When I met Vicente Numpaque back around 2021, Innk was at the peak with clients such as Apple and the likes. It’s not just his or my studios that were peaking. The entire industry was blooming in the post-COVID boom like no others. Little did we know about what was coming.
Around the turn of 2021/2022 Innk crashed beautifully. We met with Vicente to talk about this experience.
The battles we fought and the scars we have, are invaluable. And so are the lessons from them. Unfortunately, too often they are swept under the rug.
Time to change it.
“Scorched Wings” is my attempt to do so, unearthing the stories of studio and agency owners that closed, crashed or sunsetted their business amid the current tumultuous times.
It’s an effort to reframe personal failure into lessons of resilience, life chapters or whatever that is for you.
Enjoy the episode.Patrick
Summary
In this conversation Patrick Kizny's guest Vicente Numpaque shares his journey through the ups and downs of running Innk, the challenges he faced during the pandemic, and the lessons learned from failure. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the need for artists to embrace business knowledge, and the evolving landscape of the animation industry. Vicente reflects on his personal growth and the shift in his career focus towards visual development in animation, emphasizing the need for adaptability in a changing world.
Takeaways
Stabilizing can signify the beginning of a new chapter.
Navigating the business side of creativity can be challenging.
Failure is a part of the learning process.
Mentorship can provide invaluable guidance and perspective.
Artists must embrace business knowledge to thrive.
The animation industry is undergoing significant changes.
Rebuilding after a setback can lead to new opportunities.
Self-reflection is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Networking and marketing are essential for artists.
Adaptability is key in a rapidly changing industry.
Chapters
00:00 The Roller Coaster of Business
02:06 Navigating Success and Challenges
04:00 The Impact of COVID-19
06:31 The Downfall Begins
08:57 Facing Tough Decisions
11:14 Rebuilding After Closure
13:12 Reflections on Failure and Growth
15:29 Finding Clarity Post-Crisis
18:00 Lessons Learned from the Journey
19:46 The Future Ahead
22:57 Rebuilding After the Crash
26:10 Navigating the Animation Industry
28:55 The Value of Mentorship
33:01 Understanding Failure in Creative Industries
38:32 Advice for Aspiring Animators
42:37 The Future of Animation and Entertainment
