Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
Hello, my name is Marie! I am a disabled Chinese American artist, and it’s great to be here. I worked as an animator here and there during college, all freelance for various projects online and on-air. Additionally, I did freelance for toy design (over at Mattel) and in games (concepts and animation). After I graduated, I got my first full-time studio job at Cartoon Network as a revisionist which was super duper awesome, and I am so grateful, I look back on my portfolio I had then, and I honestly wonder how I was given a chance—HAHA! I’ve been bouncing around studios as a Board Artist and couldn’t be happier!
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
Within animation, some of my biggest inspirations have been Tyrus Wong and Milton Quon, two Chinese artists. They were good friends and worked together at Disney during the Fantasia and Bambi days. I am fortunate enough to have known both of them before they passed. Both lived to be past 100 years of age. I miss them greatly.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
The hardest part is learning how to take care of myself. I had many medical scares at the beginning of my career, and my doctor told me that I would either have to make huge changes in how much work I do and my scheduling or quit the industry entirely because I was killing myself by overworking. This was terrifying because although I love what I do, it wasn’t worth sacrificing my well-being. Don’t make my same mistake! Take care of your body!
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I came into this industry wanting to give back to it what it gave me. I love drawing, and I’ve always loved animation, but first and foremost I want to be able to provide programming that can help strengthen those who watch it. I grew up in a very difficult household, and I would watch PBS kids all day all the time. Those shows were the foundations of who I am, and I feel like the network raised me in a way. It taught me about kindness and wholeheartedness and the world around me. Now that I’m in a position to make cartoons for people who may be in the same situation as I was, I want to help provide the best shows for them as I can.
Additionally, I want to help continue to push for better representation for Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent individuals, as well as make the industry more accessible for identifying artists. At the present, the industry is incredibly hostile and inaccessible for these individuals mentioned. I hope to help make a positive difference however I can so the next generation of artists have a better time than I am having.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
The Union to me means community, positive change, and hope for a better future in this industry. We are so fortunate to have the Union! We have the power to make real, lasting change for our industry, and that is so powerful. The future of our community is in our hands and it’s incredible to be a part of it.
Learn more about Marie at her website.
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