Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
My name is Karen Guo, and I’m Taiwanese American. I grew up in Canada where I worked for two years as a 3D Animator before moving down to Los Angeles in 2015 to pursue storyboarding. I’ve loved animation my whole life so going into this field felt natural—but storyboarding is really where I found my strengths and grew as an artist. Since I started, I’ve worked for DreamWorks TV, Disney TVA, Nickelodeon, Atomic Cartoons, and Titmouse. I’m currently at Warner Bros. on My Adventures with Superman.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
Lately I feel really inspired by my peers and supervisors who make an effort to foster a positive and healthy work environment. The skill level in this industry is incredible, but if we’re all busy tearing each other down, then what’s the point?
How has the animation industry helped give you representation?
As an Asian Lesbian woman, all I had growing up was Mulan (and it wasn’t even queer). There has been so much progress since then thanks to better hiring practices and the tireless efforts of those before me, but there is still so much pushback. Rather than simply being represented on the sidelines, all lumped together, or in an ambiguous way, I want the things that make me and my community who we are to be celebrated—both AAPI and LGBTQIA+.
What words of wisdom would you give to people in your community who would like to get into animation?
Be kind and don’t give up! Be kind because animation is a team effort, and someone nice to work with will usually take precedence over someone difficult, no matter how skilled. Don’t give up because despite the horror stories we all hear, every year things are better than the last. Lastly, don’t listen to anyone who says “stop drawing anime”.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I would love to work on something self-indulgent, like a queer high fantasy/romance series!
What does being in the Union mean to you?
Having worked in non-union towns, the difference is like night and day. The community, support, safety, and strength to stand together and demand better working conditions is not something I take for granted. I hope animation workers everywhere unionize.
Learn more about Guo at her website.
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