Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
Hello! I am a Background Painter and Designer who has been working professionally in animation for about seven years. My personal art journey has me exploring ways to illustrate and animate in Blender. I have had a love for illustrations and animated films since I was little. Something about visuals telling a story without words has always intrigued me. It is what compelled me to move from Sacramento County to Southern California to pursue this dream. I got a BFA with a concentration in illustration at CSU Fullerton. I have had the pleasure to work with wonderful teams at Six Point Harness and Wild Canary on amazing projects like Hair Love and Disney Jr.’s Ariel.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
Initially, breaking into the industry was tough for me. My journey before animation included stints as a graphic designer in architectural signage, children’s book illustration, data entry, and HR. Looking back, I appreciate the journey as it both highlights and defines my learning abilities and versatility quite well.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
Early inspirations for me were Tim Burton and Hayao Miyazaki. I loved both the gothic and muted visuals, as well as the whimsical and colorful ones. Lately, I have been excited by artists who have been pushing the blend of 2D and 3D, such as Alberto Mielgo, Ian Worthington, and Andry Dédouze. Working with different teams and projects is also a great source of inspiration for me. It is a great privilege to work alongside talented people.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I hope to keep refining my visual art style, particularly using Blender, and to keep working on new projects with people who share a love for this craft and push the medium to new heights.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
Being in the Union means being part of a collective that supports and uplifts working artists in this industry, ensuring they are paid and treated fairly. It’s easy to be taken advantage of as a creative, so I am proud to be a part of this industry because of what our Union fights for us.
Learn more about Kelsey at her website.
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