Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
My name is Vinod Krishnan, and I was raised on a little island in the Middle East called Kingdom of Bahrain. Despite harboring a natural inclination towards creative work, I never considered it as a viable career path. It wasn’t until I reached the age of 16 or 17 that the notion of pursuing animation (or just art in general) as a career was introduced to me by a cousin. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, I can’t help but draw parallels to the scene in Ratatouille where Remy, after savoring a bite of cheese and a strawberry, experiences a profound revelation about his life’s purpose.
I moved to the States in 2014 to pursue a master’s degree in animation at Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, Georgia. Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2018, I’ve embraced every opportunity to grow and challenge myself. From working on renowned projects like Annabelle Comes Home, Marvel’s Runaways and Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, to venturing into the realm of music videos for artists such as Taylor Swift, Camila Cabello, Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson, and Billie Eilish, my journey has been nothing short of exhilarating.
Most recently, I’ve found my niche as a Production Technical Director at Disney Television Animation, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing to multiple award-winning television shows like The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, and The Owl House, among others. It’s been a whirlwind experience collaborating with studios like DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon, and Sony Pictures Animation, and I’m grateful for every opportunity that has come my way.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
From a personal perspective, navigating the intricacies of visa deadlines has undoubtedly been one of the most significant challenges I’ve encountered. It extends beyond the typical demands of skill development and industry relevance, requiring a constant vigilance to ensure my visa status remains valid. The uncertainty in visa processes adds an extra layer of complexity to my professional and personal life. It’s not just about maintaining legal compliance; it’s about managing the anxiety and uncertainty that comes with the possibility of disruptions to my career and life plans.
Professionally, one of the most formidable challenges in this industry is keeping pace with the relentless evolution of technology. Every phase of production demands a wide array of software applications, each requiring mastery and proficiency that fits the unique needs of a show/film. In an era where the internet makes it quite easy to find answers for questions we never asked, I’ve found ways to keep the learning process streamlined toward a specific target. By channeling my efforts into specific areas of interest and practice, I’ve found an efficient process for continuous growth within the fast-paced landscape of this industry.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
Oof! Too many to name. One of the first animated films I EVER watched was a VHS rental of The Jungle Book (1967). I remember watching that over and over again as a kid, so much so that I implored my parents to purchase our own copy of the tape (something that was rarely done back then). Decades later, I still religiously watch the making of The Jungle Book on Youtube on a monthly basis. Safe to say Disney’s Nine Old Men have had a huge impact on me as an artist from the earliest part of my memory bank.
Over the years, I’ve found myself looking up to legends like Glen Keane, Bruce W. Smith, and Brad Bird from time to time for inspiration. The body of work these people have done empowers me to push beyond the boundaries of imposter syndrome and focus on the passion I have for storytelling. I also want to mention the work of animator Ryan Woodward who has grasped my attention since his fluid work on Osmosis Jones before going on to make the sweetest short films I’ve seen to date, Thought of You.
Lastly, I remember watching Avatar: The Last Airbender when I was in college. Words can’t describe how much of an impact this show had on me. I remember saying, “That’s the style I want to work in someday.” From the action sequences to the character acting moments, the show hit every note for me.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I’ve never been the one to set too many ambitious goals for my career. If someone had given me an empty sheet of paper asking me to forecast my career five years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to predict what it has entailed so far. Every step of the way, the universe has granted me with opportunities I never imagined, which only made me develop the mentality of giving my 100% with every opportunity I get, however big or small the project may be. I firmly believe I couldn’t have made it this far without help and support. I only wish to pay it forward and offer my support to the next generation. Moving forward, I hope to inspire artists in faraway lands who want to pursue their dreams of working in the animation industry.
In the industry, I want to delve deeper into narratives that intricately explore the complexities of human emotions. I am drawn to the challenge of capturing those elusive feelings that defy an easy description. My aim is to use the power of visual storytelling to illuminate these nuanced emotions, offering audiences a window into the depths of human experience. Through my work, I wish to transcend language barriers and tap into the universal essence of emotion, fostering a deeper connection and understanding among the audience.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
While I may be relatively new to the Union, the past three years have been a profound journey of growth and understanding within the industry. Joining the Union has been nothing short of transformative for me. It has provided a sense of security and belonging that I hadn’t experienced before, reassuring me that as artists, we are not alone in this wild ride.
Being a part of the Union has been truly life-changing. Feeling a sense of security, where we artists have been made to feel we’re not alone, has brought a blanket of confidence to my animation career. Knowing that I’m part of a community that values and supports its members has instilled a deep sense of pride in me. It’s an honor to stand alongside the talented artists I’ve had the privilege of working with and admiring. Together, we navigate the intricacies of our craft, inspire one another, and collectively contribute to a fruitful and sustainable career.
See more of Vinod’s art at his website.
Follow him on Instagram.
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