Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
Hi I’m Rachel! I’m a Storyboard Artist and Revisionist who’s been working in animation for seven years. I’ve worked in production at Cartoon Network and as a Storyboard Artist/Revisionist on shows like Long Story Short, Kindergarten: The Musical, Polly Pocket, and Strange Planet.
I’m from southeastern Ohio and attended the Columbus College of Art and Design where I got a BFA in Animation. Growing up in Appalachia and going to school so far from Los Angeles, I really wondered if I could make it work. I spent much of my early college years researching and applying for endless internships. By some miracle that I still question today, I got the awesome opportunity to intern at Cartoon Network during the summer of my junior year! About a year later in 2019, my producer asked me to come back as a Production Assistant on her new show, and I moved out to L.A. Many tests and interviews later, I got my first Union storyboard job in 2022.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
Finding work and breaking in can be extremely difficult. While I made it into the animation world shortly after college, it would take much more time, practice, and determination to reach my dream of becoming a Storyboard Artist. I’m still proud of my sheer will to accomplish that goal.
Now my challenges have shifted to merely staying employed and finding more work. I’m still very green, and having broken into storyboarding right before the industry contraction, my network is small and studios are less likely to take a chance on me. I keep trying to remind myself what it took to get here and how good I am at what I do—otherwise, no one would have hired me in the first place! I’ve always struggled with self-doubt and introversion, though my confidence has really grown over the years.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
Stephen Hillenburg was a big one throughout my childhood, and Michael Dante DiMartino/Bryan Konietzko during my middle school years when I was completely enthralled by Avatar: The Last Airbender. Rebecca Sugar inspired me in high school, when I was really starting to research who made animation and what it took to work in the business. So many peers at Cartoon Network also showed me the ropes and gave me the courage to reach my goal of becoming a Storyboard Artist. I still appreciate them to this day!
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
More than anything, I just want to keep working. It’s so hard to imagine myself doing anything else. I love being on a team and collaborating to make something really special. In a perfect world, I’d love to transition to feature and storyboard on a movie. I always pictured myself working at a feature studio when I was dreaming big in high school. I’d also love to direct a series!
What does being in the Union mean to you?
We couldn’t do what we do without the Union. Not only does it keep us safe from exploitation, it also provides us with a valuable community. It’s wonderful to be able to connect with others that understand you and offer their support during difficult times.
Learn more about Rachel at her website.
Follow her on Bluesky and Instagram.
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