The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is Break the Bias. At Mikros Animation, our ideas and work are constantly pushing the limits of creativity and technology. Our people are no different. In this series, we hear from a few of the many Mikros Animation voices that make up our global team. We know the animation industry is welcoming more women into exciting roles and projects, and we are proud to be a part of the change. We would also like to acknowledge and applaud the trail blazers who have lit the path for others to follow.
We sat down with Tara Rajkumar, Manager of the Assets Central Department at our Bangalore studio who talks about her career and her first experience in the Animation industry.
Can you share your story? What was your journey like to get you where you are today?
It wasn’t easy. I started working at the age of 16. I had to put myself through college while working part time in event management. I got a certification in HR management in my final year of college and got placed as an HR associate.
It’s been a long 13 years of struggle, exhaustion, and an emotional rollercoaster –moving from city to city, staying away from my family for long periods of time—but it was totally worth it. Family has been my strength and driving force throughout. Without the understanding men and support from my mom I wouldn’t have made it. Joining as a Department Manager at Mikros Animation was a complete change in profile for me, and the transition so far has been a learning curve for me. I hope it will be as fruitful as my journey so far.
What do you love about working in the animation industry?
Seeing the behind-the-scenes of all the magic which happens on screen and the hard work, time, and effort the teams put into it is more than enough to fall in love with the animation industry.
In your role, what has been your main challenge?
It is different from working in the corporate IT /BPO sectors where everything seems almost mechanical. At Technicolor Creative Studios, I’m learning everyone seems to be more in touch with their humane side. This means handling different situations is a challenge because the cut and dry approach is not an option. That’s what makes this industry and people in it more special.
What are you currently working on (professional or personal life)?
I’m currently working on learning more about the workings of the animation industry and personally trying to keep up with the fast-paced lifestyle of balancing home and work. I may pick up a couple of hobbies in the process of all my learning!
The 2022 theme of International’s Women Day is “Break The Bias”. What is your sentiment about it?
I think ‘Break the Bias’ is a great initiative. I think the first step should be identifying the biases within you and around you. Paying attention to how you feel about it. If you happen to feel in your gut or instinct that you may be biased or question your judgement, I think that is a start to avoiding them. Once you know what your biases are you will know how to counter them. The only way to avoid it is to start with oneself.
Discover more of our team by visiting the Talent Spotlights section our website.
