Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in animation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Riley Webber, Creative Director of TIC STUDIOS LLC, located in Eugene, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
TIC STUDIOS LLC™ is an independent animation studio specializing in hand-drawn animation in the vein of 90's cartoons. The content is aimed at an older audience with the flagship series "Rip the Falcon," a gritty, harsh fantasy western about survival in an unforgiving environment.
Tell us about yourself
I first got into my path as a cartoonist at the age of 12 in 2002 when a friend of mine showed me that you could make comics about anything. I made comics, sold them on the sidewalk for 25 cents, and quickly got hooked on sequential storytelling. I also was in love with movies and always wanted to be a filmmaker. In 2020 I began teaching myself animation. By 2021 I had published my first graphic novel and animated pilot of my franchise, "Rip the Falcon," a character I had been saving since high school.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Winning my first award at a film festival, MDIFF April Selection 2022, for Exceptional Achievement in Best Animated Film was a huge deal. Reaching my second year as an LLC was another huge accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Sticking to your gut. Having a standard and not giving in to peer pressure about your stances. I've had advice I turned down, which led me on a path I'm very proud of. You have to remember that this is YOUR company and not theirs, so the people telling you what to do, don't get to decide how to run it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Don't give up; it's never too late. Have a vision, and know what you want. Stick with it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ticinc.online/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074885311012
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tic_studios_llc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tic_studios
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-webber-249483102/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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