Authors By Sasha, hosted by Sasha Talks, welcomes literary agents and book publishing outlets to explore opportunities for authors to share their different genres of work. This is a wonderful opportunity for new and existing authors & writers to share their craft with new audiences in print and multimedia formats.
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Jabril Mack, it's a pleasure to meet you! Please share with audiences what a typical day of an award-winning animator looks like.
I spend a lot of time drawing! Whether I'm sketching out a new story or designing a new funny Holiday character, I'm always trying to find ways to make my work fun and inviting. Animation takes a long time so I like to really plan my stuff out and make sure I love it before any real work begins.
You've captured the limelight of network executives from Disney and Nickelodeon thanks to your creation of "The Weeklings". Where does the premise of "The Weeklings" emanate from? What were your initial thoughts before launching your first episode on Youtube, TikTok and Instagram? Did you have any expectations when you clicked 'send' to upload your first Youtube video?
The Weeklings is a broad comedy series about these crazy characters but at its core, the show is about friendship. Even though they all have very different personalities and points of view, these 7 Days are best friends who have each other's backs through anything. This relationship is based on a lot of the friends I had in college. In my freshman year dorm floor, there were a bunch of different people from all over the country who were forced to interact with one another every day! Throughout the school year, we all collectively built a strong bond. I wanted to share that magical quality of friendship with the world! When we first finished the first episode, I was SO NERVOUS that people wouldn't get what I was trying to say but luckily it all worked out.
The Youtube comment section can be the worst place ever. It's always scary putting your soul out there for people to comment on publically! I get fan mail and fan art sent to me daily. Kids from all over the world have fallen in love with the Weeklings. I couldn't be more grateful. I would've never imagined the impact my cartoons would have on the audience.
There are seven characters representing each day of the week. Which character resonates with your personality and how so? If you had to add an eighth day to the week, what would you name that character? What personality and emotions would that character exhibit?
All the characters are different parts of myself. While I do the voice for Tuesday and appreciate his focus and smarts, I like to think I'm as cool and likable as Friday! As anyone who actually knows me and they would probably disagree with that assessment, hahah, but a guy can dream right? I think If i were to add another day to the calendar I'd add Blunday! It would just be an extra day on the weekend! Weekends are too short!
While creating your weekly series, did you intend to accommodate any vacuum that exists within the entertainment and animation market space? How did you rationalize your work was distinct enough to attract loyal audience members? What do "The Weeklings" deliver that some shows lack in today's cartoon space?
When it comes to Youtube, there isn't that much on there that is impressive. I knew if I created something that looked like an actual TV show on Youtube, it would catch people's attention. Diversity is so important for audiences as well and I feel like people want to see themselves represented, having holidays that are the cornerstone of cultures from all around the globe, helps us stand out too. From a storytelling standpoint, right as I was ending college I knew I had a distinct point of view and style that wasn't quite like what I was seeing. Once I realized that I just decided to jump in and see if people would like it.
Did you pitch the idea of "The Weeklings" before a talent agent or a network prior to taking control of your destiny? When did you decide to manifest your artistic blessing on your own?
I don't think I formally pitched it before making it myself. I've never been the type of person to ask for permission. I just decided to do it. We live in the best era to be an animator. We have the tools to make animation easier than ever before, we have the platforms to get our work in front of an audience without the studio gatekeepers as well! Artists 10-20 years ago would dream of being in a situation like we are in today. I couldn't squander that privilege. Anyone can make anything now, there is no excuse.
What advice do you have for creative minds that are seeking their big break? Is there such a thing as a 'big break' in today's world of globalization?
Try your best to create your own luck! Make stuff. Tell stories. Share your work. Everyone's entry into the industry is different so don't compare yourself to others. It doesn't matter where you are from, where you go to school, etc. just work on being the best artist you can and your big break will happen, eventually. Try everything and never give up.
You host a respectable presence on social media including Instagram where your mom is featured among your social adventures. What has your mom taught you about life, work and love?
I'm a total mama's boy! My parents are great and have always supported me in my ambitions! I'm not sure where I would be right now if they weren't such great parents. The major lesson my mom has taught me about life is the power of love. I've been on this earth for 27 consecutive years and every single day my mom has shown me pure love. When I grew up and left the house, I quickly realized how much of a blessing that is. That love has empowered me to create and share my voice in all aspects of life. More specifically, my mom also raised us on a healthy diet, she has been teaching my sisters and I the value of taking care of your body. Drawing, as much as I do, used to be no problem but as I get older I can feel it slowly starting to take a toll. Luckily, I already had the foundations of self-care instill. So transitioning into a healthier way of living and working was easier.
While growing up, which cartoons and role models were you a fan of? Are there any characters or personalities that you find to be timeless and funny?
