Breakthrough: Rekindling Creativity After a Setback

"Breakthrough" was born out of a challenging period in my life. After being laid off in September 2023, I faced a severe case of "animator's block." Creativity seemed out of reach, and I needed a way to get the creative ball rolling again.

Reflecting on my childhood days playing ice hockey, I remembered how a short warm-up before each game would get my blood flowing and muscles ready. I realized I needed a similar approach to revive my creative muscles.

Inspired by one of my favorite title sequences from "Halt and Catch Fire," I started with something simple: animating a white rectangle. From there, I moved on to splitting a green box. This small step ignited a spark, and soon that initial white rectangle evolved into a short animation I'm genuinely proud of.

The key takeaway? If you find yourself stuck and struggling to start, try warming up. Break down your task into its simplest components and start there. Once you overcome that first hurdle, momentum will carry you forward. So, the next time you're staring at a blank canvas, remember: a little warm-up might be all you need to get going.