Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
I’ve had a weird, winding career for the past 15 years. I’m from Indiana and never thought it’d be possible to work in animation. I studied live-action film at NYU, worked as an animator in preschool TV, then did feature boards for Blue Sky Studios. I used to have a really long commute, so I made this short called Dr. Breakfast while riding the train to work every day. It got into Sundance, which led me to get representation and a job storyboarding at Cartoon Network in 2013. There I became Supervising Producer on Clarence and created my own show called The Fungies! for HBO Max. But most of all I like drawing and painting in my sketchbook.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
Working in feature, I pitched so many gags that never went into the movie. It was discouraging, but I just hadn’t put enough time into my drawings yet. By the time I got to TV, I was so excited. If it was funny, it went in the show. But any time you’re working hard, you need to replenish your creative bank. I run a lot to relax and unwind. Pitching shows is hard too—it’s a skill you’ve got to practice. Even if the work is personal, you learn to take the rejection professionally.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
I love the do-it-yourself vibe of old John and Faith Hubley cartoons and Sesame Street shorts. Frédéric Back is the French-Canadian GOAT [Greatest of All Time]. I still feel like a kid watching anything Genndy Tartakovsky does. I love how animated shorts are being pushed by incredible filmmakers like Marc James Roels and Emma De Swaef, Adrien Merigeau, and Trevor Jimenez. I can’t watch Kiki’s Delivery Service without crying. I am tearing up right now thinking about when she saves Tombo from falling. That sequence is incredible. Dr. Katz is also very good in a different way.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I feel so lucky that I’ve gotten to make an original show. I’d like to help others make their dreams come true. And maybe make one more show of my own if I’m lucky. Mostly I just want to keep working for a long, long time.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
Being in the Union means not having to choose between being an artist and having stability. It means health insurance for my partner and child. It means having an organization that’s looking out for me.
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