Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
Hi, I’m Michelle! I’m a first-generation Mexican American born and raised in this mega melting pot called Los Angeles. Unlike most of my peers, I didn’t pursue a career in animation from the beginning. As a little Mexican kid in the 90s, doing art for a living just didn’t seem accessible to me. I thought professional artists were beret-donning people who sold Mona Lisa replicas.
My mom played a huge role in how much I did draw as a kid. She was so supportive. And thanks to her, I grew an appreciation for golden era black-and-white Mexican cinema and became obsessed with dancing ballet folklórico (Mexican folk dance), which has shaped the kind of projects I love to work on today. Eventually I read enough magical girl manga, graphic novels, and webcomics to realize I could be a storyboard artist and draw stories I want to tell. I never did get an internship, but after graduating from Cal State Fullerton, I landed myself a storyboard mentorship, took Concept Design Academy classes, and generally went to animation events, driving 3+ hour round trips to L.A. from Fullerton and networking. I did everything I could to get my foot in the door. It was exhausting.
Then one day I landed my first job as both a storyboard revisionist and a production assistant at Joe Murray Studio where I learned so much! Today, I am a storyboard artist at Warner Bros. Animation.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
Remember how I said I was really into comics? I read Katie Shanahan’s comic Shrub Monkeys religiously when she used to update it. Her sense of humor was so absurd and funny to me, that I aspired to become a storyboard artist for TV animation just like her. I also loved reading Vera Brosgol’s comics around the same time. Her work was so whimsical and mysterious. When I saw Vera’s name in the Coraline credits in a movie theater, you bet I cheered! Today, I am also inspired by my fellow peers in the animation community. Their drive, positive attitudes, and kind spirits motivate me like nothing else does to be the best team player I can be.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
As a storyboard artist who constantly hunches over her drawing tablet like a gremlin, I’m trying to practice better physical health, which has been extra difficult to do while being more sedentary in a work-from-home environment.
That said, I’m only at my second animation studio, but like many others I’m also worried about how unstable long-term work can be in this industry. My hope is for that to change!
How has the animation industry helped give you representation, and how can it improve?
There are so many diverse animated shows, movies, and even video games out these days that I wish I had been exposed to as a child. When you’re that young, no one tells you that seeing a badass Latina warrior bent on saving the world can affect your sense of self for the better. I’m very happy to see people like Jorge R. Gutiérrez and Sandra Equihua using their influence to make work like that, because I know it helps little brown audiences feel seen. Little me is definitely happy about it!
Behind the scenes, however, can be a different story. While I see that there are diversity and inclusion efforts in animation today, I’m afraid so much work still needs to be done. I want to see more Latinx/BIPOC in leadership positions! In hiring positions! And meanwhile we actively change that: much more uplifting from our allies. Underrepresented artists need to be hired and mentored, and their career growth should be nurtured from day one.
What words of wisdom would you give to people in your community who would like to get into animation?
Be persistent, no matter how long it takes. Don’t tire yourself out and take breaks. Be kind and uplifting, because you want to be, and not because you might get something out of it. Your friends, classmates, and like-minded acquaintances are not rivals—they are your future co-workers!
Sometimes people have this mindset that they are racing against each other to see who gets the job first. I think a good way to combat that mentality is to refocus that energy into a personal project that is specific to your self and to share it. People are naturally drawn to work that shows your passion. Do you like kickboxing? Make character exploration sheets featuring a character who’s into kickboxing. Do you think hot air balloons are neat? Write a short story involving a hot air balloon adventure. Did you once park your bike on grass, manage to still fall off and break your thumb, because you were trying to impress a couple of tween skater boys? (Okay, this one happened to me.) Make a storyboard about it. Make it personal. Make it you. And don’t be afraid to collaborate. Most importantly, have fun!
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
It has always been part of my life agenda to help others achieve their life goals because I understand very well what it’s like to struggle by yourself. My career accomplishments aren’t usually focused on myself, but on how much I can help diversify this field. I’m thankful to be a part of the LatinX in Animation team which helps me help others in this way. I also hope to one day work on a Latinx driven show, and to be one more Latina director in animation!
What does being in the Union mean to you?
I’m very new to the Union, but I can say that it’s a relief to finally have joined. To me, the very concept of the Union has always meant SECURITY in big, fat letters. I also love how community-driven TAG, and I applaud all the efforts to remind everyone in it and outside of it that a better industry is not just wishful thinking, but that it’s constantly being worked towards.
See more of Eloren’s artwork at her website.
Follow her on Instagram at @whimsicalmichi.
Follow her on Twitter at @elotewaifu.
.png)