I watched a lot of SpongeBob and the Simpsons growing up. Those shows are classics because those characters are so strong. We know Homer, Bart and Spongebob as if they were our best friends. Those are the kind of characters audiences want to see. I strive to create characters that you want to invite into your home every day to have out with and laugh with. I looked up to Genndy Taratovsky, the creator of Dexter's Lab, Samurai Jack and the Hotel Transylvania movies. He's one of the greatest filmmakers of all time and doesn't get the credit he deserves.
"The Weeklings" is also a collaboration with other artists. What are the qualities you seek in talents wanting to collaborate with you?
I like to work with people that like to work with people. The animation is one of the most collaborative art forms. Learning the Art of Collaboration is essential. You can't be afraid to speak up, pitch ideas, add on to something someone else created and work as a team!
Please share with audiences how they can support your work.
Hi Lisa Ryan! We initially met when you were representing Grategy. How have your professional endeavors evolved over the course of a few years?
I am focusing my efforts on manufacturing and the skilled trade associations for my Grategy Programs. I am doing a lot more keynote speeches than I did before when I was more general and I've also been doing more consulting and coaching recently.
As an internationally renowned speaker, what are some lessons you've learned about mastering your craft before a live audience?
It's not about me and the information I want to convey, it's all about the audience and the information they need to hear and that they can use. By asking questions and getting audience feedback, participants have a lot more usable takeaways when they hear from their peers. It's a little scary to hand the microphone to an audience member, but I've found that trusting the process always works and the person who is sharing gives the perfect answer and helps to clarify my points. I can also use my expertise to expand on their strategies and share how these techniques have worked with other clients as well.
Your talks leave a powerful imprint within the minds of employees and senior leaders among organizations. If you had to choose only two values to discuss at all events until the end of time, what are those two values and why?
Gratitude is the most important value that I bring to all of my programs. When participants learn the benefits of harnessing the power of gratitude, it impacts every area of their life. It changes their perspective to one that is more positive; it makes them feel better, mentally and physically; it improves their relationships, and it improves the workplace culture. Having fun would be the second value. When employees enjoy what they do, they are more likely to stay at their job.
Who are the personalities that have shaped your outlook on life as well groomed your professional mindset for success?
Tony Robbins - from my first fire walk in 1989, which was powerful, to my second fire walk in 2009 which was life-changing, Tony has had a huge impact on my life. Napoleon Hill - his book, "Think and Grow Rich" is the most important piece of personal development literature I have. I read it every year, at least once.
As a speaker who also writes, what are some speaking tips that also translate well to the art of writing?
Be as conversational in your writing as you are in your speaking. When you write something, read it out loud to see how it flows and if it sounds like something you would say in a regular conversation. Stay away from "marketing speak" - use language that you use in real life, not what you find in a textbook.
A wise person once told me not to confuse a large audience for a good audience. How do you define a good audience when you're speaking with a purpose?
A good audience is one with whom you have a real connection. You like the audience, and you care about them and the results they are going to achieve from your program. Although you'd think that a "good audience" is the one that has your full fee, that's not always the case. You want to find those audiences that bring out the best in you, are fun to be around, and that you have a built-in credibility that they can relate to you and your content as well.
Your work also addresses compromised work cultures that require proper nourishment to ensure holistic and economic growth. What guidance do you have for leaders who believe that employee engagement is a supplemental investment, not a critical asset, to an organization's well being?
My work starts with the foundation of gratitude strategies - or Grategies. When a person experiences the benefits of recognizing, thanking, and appreciating the people in their personal lives, they are more likely to bring that kinder, more grateful person to the workplace. A simple "thank you" goes a long way in building commitment and loyalty to an organization. The "thanks" does have to be sincere and should be specific to get the best results.
What is the most useful constructive feedback you've received? How has this played a significant role in shaping your entrepreneurial journey?
Stop buying "hope." At the beginning of my speaking journey, I invested a lot of money in programs, processes, and coaches that I thought would be "IT." All I needed was this one more thing and I would be successful. When one of my coaches told me I was "buying hope," it resonated with me. I needed to stop buying so much stuff and start doing the work. Now, I still invest heavily in myself and my business, but I do it much more mindfully to get exactly what I need - and then I do the work.
Lisa, you definitely work hard inspiring others to embrace positive change in their lives. How do you unwind after a long productive week? Are there any hidden talents that you host that may surprise the audiences?
I unwind by spending time with my husband and our cats. We put a small inflatable pool in our backyard this year, and we've been spending quite a bit of time enjoying that. We also have a "TV on stick" that we roll out into the backyard and watch movies at night. My hidden talent is probably the artwork I created while I was in the welding industry. I have a 4' high praying mantis made out of rebar, brass, steel and copper as well as a grasshopper that was made out of an anchor in my backyard.
You are the graceful voice of spreading the message of gratitude. What are a few things that you're grateful for at this juncture of your life and career?
I am grateful for my husband of 24 years, Scott. I am grateful for our home and our family. I still have both of my parents, and I feel blessed by that every day. I really love my life and if it was over tomorrow, I can honestly say I'd have no regrets.
Please share with audiences how they can connect with you.
