April 24, 2009
Ruth, 40
www.youtube.com/lizzythelezzy
Have you ever created a character based on someone you dated?
Not yet, but it's very likely to happen in the future. I can't wait to get my revenge on those bitches.
Do hot animators climb the ladder higher or quicker than the not-so-hots?
Probably. I just make sure to stay near the bottom so I can look up their skirts.
Has being an animator increased your sex appeal?
Absolutely. Chicks come up to me in the pub and ask me "Are you that animator?"
Do you ever bring your work home with you and into bed? If so, how?
No, I bring the stories that happen in my bed into my animation.
Best date yet?
She arrived at my flat wearing nothing but a black PVC jacket. The rest is top secret I'm afraid.
I can write lots of dirty letters, texts, all of that, but when it comes to saying and doing them out loud, whether on the phone or in person, I freeze up. How can I get my written words to come to life, with me at the helm?
Pretend you're Angelina Jolie and that the whole world wants you. Confidence is sexy.
Best low-budget way to seduce my date this spring?
Go and see a horror flick. I read somewhere once that a scared woman is an aroused woman. It works — I've tried it! She was grabbing me throughout the whole film.
Cassidy, 37
https://otherthings.com
Have you ever created a character based on someone you dated?
I used my own wife as a stop-motion puppet. Does that count?
Do you ever bring your work home with you and into bed? If so, how?
I talk in my sleep sometimes. My wife tells me that one time in the middle of the night, I sat straight up in bed, with one arm extended, wiggling an imaginary mouse, saying "I just want it to bounce."
What do you think is pivotal for making a relationship last?
Try to see things from your partner's point of view.
I know everyone says no games, but sometimes the primitive game of cat-and-mouse can be so fun. Is there a way to enjoy the process without crossing any lines?
There's nothing wrong with a little chase, if both parties are in on the game. But if the mouse starts picking up ironing boards and frying pans, run away fast!
I can write lots of dirty letters, texts, all of that, but when it comes to saying and doing them out loud, whether on the phone or in person, I freeze up. How can I get my written words to come to life, with me at the helm?
Get into character. Imagine a person who could say that stuff out loud — Jessica Rabbit, Donald Duck, whatever works for you — and just pretend to be that person for a while. After some time, you may start taking on their sexier characteristics yourself.
Pick-up lines, conversation starters, whatever you want to call it — what's a non-awkward way for me to get a cute girl's attention and start a conversation?
I was going to say "draw a picture of her," but that only works if you can draw pretty well, and it doesn't pass the awkward test. I imagine some women would find it downright creepy. Really, the only thing that's ever worked for me is enthusiasm. Not for the cute girl herself, but for something else that you genuinely love: a painting, a band, your dog. Let your spark show a little. If she has anything in common with you at all, she'll pick up on that vibe right away. And if she doesn't, well, maybe it's better not to start that conversation.
Julia, 23
www.juliapott.com
Have you ever created a character based on someone you dated?
I definitely use my art as a way of dealing with crummy relationships, not so much as a slight at them but more just to get it off my chest. I usually try and make it subtle enough so they'll never guess, but I know so it's my own secret revenge. So I suppose the answer is yes, and always bad!
As someone who creates everyday, do you insist on a certain level of creativity in your partner? Would you date a bank teller, for example?
I've always dated creative types, and I'm currently dating a fellow animator. We collaborate on projects together. It's definitely the best relationship I've ever been in because we have so much in common and we can spend a lot of time together creating things. I think a certain level of creativity is important in a partner, as you will have more in common, but not a necessity.
Has being an animator increased your sexiness?
Being an animator you tend to be a bit of a hermit, so it's hard to judge my own sex appeal, but it's definitely a good conversation starter when I do finally emerge from my studio. Boys tend to be fascinated by it and want to know all the ins and outs of how it works, which definitely helps keep the conversation going and makes you seem more interesting than saying, "I work at Wal-Mart."
Best date yet?
That's a tough one, most of my best dates are in the extremes of the seasons, like a really hot, hot summer where you can just wander around, eat ice cream, go to the seaside and ride the carousel. Or just before Christmas when you can go ice skating and cuddle up. The best dates can often fall at the beginning of your relationship when you feel so nervous you might throw up on yourself. As crazy as it sounds, that's the best feeling in the world.
I can write lots of dirty letters, texts, all of that, but when it comes to saying that stuff out loud, I freeze up. How can I get more comfortable with dirty talk?
This is definitely a problem a lot of people have, me included! I recommend vodka. Dutch courage is the only surefire solution I've found yet.
Pick-up lines, conversation starters, whatever you want to call it — what's a non-awkward way for me to get a cute girl's attention and start a conversation?
A simple introduction minus the sleaze will definitely keep a girl's attention. If a girl is making eye contact with you in a bar or any social setting, she definitely wants you to come over and talk to her. So as cliche as it sounds, just go over and be yourself. I don't know any girl who has been won over by a pick-up line.
Sarah, 33
Have you ever created a character based on someone you dated?
Nope, but I have accumulated a lot of knowledge from my dating years that are all stored in the YouTube of my brain. I will sometimes use these reactions, gestures and expressions in my animation.
As someone who creates everyday, do you insist on a certain level of creativity in your partner? Would you date a bank teller, for example?
I do tend to gravitate toward creative people. My husband is also an animator. I think one reason our relationship works so well is that we push each other creatively, outside of our day jobs. He understands that sometimes I need to retreat, lock myself in a room for hours and draw. And I understand when he does that same thing. Ironically, he was a bank teller during college.
What has working as an animator taught you about relationships?
Animators must have a solid understanding of human behavior and body language. We share our workload, praise and failure. We must give and accept criticism gracefully and correct our mistakes humbly. We need to understand a hero's perspective one day and the villain's the next. And since it can take weeks to complete one scene, animators need patience. Being an animator is kind of like relationship boot camp.
I know everyone says no games, but sometimes the primitive game of cat and mouse can be so fun. Is there a way to enjoy the process without crossing any lines?
I am a game hater. I have never played cat and mouse without someone getting hurt. To me games are like a Tom and Jerry cartoon: fun to watch, but painful to be a participant.
I can write lots of dirty letters, texts, all of that, but when it comes to saying that stuff out loud, I freeze up. How can I get more comfortable with dirty talk?
When I have a shot to animate that I am nervous about, I get into character and I act it out. You could try creating a character and acting out the things you want to say in private. Pretending you are someone else may help break you out of your shell, so you'll feel more confident and natural when the real you is with your special someone.
Has being an animator increased your sexiness?
Hmm. . . it has certainly increased my dorkiness.