Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
My journey toward a career in animation was a little spur-of-the-moment. I grew up moving from place to place, and by the time I settled down enough to focus on my future, it was already happening. Senior year of high school I did a little soul searching and decided to take the risk on a career in art. I took a gap year, saved up, and worked on a portfolio to apply to schools. I graduated from California College of the Arts in December 2019 just in time for Covid. I spent the lockdown working on my skill set and hopped around some freelance gigs that eventually landed me my most recent job, Pupstruction at Titmouse which wrapped last fall. It was a great experience getting to work with so many talented people and getting to see the impact the show had on its audience. I’m looking for my next opportunity and excited to contribute to a medium that brings so many people joy and entertainment.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
I think what I’ve struggled with the most is trying to pull myself in too many directions. Do I want to do drama? Comedy? Pre-K? Bone-cracking, skull-smashing action? So many pies, so few thumbs, and not enough fingers on the pulse to tell what vibe the industry is looking for at the moment, so I just stay torn between things. But that’s also a part of the fun! Exploring and learning from each facet of the industry, and in the words of Mr. Bob ‘Incredible’ Parr: “Yeah, I’ve got time.”
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
I have a lot of inspirations and influences from animators, cartoonists, and illustrators: Sylvain Chomet, Hayao Miyazaki, Moebius, Rebecca Sugar, Matt Rhodes, Gerard Way, Genndy Tartakovsky, Jim Henson, Matt Groening, and my fellow CCA alum Mike Mignola. Secretly, though, I think what planted the first seed of inspiration was my granddaddy showing four-year-old me The Hobbit movie from 1977. They surely were not showing anything like that on Nick Jr., and I think it did something to my brain. (Made it cooler.)
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I hope to just keep working! I love the day-to-day. I love to get up every day and be a part of a team that spends the whole day drawing stories and talking about drawing stories. I hope to just keep getting better and better at it.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
Having access to the Union’s support has been anchoring. It’s been really wonderful to know that I’m a part of a group that has each other’s backs. The Discord has also been great for support and resources, especially as I hunt for my next gig.
Learn more about Mary at her website.
Follow her on Instagram.
.png)