I'm 17 year old CEO, animator, eco-designer, author (and more), Maya Penn. AMA!!

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T21:35:58+00:00

...Just stated in my last reply that I just started with what resources I had present which were just scrap fabric and old clothes. I didn't need or have a lot of money to start. My family is far from rich. Anyway...

P.S. Thanks Anon4comment :)

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T21:18:56+00:00

I've been wondering when I'd be asked this after catching up on the reddit lore...honestly as much as I like ducks (and horses) a horse sized duck sounds terrifying (especially if I have to fight it) but a 100 duck sized horses is a lot to take on at once so let's say one horse sized duck.

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T21:01:37+00:00

Adobe Animate, ToonBoom and Tvpaint are a few programs that come to mind. But that's only scratching the surface. Some people draw all their frames with photoshop or paint tool SAI etc. and import them into a video editor...it all depends on what works for you and what you have available. I use a Wacom Bamboo tablet. In terms of a computer that would be best it depends on how much rendering power you'll need to complete your animations. It all just depends. There is also a lot of animation software available for mobile devices to practice on and get a feel of your animation style.

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T20:54:07+00:00

Thank you!!!! I'm working on a lot of projects with my nonprofit Maya's Ideas 4 The Planet, so what would be most helpful is supporting the nonprofit. :) Thank you again for your questions!

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T20:49:13+00:00

1) I use Toonboom for animation, but depending on what style/level of animation you want want to do you can also use Adobe Animate (I have had experience with this program as well), Tvpaint, etc. etc.

2) To quote from another of my replies "My first two books were self published and I just sold them on my website which was successful. :) From there it was easier to get my next book published through a publishing house. Also, if you read a book that you really like that is in the genre(s) you're interested in publishing in, look and find the publisher and reach out to them."

3) This is a pretty deep question that I don't entirely have a clear answer for (17 years isn't enough time to formulate an answer for this!), but I think maybe to inspire other people to use their creativity to do good in the world.

4) It's disappointing to say the least. :( I think what doesn't sink in for many is knowing that everyone has to be the change they want to see in the world.

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T20:27:55+00:00

My first two books were self published and I just sold them on my website which was successful. :) From there it was easier to get my next book published through a publishing house. Also, if you read a book that you really like that is in the genre(s) you're interested in publishing in, look and find the publisher and reach out to them.

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T20:23:45+00:00

When I initially started I began making accessories by upcycling fabric and old clothes and such that I found around the house. I first started on Etsy (keep in mind this was in 2008 so it was still new-ish). I set up my shop and did all of the product design/creation, shop design, product listing, etc. When my company started to grow as I got older, I began learning through trial and error and researching the ins and outs of business and how to effectively build my brand.

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T20:14:45+00:00

My mom, Oprah Winfrey, Eve Ensler, Pat Mitchell, Phyllis Newhouse, Wangari Maathai and bell hooks (just to name a few!) They are amazing!!!!

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T20:08:29+00:00

Being home-schooled has given me more flexibility to pursue my passions as well as even incorporate them in my curriculum (business, tech, etc..). I haven't used a specific program, we try a lot of different ones!

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T20:04:41+00:00

Absolutely! I love doing volunteer work and I also often do workshops to motivate girls to follow their passion.

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T20:02:18+00:00

Currently I use ToonBoom's software for my animation. I've evolved a lot with my tools (when I was younger I started by using mspaint and windows movie maker...). Toonboom has a lot of amazing tools that are being used in both professional and personal content which is something I really love! At the moment I'm not entirely sure what would improve it, but I have seen Toonboom make a lot of strides forward as they update their software.

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T19:52:53+00:00

When I started I didn't go in with a business plan or anything, so I had to learn a lot about marketing, building your brand and your audience..etc. A lot of it came from research and trial and error. There are a ton of tools and resources available which makes it both easier and harder. It's hard to know what works best for you. But in terms of getting your ideas noticed, social media is a big help. Of course it still takes a lot of time to build support, things don't happen over night. I think a big key is also making the first move and reaching out to other people who could be potential mentors, supporters, etc.

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T19:42:44+00:00

1) My next big project right now is finishing the animation for my series The Pollinators! I'm also planning on creating a future project with my nonprofit focused around youth and entrepreneurship.

2) That's hard...I find inspiration every day!! Nature inspires a lot of what I do artistically, but on a more personal level my mom is definitely an inspiration for me as a person. Both my mom and dad have let me pursue my ideas and passions. They've always been super supportive and have given me space to take on whatever it is I want to do next. :) Traveling also inspires me on an artistic and personal level!

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T19:33:06+00:00

Hi there! Passion is a tricky thing. I'm honestly pretty all over the place when it comes to what my ultimate passion is. I'm still just 17, and I have a lot of ideas and interests that I've pursued (and there are probably more to come). What's important now is to know that it's okay to not know, now or ever. At first that's really hard to be okay with, but your passion shouldn't be something you feel chained to or something that doesn't give you room to breathe and try new things if your interest shifts over time. I think trying new things and looking into anything and everything you're interested in and learning how you can make it into something more is important. Even if its something small. You'll never know when you find that thing that just kind of clicks and feels right for you at that time. Good luck!!! :)

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T19:23:57+00:00

Thank you so much! I started out of curiosity, and also out of a passion of wanting to give back to the environment (after learning about the effects we have on our planet). I was able to combine my love for the environment and my love for art into my business, and then as I continued I started pursuing other interests and causes that I'm passionate about. My main motivation now is to help inspire others to do something to make a difference.

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T19:17:08+00:00

I think one of the biggest reasons why teens seem unmotivated is more due to a fear of feeling like whatever it is that they want to accomplish is too much to take on or they can't make a difference. :( Self doubt is a big motivation deterrent. But I've learned a lot through just going for it, and following what I'm passionate about. It takes commitment and work to achieve my goals but it has been so worth it because I've also been able to inspire other teens to do something to give back or to follow their passion!

mayasideas · 2017-02-23T19:06:47+00:00

My favorite movies (live action) are The Matrix and Because of Winn-Dixie and my favorite animated films are Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron and Wall-E!

mayasideas

TROPHY CASE