Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
I grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, and ever since I realized people had to make the cartoons I was watching, I knew I wanted to work in the animation industry! Eventually I decided to go to film school in Nebraska, where I found a second love in live-action production.
I’m currently a Storyboard Artist at Bento Box Entertainment on The Great North. I’ve been in the industry for about four years, and it’s been a journey. As a junior in college, I was lucky to get an internship with the Television Academy at Bento Box on Bob’s Burgers, where I met so many wonderful people! I remember having a bit of culture shock, both living in L.A. for the first time and being in a studio, but it was a really wonderful learning experience.
After I graduated I struggled with landing my first job and eventually decided to just move to L.A. with some friends and try my luck. Thankfully I got a job as a Production Assistant on a—at the time—new show called The Great North, and I’ve been working my way into my current position since then. I really loved working in production. It taught me a ton, and I think it’s made me a better artist and collaborator. I’m excited to see where life takes me over the next four years!
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
Like a lot of people in animation, I’m pretty introverted. I have always found networking incredibly daunting and stressful. It’s helped me to try to never think of it as networking but as making new friends. We all need more friends!
I’ve also realized I need to advocate for myself. When I was a PA and wanted to move up, I knew we would be testing Storyboard Artists for season two soon. So I asked my producers if I could take a test. Thankfully they said yes, and I passed. I think if I had never asked I would likely still be working in production wanting to be an artist. I still struggle with internal self-doubt. I try to remind myself that I’m always growing, but it’s a constant battle.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
There are so many! But Craig McCracken has always been one of my biggest inspirations. It was watching The PowerPuff Girls that first got me interested in animation. I find his work endlessly charming.
I remember watching interviews in DVD extras of Stephen Hillenburg over and over as a kid. He was so concise and funny, and of course his work is phenomenal.
Lauren Faust was the first woman in animation I ever saw in an interview, and I remember being so inspired thinking: “If she can do it, I can too!” Her work is always so clever and endearing.
Lastly C.H. Greenblatt’s zany and energetic storytelling has taught me so much over the years.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I love being a Storyboard Artist, but I also love writing and directing. I’d like to move into features as a Story Artist and have a hand in helping shape the story with so many other wonderful artists. I’d also love to eventually be a director in features or TV.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
Being in the Union is amazing. It creates a sense of community that is incredibly comforting. I know whenever I have questions or concerns, I have a big group of people I can turn to for help. I’ve learned so much just by talking to my fellow Union members and sitting in on meetings. It really feels like we all have each other’s best interests at heart. There are so many wonderful people in this industry, and the Union helps bring us all together and help one another!
See more of Michaela’s work at her website.
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