Rasha Clark is head of production at Ataboy, a New York City-based studio that provides design and animation. Her responsibility is to make sure “my team is able to do their best work and have what they need when they need it and that our clients feel heard, supported and are happy.”
Let’s find out more from Clark…
What is your typical day filled with?
I’m involved in creative calls when we first hear about a project, I create bids and schedules, I create the team and I oversee the day-to-day running of Ataboy. I check in with clients and add input when needed. I also get to go to events, dinners and drinks — so there are those perks too (laughs).
What would surprise people the most about what falls under that title?
Hmm, that I also change the toilet paper in the office? I think anyone familiar with an HOP knows what I do.
Vitamin Water
How has your section of the industry changed since COVID? The good and the bad?
Living in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and having two young kids, I am grateful for the fact that remote work is an option. I remember the days of having to head back into the office after a short maternity leave and just wishing I could had the opportunity to work and be with my son — or at least be home for dinner. Since we don’t work a traditional 9 to 5, the WFH option is really important to me. I trust everyone I work with to put in 100% of effort regardless of where they are sitting.
I also think you need to be more intentional with how you communicate and how you train/mentor others and how and when you have video meetings. It might mean a little more work or planning for those in senior/leadership roles, but for me, it’s worth it.
The bad? I miss hanging with grown-ups on a regular basis. Seeing my colleagues and going to events occasionally, is a real treat and I love that everyone is so happy to be around everyone else.
Do you see some of these workflow changes remaining with us going forward?
Yes, I do. Work/life balance has always been important to me, and now it’s a common thing. Back in the day, I’d have to put up a bit of a stink to ensure that staff had the time to indulge in other passions outside of work. We’ve proven that we can be just as productive and creative wherever we are if we care about our work — it’s not about where we spend those working hours.
Munchkin
What’s your favorite part of the job?
Working with my team and seeing their ideas blow clients’ minds.
What is your least favorite?
Excel, and making prepro decks. Ugh.
What is your most productive time of the day?
Whenever. I’m a morning, afternoon and night person. It definitely helps if my kids are in school.
If you didn’t have this job, what would you be doing instead?
I’d be acting on stage, doing VO work. Or I’d be leading divers out into the Caribbean waters. Maybe I can do both one day.
Can you name some recent projects you have worked on?
We really enjoyed creating an animation around Halsey’s original art for a recent Coke spot. I’m really proud of how that turned out, and we were singing that song for ages!
Coke
We designed and animated a beautiful piece for Munchkin that emphasizes its commitment to green practices. And we worked on something superfun and catchy for Vitamin Water.
We also finished up an animated piece with insightful, meaningful and powerful content, explaining Native American economic practices and ideology.
It’s been really refreshing. We’ve been given a lot of creative freedom recently.
Why did you choose this profession?
I fell into this position. I came across a receptionist posting for a VFX company; it paid more than my other two jobs, and the hours allowed me to study for the college courses I was taking. So I applied for it and started to work in the “biz.”
After a year I was promoted to assistant producer and then worked my way up and through VFX, edit and production houses. Before that receptionist job, I didn’t know anything about the industry at all; it wasn’t something in my consciousness. But once I started, I knew I’d be doing this forever.
Munchkin
Do you listen to music while you work? Care to share your favorite music to work to?
Yes, I do! It depends on what I’m doing and my mood, though. If I’m lagging and have a lot to do, pop is my go-to: Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, Dominic Fike, etc.
If I really need to concentrate, Indian or Arabic instrumental music is what I choose, or the album “Awake” by Dream Theater (it’s a long story!).
If I’m feeling goofy, then the old crooners are what I blast and sing along to!
Name three pieces of technology you can’t live without.
The app How much Phe? which helps us track our son’s rare metabolic disorder. I’d cry without it!
The kids’ Kindles. They get to use them when we travel long distances, and it makes things much easier.
Oh, and my phone!
Vitamin Water
What do you do to de-stress from it all?
I remind myself that there’s only so much I can control and prepare for, then I have to go with the flow — it’s just work.
I’ve started taking Taekwondo. I love that I need to really think as well as move — that pushes work thoughts out. And venting helps too.
Making sure that my free time is filled with people and things I love is key.
Would you have done anything different along your path?
There was a moment early in my career when I was asked if I wanted to take a junior VFX supervision job in New Zealand, but I had just accepted a job with a post house in NYC. I had to turn the New Zealand job down, and I later found out that the gig was for the first Lord of the Rings!
My life would have been totally different because that path would have changed everything, but I don’t regret it. I appreciate all the experiences I’ve had, even the crappy ones.
The people that I’ve met and the things I’ve done have all led me here to this place and to the person I am. So no, I wouldn’t have done anything differently.
Finally, any tips for others who are just starting out?
I would tell them to trust their gut. You can never predict the future, so think about that and do what feels right in the moment… and make a change if/when it doesn’t feel right anymore. There are no mistakes, just lessons to learn from.
