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

Hi Alan, how do you think about risk?
There is something a bit scary about risk, but taking a leap is really important. When you are first starting out is a great time to just go for it. When you start feeling comfortable is another time to just go for it. I have always had high goals for myself and to this day try hard to make new things possible.

Being in animation has been a wonderful career and brought so much joy to my life. Along with that creating my own art
is really important and motivates me daily.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always loved the arts, from music to dance to painting. These are subjects that appear in my own art dimensionally and digitally. That desire to create has always propelled me to explore. It just seems to flow out all day long. I would never say it is easy to do, but I never gave up. Working in the animation field is like going to college for years. Learning from others has been key to this. I have looked at fellow artists not as competition, but as teachers and team mates. That Collaboration is very fulfilling. It is important to continue doing your own art along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles is full of great places to visit. A trip down to Malibu and the Malibu Colony is a must. A drive along the coast thru Santa Monica up Wilshire Blvd. thru Beverly Hills, Melrose, Hollywood, a walk around the Planetarium down to the Valley. Of Course, Disneyland is a must. An afternoon at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is always fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Along with my family being extremely supportive (although they would have loved seeing me become a dentist), There are a few mentors that truly inspired and inspire me. Catherine Deeter (illustrator and teacher), Erv Kaplan, Nila Clayton, Maurice Noble, Walt Disney, and an amazing community of Animation artists. I could not have been in a more
loving and creative community.

Website: alanbodner.com

Instagram: thebodenaire

Image Credits
Greg Preston photographed me.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.