Tell us about yourself!
Hi there! I am an animation senior with a minor in motion media. I’ll be graduating with a BFA in animation in spring of 2020 and a MFA in motion media design in spring of 2022. In my time here I’ve participated in the projection club and MOME love and am a peer tutor here for 2D animation and Adobe software. I like animating things that are stretchy and gooey and things that make me laugh.
What area of animation do you enjoy the most and why?
I started off as a graphic design major so I have always had more of an aesthetic preference for 2D design-driven animation. I think 2D gives you a lot of control over the work you can create and it’s more accessible in that there’s a lot of programs you can create polished looking 2D animation in for a pretty low cost.
What is a challenge that you’ve had to overcome?
After changing majors a couple of times (from graphic design to illustration to animation), I really started questioning if I had chosen the right thing and that if I would have time to learn everything I needed to by the time I finished school since in my mind I was behind. The more I learn the more I realize how much more there is still left to learn and that it won’t stop once school does. Everyone gets to be where they need to be at their own pace. My mindset has changed from wanting my work to be the best to knowing that I am doing the best that I can personally do with the skills I know now. It’s made me a lot happier with my own progress and I feel like my eagerness to learn is now coming from a more genuine place.
What advice would you give yourself as a freshman?
Make the work you want to make!! I can’t even count the amount of times my freshman and sophomore year I made projects trying to get a good grade than rather than making something I wanted to make. Grades are important for scholarships, etc. but at the end of the day if you aren’t making work that you’re happy with, what are you doing this for? Take risks when you can and make work you’re in love with! Be your own biggest fan, make work you would want to hang up in your own room!!
What inspires you during a difficult project?
Usually when I’m feeling stuck, I do chores (usually the dishes). It’s mindless but helps me feel like I’m accomplishing something and helps me return to a project with a fresh mindset. I’ll usually browse Instagram,Vimeo, Pinterest, Behance etc. for awhile if I’m having trouble developing the look for something.
What experiences have stood out to you?
My most memorable experiences here have easily been the collaborative projects I’ve been on (shoutout to Half Full!) Collaboration has its challenges but it’s really a lovely thing to be immersed in a community with like-minded people where you can explore those passions. I know it’s something I’ll miss when I graduate.
Is there anything you want to see SCAD offer in the future?
I’d love to see more collaboration between the animation and motion media departments in the future!
What type of studio would you like to work in when you graduate?
I’d really like to work at a smaller motion graphics studio. At SCAD I’ve really gotten to appreciate the smallness of classes and how close knit that can be especially in senior films. I’m really hoping to find that same sort of community once I leave school.
Do you have a favorite animated movie?
This is might be a hot take but my favorite feature length animated film is probably Heavy Metal. More so aesthetically than anything else. Most of the layouts were done by Moebius. *chef’s kiss*
Thank you Olivia for taking the time to interview with us! Check out more of her artwork on Instagram (@graphicscoven) or her Website!
SCAD Animation 