BlkWmnAnimator: Animation Podcast (Deborah A. Anderson)

In this video, I'm using some themes from Brené Brown's talk, "The Call  to Courage" on Netflix to discuss how they relate to art and my artistic  journey.

In this video, I spoke with Autumn Breon ( @autumnbreon5124 ) to talk about her journey from aeronautics & astronautics to creative direction and art curation. She has worked with many organizations including curating art for Issa Rae's Insecure.

Autumn Breon Social Media
http://autumnbreon.com/
https://www.instagram.com/autumnbreon/
https://www.tiktok.com/@autumnbreon

In this video, I sit down with Chase Conley to talk about his career, his time living internationally and the importance of creating your own projects.

In this video, I sit down with animation legend, Floyd Norman about his  career as a story man, the work he and Leo Sullivan did with their  company, Vignette Films, fatherhood, and more. 

Floyd Norman Social Media Links
http://www.floydnormanmovie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/floyd.norman
https://twitter.com/floydnorman  

In this video, I'm sharing my high-level idea of a Black animation ecosystem from a Black American perspective. It’s various ways to bring black culture to animation experiences. We need to get more Black people interested in animation as an audience. This strategy uses things the Black American community is already interested in to gain interest in your animation project.

In this week's #blkwmnanimator episode, I sit down with Kemp Powers. From his roots as a journalist to his career as a playwright and the creative force behind Pixar's "Soul," Kemp's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Join us as we explore the nuanced transitions that led him from the realm of journalism to a prominent role in animation, unraveling the threads of his creative evolution.

Additionally, Kemp's passion for telling Black stories and advocating for Black creatives emerges as a central theme, adding a profound layer to the discussion. His dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices in the industry serves as an inspiration for aspiring Black creatives.

BlkWmnAnimator™ Merch

https://www.teespring.com/stores/blkw...

BlkWmnAnimator™ Spotify Playlists

http://bit.ly/BWA_Spotify

BlkWmnAnimator™ Social Media

https://www.blkwmnanimator.com

https://www.facebook.com/blkwmnanimator

https://www.instagram/blkwmnanimator

https://www.twitter.com/blkwmnanimator

BlkWmnAnimator™ is trademarked.

#blkwmnanimator #animation #acrossthespiderverse

In this video, I sit down with Hamid Ibrahim to talk about his multidisciplinary career that includes rigging and now production design in a partnership with Disney! He's one of the people being Iwájú! We also discuss the importance of African voices.

Hamid Ibrahim
https://www.instagram.com/hamidibrahimportfolio/
https://kugali.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kugalimedia/
https://www.youtube.com/c/Kugalimedia/featured 

In this week's video, I sit down with Yehudah Jai Husband who has been in the animation industry for 20+ years and forged his own path in Atlanta, GA and is behind Kasha and the Zulu King which was BET's first produced animation project! Listen as he tells us about his journey through the industry!

 This video will give you general tips on breaking into the animation industry. 

In this interview with Wendell Britt, we talk about jobs you can have in the animation industry without having artistic skills and discuss various topics around the black community and the animation industry!

 Deborah Anderson speaking about her role in increasing diversity in animation. 

(Part 1) I sat down with my mentor, Karabo Legwaila to talk about the  cultural aspects and animation techniques of Spider-Man: Into the  Spider-Verse. We both enjoyed the film and think it set a high standard  for how the animation industry should progress in respects to 3D as a  medium. Here's Part 1! 

Check out Karabo's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/karabolegwaila 

BlkWmnAnimator™ Social Media

https://www.blkwmnanimator.com

https://www.facebook.com/blkwmnanimator

https://www.instagram.com/blkwmnanimator

https://www.twitter.com/blkwmnanimator

https://www.youtube/blkwmnanimator

BlkWmnAnimator™ is trademarked.

In this video, I sit down with Craig Tinsley to talk about his career in video games and tech, creating his Rap Quest series and working with the Hidden Genius Project.

Craig Tinsley Social Media
https://freshdopegames.com/
https://www.instagram.com/freshdopegames/
https://twitter.com/freshdopegames

 Yeah, just listen. Lol. 

 Answering questions that I received after I released my article about how I got my job in South Korea. 

Blue Sky Studios 3D Modeler Andre Rodriguez brings it to us straight, no chaser! *Language warning for those with sensitive ears* In this video, Deborah and Andre will be discussing blackness in the animation industry and how it can get better. Strap in!

Black characters of the past 05:12
Take black characters to the next level 29:45
British actors in American roles 36:21
What is diversity? 47:05
Recent black characters 49:56
Black character animal/other transformations 53:23

In this video, I sit down with Carin Powell from Signing Animation where we talk about increasing the number of deaf animation professionals and how studios can be more inclusive of the deaf community.

In this interview, I sit down with August Alondra Davies to talk about their career in animation and games as well as tackling issues around intersectionality and identity.

