Simon Tarr-media arts professor

1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
I make independent experimental/animation films and artworks, and I sell them/perform them all over the world.
2. How did you get started in the business?
I am not in "the business." I am a business. That's why I'm an independent artist. My job is to translate my visions in a way that compels people. That's art. I left the industry of being a cog in someone else's machine long ago, but when I entered it, I did so by starting to work for free. Then people realized that they could not get their work done without me, so they started to pay me.
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?This does not happen. I am the boss. I only turn down a gig or a commission if I a.) am too busy with other gigs, b.) wouldn't get paid enough, or c.) don't like the parameters of the commission.
4. Do you have any advice for a media student starting out?
Don't fall into the trap of thinking that there is this Big Media Industry, and one prescribed best way to be successful.