Meet Rebecca Smith | Production Supervisor in Animation & Blogger/Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My career in animation is about fostering the creativity of others to get it on the big screen. It is so much fun but I needed an outlet for my own creativity. For me, the balance looks like making sure that I can create at home so that I can better support others in doing so during the day. But whether it’s working my 9-5 or working for myself, it is still important to me to have space in my life for a different kind of productivity. Whether that’s reading a book or taking my dog for a walk or cooking a meal. It’s important to fill myself back up so I can support artists and have enough energy left over to be one myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always loved writing and photography. When I first started working in the animation industry, I quickly realized I was going to need a creative outlet all my own. The main through line for my work is what it looks like to be a modern woman of faith. I didn’t see a lot of examples of progressive women who also talked about their love for Jesus. Something unique in my photography is that often I am both the photographer and the subject. I like pushing myself to create the vision in my head. It often takes a lot of failing before I get the right shot.

For both my career in animation as well as the brand I’ve created online, I was always clear about my goals and wasn’t afraid to ask for help. My biggest piece of advice I give people who are looking to break into either space is to be clear about what you want when you ask people for help because it’s only then that people know HOW they can help you. If you’re asking for help in general, people aren’t really sure where they can fit into that equation. For creating, create for you. And with either career or creativity, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Whenever I’ve had friends pass through Colorado, I always recommend all the beautiful nature it has to offer. I have my favorite trails, or favorite drives (especially in the fall with the Aspens!). I’m from a small town on the front range and I love to show off our local restaurants and independent book store. I went to CU Boulder so if people are in that area, I always recommend The Buff or The Sink and obviously Pearl Street. Red Rocks is right up there too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents never once doubted me when I told them I wanted to get my degree in Film Studies. They never told me that it wasn’t going to be a useful degree or that I needed a more “practical” degree. They knew I wanted to work in the film industry and never questioned that I was going to get there. Then when I said I wanted to double down and create my own brand, they helped with photoshoots, read my blog posts before I hit publish, and have always been and continue to be my number one fans.

Website: www.scoutandbex.com

Instagram: @scoutandbex

Twitter: @scoutandbex

Facebook: www.facebook.com/scoutandbex