Page 9 - Allisons Magazine Issue #95

to take the existing script, listen to the
LIZ CLIMO audio, and try and come up with the
funniest (or most successful) way for the
character to act out the line.
ON COMICS, That’s pretty big. Why did you

decide to move on from the show?
After working on The Simpsons for
CRITICISM, AND thirteen years, I left my job in 2017.

It was a great run, but I felt like it was
time for me to focus more on my own
BEING KIND work. Plus, my job didn’t really involve
writing, which is partially why I decided
to leave. I wanted to attempt some jokes!
I feel really lucky that I was able to work
Beloved cartoonist Liz Climo there for so long—I learned a lot and
interview with liz climo made a lot of lifelong friends.
was studying art in college when written by shelley goldstein

she changed course and applied
Did you hide anything in any of your
for a job at The Simpsons. last animations just for fun?
We aren't really allowed to sneak stuff
This decision would lead to a
into the show since there are so many
fulfilling thirteen-year stint on the
eyes on it throughout the process—you
überpopular television series. After usually get found out! I did occasionally
leaving The Simpsons, Climo has try to draw family members or friends with an idea or I’m not sure if it's How do you feel about
into crowd scenes, but most of the time successful or not, he's usually the one I constructive criticism?
found continued success through
those got changed down the production ask, although I'm at a point now where It's not my favorite [laughs], but having
her witty, relatable animal comics line. I have a lot more creative freedom I trust my own instincts. I've noticed worked for so long as an animator, I'm
and children’s books. working in publishing, which is really that my first idea is usually what works, not one to get super attached to my
great for me at this point in my career. and the more I overthink something, the work. In college, I had a teacher tell
more likely it is to fall apart. If I find I'm me once, “Imagine spending hours on
What does the trajectory of your How did your animal cartoons overthinking an idea, I usually let it go. a project and being really proud of it.
career look like? Did you study art begin? Who do you trust to give Perhaps it’s a strange way to approach Now imagine ripping it up and starting
in school? honest feedback about them? things, but it works for me. over. That's what animation is like.” He
I studied art at San Jose State University. I started doing cartoons as a side project wasn't wrong. When it comes to my
I was working toward a BFA in (again, to have something that was just Why did you specifically choose books, if something isn't working or
animation and illustration, but when I mine to work on in my free time). I animals as the subject of your something needs to be changed, it’s no
applied to the program I didn't get in. began to post them to Tumblr as an cartoons, rather than people? big deal. I'll start over. When it comes
I would have had to wait an entire year © Emma Goo Photography exercise in accountability. I wanted The short answer: I don't really like to my comics, I'm a bit more protective.
before I could apply again, and I wasn't to really put my work out there even drawing people! After working on The Those are more personal to me.
allowed to take any of the classes until I credit my obsession with the show What was your day-to-day if nobody ever saw it or did see it Simpsons for so many years, it's
I got in (which was not guaranteed). throughout high school and college for contribution to The Simpsons? and really didn't like it. I was never difficult for me to draw any person not I did a lot of Google searching to
Instead, I applied for a job at The helping me land a job there. I didn't I started out as a character layout artist expecting so many wonderful things to Simpson-y. It was much easier to find my figure out the name of one of your
Simpsons and was actually hired. I was have any experience animating at the and eventually became a storyboard come from that. own style drawing animals. The longer frequent cartoon animals—the frill-
offered the job on a Friday afternoon, time, but I could draw well enough to revisionist. Both jobs involved helping answer is that it's easier to come up with necked lizard. What makes him such
moved to Los Angeles over the weekend, get by, and I was really familiar with the come up with the best acting for a My husband, Colin, is also an artist, and jokes and funny situations with animals, a good character?
and started the job on Monday. I never style of the show. I was lucky, but I also particular character, which I would then he always gives me his honest opinion, since they're all so different, as are their Edwin! This character is based on my
graduated college. worked really hard. draw or animate. My job was essentially which I appreciate. If I'm struggling relationships with one another. dear friend Edwin Aguilar, who is

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