Actions speak volumes.

Aloha.

Yesterday, I was talking about Volume in terms of sound. Noise. Sonics. Today, let's take a wee peek at another definition of volume; "Actions speak volumes."

We've all heard that before haven't we? Normally, it's when we're being chastised by someone, finger pointing down towards us, but it's very true. Everything we do is being watched and, if we're not careful, we can fall into major traps. Our actions are what define us, what makes us special. Everyone can talk a good talk, but it's what you actually [physically] do that makes you.
"Now, therefore, perform the doing of it; that even as there was a readiness to will, so there may also be a performance also out of that which you have." 2 Cor 8:11

I love that scripture. As an animator, I have to communicate exactly what a character (or shape or object) is thinking clearly so the audience will understand who it is, what it is and why it's doing it. It's a performance. Someone once said that "Animators are actors with pencils." (I don't know why real actors never have pencils, but I'm drifting from my point). I have to make conscious, detailed decisions about every move my character makes, the timing, the force of it, the grace of it....everything!
We even got trained at Sainsbury's, where I used to work back home, on posture and body language so customers would feel able to come and speak to us or be served by us! It's so true though!
Everything we do says something very important about us. People who never speak to you can still read you and get an impression (right or wrong) about who you are. So let's give a good impression! Perform! Let's be open, free and gentle! Let's show strength when it's needed, step up to the plate and if we need to act quickly, then let's have the courage and integrity to do it!

Keep smiling.

- Andrew Gordon