Sometimes I go out in search of a video essay and end up finding something that’s not quite a video essay, but peaks my interest enough to watch it. These types of random non-essay videos can cover all kinds of things, from informational videos, to tutorials, to animation, to more vlog type format. But the thing they all have in common is that they satisfy the thing in me that makes me search for video essays in the first place. They combine learning with reflecting and make me think in new and creative ways.
The most recent video like this that I’ve watched is called “Disney artist reviews CalArts accepted sketchbook” by Gabby Caldera. Gabby is a current Disney employee and was accepted into CalArts on her first try. She describes how she never expected to be accepted on her first try and how for a long time, she wasn’t sure how she got accepted. Now, after graduating with the highest CalArts award and working in the animation industry, she goes through her accepted sketchbook and acts as a CalArts evaluator and explains why she believes she got accepted.
The reason I like this video so much wasn’t because I really love character design or ever dreamt of going to art school, but for a few reasons including the idea of reflecting back on old work and seeing the potential of your younger self, learning new information about what is a green flag for evaluators (in the arts, yes, but it possibly rings partially true for outside the arts), and the enjoyment I receive when others talk about, explain, or display something they’re passionate about.
This video has made me reflect on what I may see in some of my work as a young student by the time I’m working professionally. It’s hopeful to think that I might see a young student with the potential for talent and growth.
