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KEYFRAME

Member Mondays • Spring 2025

Gabby Zapata

Model Designer Gabby Zapata talks about how hardship creates empathy, her desire to inspire girls to follow their dreams, and how the Guild is about taking care of one another.

All artwork by Gabby Zapata.

Tell us a little about yourself and your career.

I’ve had a deep love for animation since early childhood, and I’m forever thankful that my family saw the potential in me. I’ve worked on so many projects, meeting lots of wonderful people that reflect on the colorful worlds that I love to work on.

What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?

Probably the biggest challenge is one not a lot of people talk about. Economic stability. Being a Latina in the industry meant my family didn’t have the means to help me achieve my dream. I had to work and study plus get student loans to get to where I am today. That being said, I’m thankful for what I went through as it taught me a lot about having empathy for others.

Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?

Nico Marlet and his unique take on character shapes have always inspired me. Lindsey Olivares has a great sense of humor that I feel is very resonant with a lot of Latinos. Max Boas, who mentored me while working on the upcoming Smurfs film. His sense of color and direction is very inspiring to me!

What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?

I hope to inspire other girls to follow their dreams. To reach for their stars in any field. To avoid discouragement no matter how much life tries to bring them down. As women of color, we deserve to share our stories. We are valid and deserve to be heard.

What does being in the Union mean to you?

It means a lot. That we are not alone in this field. That we have to take care of one another not only as people but in our industry, as well.

Learn more about Gabby on her website. 
Follow her on Instagram and Bluesky.

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Tags: Gabby Zapata • Lindsey Olivares • Max Boas • Member Monday • Nico Marlet

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