Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
Hi! I’m Molly. I’m a Storyboard Artist and Revisionist. I’ve worked on shows like Wolfboy and the Everything Factory, Central Park, and The Great North.
Ever since I was a kid, I always knew I wanted to be an artist. I couldn’t tell you the exact moment, but I recall when I was in elementary school, my class went to the library to find chapter books to read for 20-minute reading time. Instead of picking up a novel, I picked up a “how to draw horses” book. I claimed to my teacher that it had chapters so it counted. (I cannot remember if I actually got away with that—but I did eventually learn how to draw horses.)
My career started in 2020, right after lockdown happened. It was a surprise getting a call from one of my college professors asking if I’d like to take a board test for a show he was on. And now here I am! Making cartoons for a living.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
Working on personal projects outside of a work environment. I love collaborating with others! I really value discussing how to best tell a story with my colleagues. Since the industry has been in a dry spell, I’ve been using my time to figure out what stories I would want to tell, getting advice and inspiration from my friends and reading books.
Another challenge is weirdly being so behind on a lot of classic or beloved films. Don’t ask me how I decided to become a filmmaker without watching a lot of the favored films. I’m catching up … slowly. A prime example is I only just recently watched The Shining and Nacho Libre. (I KNOW!)
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
My inspirations are pretty vast and hard to pinpoint sometimes. But, like many others, I have to shout out to classic Disney animated films, LAIKA Studios, the early DreamWorks animated films, anime, and of course Studio Ghibli to name a few.
Overall and probably cheesy to say: the world and people around me inspire and spark my curiosity. I love my friends and my fellow artists and hearing their stories and what inspires them.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
Someday, I would love to work in feature animation. Til then, I want to expand my horizons and work on more projects, tell my own stories outside of the job, and push for new skills.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
The Union is solid ground. Our rock. I would be lost without them. Knowing that I can ask questions, and get advice from people who are as passionate about our well-being, as well as loving animation, is so heart-warming. Thank you TAG!
Learn more about Molly at her website.
Follow her on social media through her Linktree.
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