Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
Hi! My name is Karissa Valencia. I grew up between San Diego and the Chumash reservation in the Santa Ynez Valley. I feel fortunate that I always knew I wanted to be a writer. I was constantly inspired by my Indigenous and Mexican cultures. Our stories are fantastical, magical, and perfect for animation, if you ask me! Since moving to L.A. in 2014, I’ve worked at Nickelodeon and Disney Junior, and now I’m at Netflix Animation show-running my very first show, Spirit Rangers, which follows the adventures of a modern Native American family living in a magical National Park.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
So many! I admire artists like Jorge Gutiérrez who are unapologetically in love with their culture and use it as inspiration. I also look up to Chris Nee and her style of writing for pre-schoolers. She’s created female characters like Doc McStuffins and Vampirina that I would have loved as a kid.
Image courtesy of Netflix.What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
When I first started in animation, I was usually the only Indigenous person in the room. Most times, I was the first Indigenous person my co-workers had even met. It was isolating and challenging at times. But now that I’m in a hiring position as a showrunner, my goal is to provide opportunities for Native talent who are also passionate about animation.
How has the animation industry helped give you representation, and how can it improve?
I grew up knowing every song to Disney’s Pocahontas. Even though the film is problematic for several reasons, I loved it as a kid. I still remember going to my tribe’s annual pow wow when I was a kid and asking Irene Bedard to sign my VHS. I was so excited to meet her, especially because she looked like her character. Representation matters! Now, Netflix Animation has empowered me to create a show about Indigenous characters from an Indigenous perspective. I’m hoping that this is only the beginning and more Indigenous show creators will be empowered to tell their stories. We’re not a monolith, and I can’t wait to watch the shows that future creators make.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I’d love to keep telling authentic stories and bringing more Native characters to screen. I hope to keep mentoring upcoming talent, create safe spaces for new or marginalized artists, and challenge myself as a storyteller. Next on my wish list would also be to write a feature film.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
It means a lot to me to be a part of a union. It means that I’m not alone and can lean on my community for any questions and support. Go TAG!
Follow Karissa on her Instagram page.
