If you’d told me just a few years ago that I’d be working in animation, I’m not sure I would’ve believed you. Not because I didn’t love animation — this is what I grew up with, rewatching Monsters Inc. and Clifford the Big Red Dog like they were a second language. I genuinely didn’t think people like me could actually be a part of making it. I didn’t have a film degree, I wasn’t an animator, I didn’t know the animation process… I didn’t even know “production coordinator” was a job title. But sometimes doors open in the most unexpected ways, and before I knew it, I was helping bring LEGO dream worlds – and a whole lot of spreadsheets – to life.
By my senior year of college, I had a choice to make: keep treating animation like a fun hobby or actually see if I could make it my future. I decided it was time to go all in. This was something that I held in the back of my mind for years, and I finally let that voice take over. I won’t lie — it was scary, especially because I felt like I was starting late. I had spent the last three years studying graphic design! Plenty of people had been dreaming of animation since they were kids, and here I was, still figuring out what the “12 Principles of Animation” were.
So, I threw myself into the animation world as much as I could. I started going to expos and conventions where every booth was a reminder of how much I loved this industry and how much I still didn’t know. It was overwhelming—and amazing at the same time—to be surrounded by artists, studios, panels, and all that creativity. Networking was a different story for me. Everyone tells me this industry is all about who you know and the importance of making an impression. I consider myself an introverted extrovert. I’m not the type to make small talk or “work the room”, but I found that by being curious, asking questions, and actively listening, I could connect with people in a way that felt genuine — even if it felt awkward at times.
At the same time, I taught myself Blender. I picked it because it was free and accessible, and honestly, it was so much fun. The very first thing I ever did was the well-known “Blender Donut Tutorial” that everyone seems to know about. It gave me a peek into the creative side of animation — even if I wasn’t aiming to become an animator. Struggling through my first models and renders helped me appreciate the craft behind the scenes and the complexity of the pipeline I’d soon be supporting in production.
Then came the moment I’d been waiting for: my first internship as a Production Intern. Thanks to a connection my dad had at the studio, I got my foot in the door of the industry. Everything suddenly felt so real. Walking into that studio for the first time was like stepping into a dream. There were creatives everywhere and people who genuinely cared about the stories they were bringing to life. That’s when the puzzle pieces started clicking for me. I quickly learned how the production side, the artists, and the tech all worked together to bring stories to life. But what stuck with me most was the passionate, hardworking, and kind people. This was the world I wanted to be a part of.
One of the first and biggest lessons that I learned was the importance of communication in production. Every person in the pipeline depends on each other: artists, supervisors, coordinators, assistants, and vendors play an important role in maintaining a smooth project. When people trust that you will follow through and keep them in the loop, everything runs more efficiently. I learned that a small communication error or untracked asset could impact the whole project. So, being clear, timely, and building trust with others became essential for me in this new role. Production truly is the bridge between the creatives and the client. We’re often the ones juggling priorities, translating feedback on episodes, and ensuring everyone is aligned. Being the reliable “middle-man” means you are not just managing tasks, but you are also building trust on every side and making sure the project moves forward efficiently. I’ve come to deeply respect this responsibility, and it’s a big part of why I love that production plays such a vital role in animation.
Another exciting thing about working in production is problem-solving. Every day brings on new challenges, from last minute schedule impacts to unexpected technical glitches. Surprisingly, I found that In kids’ animation, some of the challenges we tackle are surprisingly fun. We often run into silly, unexpected problems that require a unique point of view and solution mindset. It is a great reminder that while it is important to stay on budget and schedule, we are not out here saving lives. That balance helped make the job feel lighter and more joyful. Finding clever fixes and celebrating our small wins brought a sense of fun to the daily grind. It showed me that production doesn’t have to be stressful all the time but can be a place where creativity and positivity thrive together.
Finally, what stood out to me above everything else was the passion my team had for creating such fun, cheerful content for kids! Since I was so new to the industry, I’m so grateful I had the chance to work on a variety of shows, but it made me realize that I wanted to be in the kids’ media sphere. Working alongside others who shared that same passion, took the joy of coming into work to a new level. There was an unspoken understanding among us: we were creating something that would bring joy, laughter, and creativity to children, just as the shows we loved growing up inspired us to dream big! On some of the toughest days, this shared sense of purpose helped fuel the collaboration and reminded me that we were making a meaningful impact. I will always be proud of the work I am a part of, as it helps to shape the imaginations and memories of the next generation.
Breaking into animation production feels like hopping onto a moving train! All of a sudden, there is so much to take in: new tools and softwares, unfamiliar workflows, and a language of industry terms I had never heard in my life! Of course, no one expects you to know everything right away, but if you stay eager to learn, passionate, and unafraid to ask questions—even silly ones—it shows you’re willing to put in the work.
The first step into the industry was more than an introduction to Animation Production—it was the moment I realized this is where I belong. I hope my story shows that no matter where you come from or how you take your first step into the industry, if you have the passion, curiosity to grow, and drive to learn, there is a place for you. Animation is filled with amazing, kind, and passionate people who want to make meaningful work for audiences around the world. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of a community that reminds me every day how wonderful it is to spend a career making people smile.
