Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
Hello! I’m Mira Ko. I’ve been working in the animation industry for eight years as a Background Painter and Designer at studios like Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., Disney, and Cartoon Network. While growing up in Northern Virginia, I was really charmed by children’s book illustrations and Pixar films. Discovering the visual development art for them in high school lit a spark in me. When I saw how beautifully the artists commanded light, perspective, and storytelling, I wanted to devote my time to learning how I could achieve the same level of artistry.
I majored in illustration during college. During my senior year, I attended an indie comics convention called Small Press Expo, where I pitched a shorts idea to Nickelodeon. After my pitch, they connected me to Nick’s intern program, where I was offered a spot with the development team a few weeks later. I moved from Virginia to Los Angeles, ready to jumpstart my dreams of being an artist for animation. Since then, I’m proud to have worked on some amazing projects, like Santiago of the Seas, King Tweety, and Monster High.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
Breaking into the animation industry wasn’t easy. After graduating college, I didn’t feel like I had the technical skills I needed to succeed in animation, and that created a lot of stress. I struggled to get my portfolio to a level that would catch the attention of studios. It took me about a year to land my first job as a Color Designer at Titmouse, and another year to work my way up to a background painting position.
During that first year, I worked odd jobs — at a café and as a Video Editor at a VFX studio — while taking design classes in animation and film. Through these, I met incredible friends and mentors who helped push my work to the next level and who gave me the confidence and skills to start finding work consistently.
Through all of this, I’ve learned that adaptability, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning are key to succeeding in an industry that’s so competitive and ever-changing. Most of all, my faith kept me grounded and hopeful that I would reach my goals one day.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
In terms of lighting and design, Aymeric Kevin, Scott Watanabe, Robert Kondo, and Matthias Lechner are some of my biggest influences. Their work strikes the perfect balance of fantasy storytelling with breathtaking design and lighting.
I’m also really inspired by the work of Hayao Miyazaki, Walt Disney, and Rebecca Sugar, for their unmatched vision, artistry, and inspired storytelling. Howl’s Moving Castle and Steven Universe were big influences on me, as well as reading about how Walt Disney founded his studio from the ground up. To me, it’s a case study in innovation and resilience.
Lastly, I’m inspired by my friends and co-workers. I’m grateful to be surrounded by artists who treat their work with so much care and devotion. Conversations with them challenge me to think differently and explore new ways of storytelling.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I’d love to work as a Visual Development Artist on a film someday. I’m drawn to the challenge of helping shape the look and feel of a story at its earliest stages, creating worlds and characters that resonate with audiences on a deep level.
I’d also love the opportunity to work as a Design Supervisor on a show. I think I’d enjoy the balance of managing the logistics of production while fostering creativity on my team—bringing out the best in each artist and pushing the art style in exciting new directions.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
Being part of the Union is one of the incredible perks of working in the animation industry. I’m grateful for all the work they do on our behalf—advocating for our rights as employees and ensuring we have access to benefits like healthcare, retirement plans, and fair wage increases.
It’s a privilege that I don’t take for granted! Knowing there’s an organization dedicated to protecting and uplifting animation professionals allows us to focus on our craft while having the security and support we need in our careers.
Learn more about Mira at her website.
Follow her on Instagram.
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