My Inspiration: Monty Oum

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By Anthony Hines

 

Monty Oum was a part of RoosterTeeth as a lead animator. To me, Monty Oum is a remarkable human being. He worked the most efficient way possible. Monty was known to take out keys on the keyboard that did not shortcut, since they were only in the way of workflow. He would only input 59 seconds on a microwave, simply because it would take longer to hit the extra button to do one minute. Monty only knew sleep, eat, and work.

 

However, his way of living quickly eventually turned against him, and he no longer felt the need to pay attention to family and friends. Monty’s mother was deathly ill, but he kept putting off going back to his home state to meet with her and the family. Eventually, his friends got the flight booked for him and got him to the airport. However, it was too late. While sitting at the airport, he got the call that his mother had passed away. He didn’t feel anything, and only wanted to go back to work since he saw no reason to go back when she was gone. He was finally pulled from this habit when his friends made him realize that what he was doing was wrong. He went to be with his family and reconnected. When he came back, he was different, and he became much better at managing his work and social life.

 

Monty’s work ethic was incomparable; as was the inspiration he gave to others. Monty would always be telling people that they need to get their project done before time catches up with them. He would say that time was the only thing that could stop you from completing your dreams. Those are words that I believe in, and will never forget. In 2015, when Monty passed away, I felt like I had lost something; like I didn’t want to follow my dreams. However, I went back and watched his work, listened to him speak, and how he directed others. It was more inspiring than ever for me. Granted, it’s now made me more cynical of choreography, but it was definitely changing. Monty always said to watch things and be more open about the information you take in, and to analyze it all. I can’t think of any better way to live, and I continue to work hard for my dreams while trying to live up to his words.

 

As I move forward, I always like to remind people of what they can do, and that they should never feel like putting off something they don’t want to do. Monty’s words are something to take to heart, and I want everyone I meet to get that feeling of accomplishment. Obviously few are going to give their 100% like Monty, but everyone has their own workflow, and everyone does things differently. They should always work the way they are most comfortable and in their own time. What’s important is doing what you love to do. Even if it isn’t for yourself, it can be for the people who are always looking for new things to read, or watch, or listen to.

 

“If you endeavor to achieve, it will happen given enough resolve. It may not be immediate, and often your greater dreams are something you will not achieve within your own lifetime. The effort you put forth to anything transcends yourself, for there is no futility even in death.”

-Monty Oum