Meet Jury Member Anton Ten, ECD & Founder, PAPATON Studio

Q: What company do you work for?

PAPATON Studio

Q: What is your current role / title?

ECD & Founder

Q: How many years have you been a judge?

1-3

Q: What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

I’m the ECD at PAPATON Studio, where I oversee animation projects, develop original IP, and build a strong creative team. I also lead business development, partnerships, and strategy. What I love most is shaping ideas into something real—seeing a concept grow into a full-fledged story, brand, or product. The thrill is in the process, from the first sketch to the final frame.

Q: What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

My first job was as a designer in a print shop, where I converted raster images to vector using CorelDRAW. This work taught me diligence and attention to detail. Redrawing hundreds of images, I started to see how different elements of characters and objects are constructed and how they come together to form a final picture. It was my first real lesson in understanding structure, composition, and the fundamentals of visual storytelling.

Q: What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

Right now, I’m working on a 3D animated kids’ series based on my original characters, and for the first time, we’re using mix 2D, 3D, and UE. It’s super exciting to explore how real-time technology can enhance storytelling and streamline animation workflows.

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

The industry moves fast, and standing out requires constant reinvention. Finding the right balance between creativity and business is always a challenge—great ideas need structure, funding, and strategy to succeed. For me, the biggest challenge is staying focused while juggling multiple projects and ideas.

What do you look for to determine creativity and technical talent in Animation and Motion Design?

Creativity is about problem-solving—taking something simple and turning it into something unexpected. I look for originality, strong storytelling instincts, and an ability to make even small moments memorable. Technically, I value precision, a good eye for timing, and a deep understanding of movement, whether it’s in 2D, 3D, or mixed media.

How do you unwind from work mode?

I love collecting small vintage toys, biking, wakesurfing, and exploring design and interiors. But the best way to unwind is spending time with my kids—seeing the world through their eyes is the ultimate reset.

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to fuel your creativity?

Talking to interesting people. I love hearing about different creative journeys, whether it’s from filmmakers, designers, or even people in completely different fields. I also find that stepping away from the screen—drawing, brainstorming on paper, or even just observing the world—helps spark new ideas.

In your experience, what is a significant change happening in the animation and motion design industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

The industry is becoming more independent and accessible. Evolution in technology and social platforms has removed barriers, allowing smaller studios and individual creators to produce and distribute high-quality content without relying on big players. The key to navigating this shift is focusing on strong storytelling and a distinct creative vision—technology evens the playing field, but originality is what truly makes a project stand out.

Anton Ten, ECD & Founder, PAPATON Studio