Kids The return of Tina Mation!
Tina Mation is back on RTÉ with a new series of arts and crafts shows
Almost to the day, 26 years ago, Tina Mation recorded her rst TV show for RTÉ. Later that year, a er her rst series aired, Tina’s animation kit featured on the Late Late Toy Show and was a huge success. Two years later, Tina was back in studio with Gay Byrne, who she showed how to draw a dog.
As the years went by, Tina won her international attention, with her shows going out in the UK, across Europe and 18 countries in the Middle East.
Over the years, Tina has shown viewers just how easy it is to draw and create.
2020 was a di cult year for most people and was no di erent for Tina; but determined to rebuild, Tina created a new art learning book connected to her website. Unfortunately, serious illness stopped her from promoting this new venture last year, but by January of this year, she was back at work. She is genuinely excited at what she calls a “restart” or “rest-art”, with her new series going out on May 17. Here she tells us about it.
How does it feel to have your new series, Let’s
Draw with Tina start?
Amazing and unbelievable at the same time. It is almost to the day, 26 years ago, I recorded my rst programme in RTÉ TV’S Studio 4. I had no idea where the adventure would take me.
Where did it take you?
To places and people I could not have imagined back in 1995, when I was a normal, busy mother of four children, who loved art. I never thought I would be on television, let alone have my own show. I am so grateful for the opportunities television has given me, from travel to meeting amazing people. I got to meet the nephew of the man who inspired me to become an artist, Roy Disney. He was a such a gentleman and so passionate about animation.
What can we expect in the new series?
Lots of new characters, from cats and dogs to bugs and bears, all with their own personality showing.
How long does it take to produce a new series?
It takes about a year to create and choose the new characters, but it took just four days to record 40 programmes. ey were long days, mind you, but I love the feeling I get when I am on the set at my easel and the director says ‘Happy, Happy, Happy!’ in my ear and I’m away. I had a brilliant production team and that makes it so much easier. I just received the great news con rming that the complete series will also be on the RTÉ Player for the next three years which is absolutely fabulous! So hopefully, children around the world can watch and draw with me as well.
How was 2020 for you?
Well, 2020 was di cult for most people, but for me it was especially so. I had so many plans but in July I was diagnosed with cancer and needed radical surgery. I was advised to write o the next year and concentrate on recovery, so everything stopped. I had a wonderful team of cancer care professionals looking a er me and I am feeling stronger and thankful that I am back doing what I love, creating and teaching.
What does the future hold for you?
Oh, lots of things, I hope. ere is so much more I want to create. I am so excited that my new book Let’s Draw with Tina, that is linked to my learning website letsdraw365.eu, will be launched on May 17. Following that, I have my new ‘Art in a Box’ courses collection and a re-imagined version of my Animation Kit for Smyths Toys to be ready in time for Christmas. I now feel I have been given a chance to ‘rest-art’ all of the ideas that were shelved over the past year.
Do you have any advice for someone wanting to be an artist?
Everyone is an artist and is gi ed in some way but if you mean to become an artist or animator, then I would say create what makes you feel good and if at rst you don’t succeed, try, try and try again. I’m still trying!
Tina Mation’s new book Let’s Draw with Tina is out on May 17, but is now available as a digital download on tinamation.net