Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
I’m a prop/EFX and character designer, currently doing freelance character design for Titmouse. I’ve done work for Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, and Disney TV, as well. Growing up watching Saturday morning cartoons, I knew I wanted to pursue animation. I learned about art schools during high school, and I attended Ringling College of Art + Design. After I graduated, I felt that illustration wasn’t the right direction for me, so I started over from scratch by researching and looking up artists for tips and advice. Four years later, I landed my first real gig and have been hopping from job to job ever since. Outside of my career, some personal but important information about me is that I am deaf/HoH (hard-of-hearing), but I’m very good at reading lips.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
I’ve been lucky to have the incredible support of my family and friends, especially my girlfriend, and that has kept me going when times were hard and none of my job applications were panning out. I always thought it would be hard for me to get into the industry because of my issue with hearing, as it can sometimes make communication difficult. It’s very challenging, but I overcame that fear by knowing that there are people out there who are willing to help me get to where I want to be. It took a long time, but I’m super thankful that the people I’ve worked with were patient with me.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
Oh man, there’s a lot of artists out there around the world that are insanely awesome. There are too many to name, but here are a few of the artists I’m inspired by: Yoon Je An, Keiko Murayama, Alexandre Diboine, Joe Sparrow, Del Pérez Adán, and Loic Locatelli Kournwsky.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I’d love to create a show of my own one day or be a co-showrunner with my good friend Charlie Parisi who is also in the industry.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
Community! I’m glad the TAG committees are working hard and becoming more involved with those people in need. My friend Marie Lum started the TAG Local 839 Group for Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodiverse (DDNV), and I’m one of the co-leaders who’s here to help and do my best to make each individual with a disability feel safe and supported!!
Learn more about Bae’s work at his website.
Follow him on Instagram.
TAG’s CCNV group can be contacted at TAGddnv@gmail.com.
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