Meet Tsuyoshi Kobayashi

We were lucky to catch up with Tsuyoshi Kobayashi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tsuyoshi, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure why I decided to pursue this career. However, one thing I can say for certain is that doing what I love has always been crucial for me. It hasn’t been as easy as I imagined, though. Choosing a career in art, for example, didn’t come with the same stability that other professions might offer, and it faced resistance from my parents. Still, making my passion my profession has been incredibly important to me. Because it’s something I truly love, I’ve always had a natural sense of curiosity and drive, things I engage in without even thinking about it.

The greatest joy for me comes from wholeheartedly enjoying the work I do. So, rather than explaining why I chose this path, it feels more like the job found me naturally because I’m doing something I love.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My job involves creating visuals using CG, and my career path has been quite a journey. I started in music videos, commercials, and TV shows before transitioning to live-action films and then video game cinematics. Now, I work on animated films. I’m originally from Japan, where I worked as a hairdresser. My dream was to work as a hair and makeup artist on Hollywood films, which led me to travel to the US several times. During these trips, I met producers and CG artists who introduced me to their studios and schools, sparking the decision to switch careers.

In 2003, I moved to the US, enrolled in language school, graduated from university, and began my new career path. Some of the people I met during this time worked at animation companies, which fueled my desire to join one. Unfortunately, due to my lack of experience and visa issues, I couldn’t break into the industry immediately.

CG is an incredibly broad field, and I started my career at a small company, working on commercials, music videos, and TV shows. At a small company, you have to wear many hats, which allowed me to become a generalist with a broad skill set. In contrast, larger film companies often have specialized roles, making it harder to gain diverse knowledge right away.

In my case, my broad skill set paid off. It allowed me to work not only as an artist but also in supervisory roles, such as VFX, CG, and compositing supervisor. While many roles in the film industry are specialized, my experience as a generalist, particularly in lighting and compositing, has been a major strength. Having experience in many different tasks, including shooting, has given me a deep understanding of how different departments connect, which helps me foresee and solve potential issues effectively.

The journey wasn’t always easy, but I’ve kept a positive outlook. Doing what I love made the challenges enjoyable, leaving me with many fond memories. One thing I can say is that I’ve always believed in the importance of doing what you love. For me, it was always about following my passion, even though making it a career was a huge challenge. After all, everyone wants to do what they love, so I worked hard to make it possible.

Pursuing a career in art can be less stable than other fields and often requires a good artistic sense to succeed. But making my passion my profession has been incredibly fulfilling. Because I love what I do, I’m always curious and eager to improve. This curiosity comes naturally, and I’ve never regretted choosing this path.

Switching careers and going back to school meant it took me nearly 15 years to reach the company of the people who inspired me to enter this industry. Now, I’m working at that company, which feels like a dream come true.

I hope people continue to enjoy animated films. We work hard every day to create amazing projects, no matter how much time passes. And while streaming at home is convenient, I encourage everyone to go to the theater when you can—the experience just isn’t the same.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I think the most impactful factor in my journey has been choosing something I’m truly passionate about. When you’re genuinely curious and excited about what you’re doing, it drives you to improve your skills without feeling like you’re forcing yourself to learn. This curiosity keeps the process enjoyable and sustainable.

Another key aspect has been making sure to have a broad range of knowledge. While it’s tempting to focus solely on what you’re most interested in, I’ve found it valuable to explore other areas as well. Sometimes, stepping outside your main interest helps you see the bigger picture and opens up new opportunities. It also keeps you adaptable and ready to take on different challenges that might come your way.

Lastly, I’ve learned that it’s important to keep an open mind about the future. You might have a specific goal in mind now, but over time, your path and interests can shift. It’s natural to change, and being open to new directions has helped me grow. Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals if things change—it doesn’t mean you’re failing, it just means you’re evolving.

For those just starting their journey, my advice would be to follow what excites you and let curiosity guide you. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond your current focus, and stay open to change. You never know where it might lead, and often, the detours are where the most growth happens

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Undoubtedly, the most helpful people in my journey have been my parents and family. They have always believed in me and provided unwavering support. I’ve also been fortunate to have amazing friends who have been there for me, offering advice and encouragement. Their support has played a key role in where I am today. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now. And, of course, I owe a great deal to the incredible movies that have inspired me, motivating me to push myself further and strive for excellence.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsuyoshi-kobayashi-562bb411/
• Other: IMDB
  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7039452/

Image Credits

Jimmy Valladao