Behind the Frames: The Animation World of Kirk Tingblad

Animation, as a medium, has long held a special place in my heart. I fondly recall the times, filled with anticipation, as I eagerly tuned in to the next episode of iconic shows such as "Johnny Bravo," "Animaniacs," and "Pinky & the Brain." Little did I realize then that one day, I'd be afforded the chance to dive deep into the mind behind many of these masterpieces: Kirk Tingblad .

Kirk and I share an appreciation for animation, and interestingly, both of us studied graphic design at the University of Minnesota Duluth. It's personally intriguing to see someone who graduated from the same program achieve such remarkable success in the world of animation. Kirk’s illustrious journey from animating commercials in Minnesota, transcending to prominent roles in Hollywood, showcases a commitment and passion that is both inspirational and formidable. His accolades, from the Peabody Award to his Emmy wins and nominations, merely scratch the surface of what he's contributed to the industry.

This is more than just a Q&A. It's a bridge between my profound admiration for animation and a maestro's experiences in creating it. Moreover, Kirk's dedication to preserving animation art resonates deeply with me. In this endeavor, he's not just protecting memories; he's ensuring that a future generation of animators can be inspired.

As we embark on this conversation, I invite you to explore the insights, challenges, and wisdom of a man whose work has profoundly impacted countless viewers and continues to do so.

Career and Projects:?

What inspired you to pursue a career in animation??

I was taught for a year by Milt Neil, a former Disney animator, and he was an exceptional educator.

From directing "Johnny Bravo" and winning the 1993 Peabody Award to overseeing "Tom & Jerry" films and "Scooby Do Mystery Incorporated", can you share standout moments and insights from your diverse projects??

Directing animation for a show, whether it's a comedic series like Scooby-Doo or an adventure series like The Justice League, must be approached with distinct considerations. While the comedic series are often more enjoyable due to their humorous elements and offer opportunities to incorporate surrealistic types of gags, which I personally find delightful to execute, the adventure series demand a more serious approach akin to live-action production.

What makes the collaboration between Steven Spielberg and Warner Bros, resulting in TINY TOON ADVENTURES, ANIMANIACS, and PINKY & THE BRAIN, special in animation history??

Having Spielberg's name on the project ensured that we faced no interference from executives. We were able to include content that would not have been permitted otherwise. Without Spielberg's involvement, not only would the project likely not have been produced, but it also wouldn't have been as humorous.

Personal Journey and Challenges:?

What kept you passionate and driven during challenging times in your career??

You know, I derived immense thrill from working with some of the best artists, animators, and writers in the world. However, when I was approached to work on a lesser show, I found it challenging to muster the same enthusiasm.

How do you handle creative differences when working on a collaborative project??

As a director, you often win many arguments simply because you hold the position of authority. However, I was never the kind of director who made changes just for the sake of change. If an employee presented something different from what was initially requested, I was always receptive to alterations if the artist could convince me of its merit. I consistently encouraged my teams to propose alternative gags or story sections. If their suggestions improved upon the original, I would readily accept them.

Can you share an instance where you had to compromise your creative vision for the larger good of a project? Preservation and Giving Back:?

There was a marathon episode of "Johnny Bravo." The executives at Cartoon Network instructed us to avoid showing guns, even for starting a race. My solution was to have the starter raise his hand, pretending to hold a gun. He then "fires" with his hand, and after a moment, a dead duck drops, as though the hand actually discharged a real bullet. Cartoon Network adored the idea. Thus, sometimes you can take feedback from executives and transform it into something even more humorous.

What motivated you to start the GoFundMe campaign for preserving animation drawings??

Throughout my career, I've amassed a significant collection of art. I wanted to achieve two objectives:

1. Preserve them to prevent damage, and
2. Frame the best pieces with the intention of hosting a series of art exhibitions.

My aim is to inspire young individuals in the upper Midwest, demonstrating that dreams can become reality. With intense determination, a fervent passion for one's craft, unwavering dedication, and diligent effort, one can indeed realize their aspirations.

I'm not suggesting that everyone can become a Hollywood Director, but it is possible. I stand as testament to that possibility. Whenever I encounter young artists who share their work with me, I pose the question, "How badly do you want it?" In essence, I'm asking about the depth of their commitment to transforming their passion into a lifetime of notable achievements.

While many may not attain the exact heights they envision, there are numerous roles, like production assistants, that allow them to be part of the creative process even if they don't possess the primary skill set. This sentiment applies to any dream: without giving it your all, you'll never truly know your potential.

How do you feel about the resurgence and love for 90s animation in today's pop culture??

It's an honor to have been part of an era that was transformative. I recall seeing a newspaper article in the late 1990s which declared that animation had become the coolest job in the US. That was quite uplifting. Reflecting on my past, I'm astonished by the projects I contributed to, surpassing even the dreams I had as a youth.

Who are some of your inspirations in the world of animation??

I am consistently inspired by the exceptional work of artists I have collaborated with. As a teenager, the first artist whose work truly captivated me was Michael Ploog.

Final Thoughts:?

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger self starting in the animation industry, what would it be?

My advice to my younger self would be: relax, things will work out.

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