Two weeks ago I was packing my bags for my trip to Ireland. During the winter I received an invitation to visit Cartoon Saloon whenever I was in town. I do not know anyone in Ireland nor did I have any other reason to but the seed had now been planted. With months of planning, everything finally came together just weeks before I was set to leave.

*Tomm Moore, Director of The Secret of Kells & Song of the Sea*

When I got to Cartoon Saloon I felt as if I were dreaming. I had met the director Tomm Moore a few times in NYC and now I was visiting him and the studio in Ireland. It was exciting meeting all of the various people and artists that worked on The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea and their preschool show Puffin Rock.

As if that was not enough I was also given the opportunity to visit Brown Bag Films which I immediately accepted. Due to Non Disclosure Agreements i can't go into detail about both visits BUT I can say that they were absolutely great. The trip overall exceeded every expectation I had.

I spent a week in Kilkenny, Ireland and took part in a lot of tourist activities and sight seeing.

Lastly I want to say that I am so happy that I took this trip and that it turned out to be a solo trip at that. I gained a lot of confidence that I can take forward with me as I continue my pursuit of employment within this industry. I met, spoke and laughed with people I will never forget. They shared so much knowledge, wisdom and advice with me that I deeply appreciate. This was the experience of a lifetime. I believe this is the beauty of following your passions and never giving up on yourself. I know I would've never made it to Ireland if I had stopped believing that I was deserving of my dreams coming true.

Be well friends!! I have many updates coming up during this last quarter of the year and I am looking forward to sharing them with you!

Journey to Ireland

Finding My Direction Through Rejection

Animation Highlight - The Angry Birds Movie trailer