Tell us about yourself!
I’m a senior, focusing in Visual Development and I’m an aide for Professor Webber’s 2D principles class! I love working with color and I really love dogs in bandannas.
What are of animation do you enjoy the most, and why?
Visual Development! I just really love making a full illustration of a world. I don’t think there is anything more rewarding than seeing a painting that shows what you have in my mind. Sometimes i just have a color combination I’d like to see and others it’s a moment or feeling I’d like to show. I think also in a painting you can sit and see the silence of a moment. I hope that makes sense, I have a very hard time expressing myself with words and writing! That’s probably why I’m a visual artist Visual Development!
What is a challenge that you’ve had to overcome?
I didn’t really draw before coming to SCAD, so learning how to draw next to people who are leaps and bounds ahead can be really intimidating and made me want to stop drawing all together at some points. I’m also red-green colorblind but mildly so.
What advice would you give yourself as a freshman?
You have way more time than you think, get a job and start making money. Also hard work does pay off even if it sucks in the moment.
What inspires you during a difficult project?
Paintings always start off looking awful, so I’ve learned moving fast and just laying down colors and responding to if they work or not right away gets me through it. Also looking at artists I admire can really make me be like “Ah man I want to do that!!!!!”
What experiences have stood out to you?
Last year, My roommates and I made a blanket fort with string lights and just ate snacks and played Kirby Epic Yarn! That was super relaxing. Oh also going to Hong Kong over the winter break was amazing!
What classes have you enjoyed, and why?
Webber’s 2D Character was probably the best and most influential class I’ve ever taken. Super fun and I learned so much!
Is there anything you want to see SCAD offer in the future?
A designing for Animation class. Similar to Environments, Props, and Structures in the Sequential department.
What made you decide to go to SCAD, and when did you choose SCAD?
The freedom to explore different fields! I was going to major in Production design here originally and was already accepted to a school for Set and Lighting design double major, but wasn’t confident enough to say “yes that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life” as a Senior in high school.
What are your goals after graduation and what goals do you have for your career?
I want to keep making paintings and art for as long as I live! I’d like a job doing it but I’d be happy having the time to make it regardless.
Do you have any advice for working as part of a team?
Please communicate and don’t slack off and give people more work.
When in your life did you decide to choose animation as a career?
Mid way through the Fall of Sophomore year during Action Analysis.
What are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?
I cook and talk to friends! Maybe play some video games or DnD.
Huge thank you to Jonah for allowing us to feature this interview here! Check out more of his work on Instagram!
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