one of the editors on my team. I had experience using Adobe Premiere and she suggested taking a practice test within the studio. Even though I was still pursuing BG art, I went ahead and worked on a test getting constant feedback. My Mighty Ones team reviewed the test along with my past school work and they decided to hire me as an assistant animatic editor – jumpstarting my editorial career!
I’ve then edited on other projects such as Madagascar: A Little Wild, freelanced for early development projects on DreamWorks Feature, Frog & Toad for Titmouse, and currently at Atomic Cartoons! I’m actively working on my own background designs and painting though I’m happy where I am today!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
During my time editing on Madagascar, I received recommendations from my team to be promoted from assistant animatic editor to animatic editor and I’ve only been editing for a year at that point. I would be working closely with the director, delegating tasks to the assistant, and more responsibilities.
I remember being apprehensive about the promotion since I was still pursuing BG design/painting. The deeper I’m into editorial, the more I’ll be “known” as an editor and less than a designer. Plus, I was worried that it’ll impede future interviews since editing and designing are entirely different departments.
Eventually, my editors suggested I give it a chance and reminded me that they were confident in that recommendation regardless if I was pursuing a different career. I decided to take the promotion and I’m extremely grateful I did – I can observe pacing, editing, and storytelling through such a different lens. It also indirectly improved my designs as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Professionally, I am an editor – specifically an animatic editor with some experience editing in post-production and feature. I put together storyboards into Adobe Premiere and cut together dialogue, SFX, and music to create the blueprint for animation.
Outside of work, I like to create my own background designs and paintings. I love painting landscapes and designing urban environments. Many of my favorite pieces are on my artist portfolio. Aside from storyboard directors, I’ve haven’t met many animation editors who also are passionate about design work.
I’m most proud of my editing work on Apple TV’s Frog & Toad. I adore wholesome, endearing, slice-of-life content that takes in the ambiance. In the animatics, I’ve put so much care and drew inspiration from many of my favorite shows growing up.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
As much as I love the animation work I do every day, I’ve always strived for a better work-life balance. During the peak of the pandemic, I’ve learned to slow down, take a breath of fresh air, and be with my loved ones whenever I can.
On top of that, if there’s a goal you have in mind – don’t put too much pressure on yourself if you don’t achieve it immediately. It can take months or years; just do your best, and the opportunity will eventually present itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daniel-dinh.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielvdinh/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-dinh/