In this video, I sit down with Corey Turner to talk about creating BET's Cita's World and his motion capture, stereography, and visual effects career.

Any time someone asks me about my experience living in South Korea and  whether I suggest living abroad, I always ecstatically say, "Yes!" In this video, I share some of the benefits of living abroad and how it can help you with becoming a more well-rounded person.

 Just a fun video reading comments I've seen about the Lion King Movie that's coming out in 2019.

In this week's video, I sit down with Eddie Clark to take a look into the mind of a Disneyland fanatic and talk about his journey to breaking into the animation industry.

 This video is discussing people I take inspiration from for my life and career. 

I had a great sit down with Bob Tyler about his animation career including his long journey to starting his career and some other projects he's worked on. He's now retired and working in fine art.

In this video, I sat down with Shabrayia Cleaver to talk about her journey to the animation industry, climbing the production ladder and finding her creative side.

Shabrayia Cleaver Social Media https://www.instagram.com/_shayyrenee https://twitter.com/_shayyrenee

In this video, I sit down with Katerina Arroyo to talk about her career in VFX as a compositor and the various projects she's worked on including a Reebok spot for Cardi B and how her knowledge of Cardi B helped troubleshoot a snag in the project.

In this video, I sit down with Solomon Jagwe to talk about growing up in  Uganda, his miraculous story of coming to the states, and his animation career, including creating the project Nkoza and Nankya. 

Solomon Jagwe Social Media
https://www.sowl.com/
https://www.instagram.com/solomonjagwe/
https://www.facebook.com/solomon.jagwe
https://twitter.com/soreel

In this video, I sit down with Carl Jones to talk about growing up in Fayetteville, NC, having a successful career filled with Black animated projects and his future in web 3.0.

,
https://www.instagram.com/iamcarljone
https://twitter.com/iamcarljones
https://www.bubblegooseballers.xyz/
https://martianblueberry.com/

Ifesinachi shares his valuable insights on becoming a storyteller through the art of storyboarding. With a passion for visual storytelling, he has mastered the art of capturing narratives through his drawings, bringing characters and worlds to life. Through his experiences, he offers practical advice and tips on how aspiring artists can enhance their skills and learn their craft. Discover the power of social media platforms as a tool for artists to showcase their work and attract attention from industry professionals. Ifesinachi opens up about his personal experiences of leveraging these platforms to create opportunities and connections within the animation industry. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of online platforms in today's digital age. Whether you're an aspiring artist looking to break into the animation industry or simply fascinated by the world of storyboarding, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. Join us as we explore Ifesinachi Orjiekwe's remarkable journey and learn how you can take your artistic skills to the next level! Social Media Links https://www.instagram.com/ifesinachiadrian/ https://twitter.com/ifesinachiorjie

In this interview, I sit down with Danny Williams to talk about an inspiring journey of resilience, growth, and creativity. Danny's life took a remarkable turn from a troubled student to a passionate lifelong learner. Against all odds, he embraced education as his compass, leading him towards an extraordinary path of self-discovery and accomplishment.

He's not just creating art; he's sculpting dreams into reality. We explore Danny's thrilling adventures in the entertainment industry. From the small screen to the big screen and virtual realms. This interview is an immersive experience filled with valuable insights, laughter, and motivation. Danny Williams' story will leave you inspired and ready to conquer your own creative journey.

Danny Williams Social Media

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannywilliams

https://www.instagram.com/pointpusher/

https://twitter.com/pointpusher

https://www.youtube.com/@pOiNtPuShEr/videos

In this video, I sit down with Wayne Carnegie to talk about his journey from Jamaica to Canada to become a surfacing artist in the animation industry.

Wayne Carnegie Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/wayne.carnegie/
https://www.instagram.com/drawtist018
https://drawtistblog-blog.tumblr.com/

In this video, I sit down with Tayo Fasunon from Quadron Studios to talk about the animation industry in Nigeria and on the continent.

In this video, I sit down with Tyree Dillihay to talk about his career in storyboarding, advice for directors, Sneads by Ree, working with Bone Thugs in Harmony on their first album cover, and MORE!

Tyree Dillihay Social Media Links
https://www.instagram.com/sneadsbyree/
https://twitter.com/SneadsbyRee/
Thread about tips for storyboarding: https://twitter.com/SneadsbyRee/status/1435691082461814784

In this video, I'm speaking with Stevon Lewis, LMFT about imposter syndrome and how it affects artists.

If you've ever wondered, "does anyone else remember Hey Monie!?," this video is here to let you know that you aren't crazy, you're not experiencing the Mandela Effect and you DO remember a show from the early 2000s that had a black female duo making us laugh while they talk about adulting. In this video, I sit down with Angela V. Shelton and Frances Callier to talk about their experience on the animated show, Hey Monie! They get REALLY REAL in this interview, so buckle up!

Frangela Social Media
https://twitter.com/frangeladuo
https://www.instagram.com/frangeladuo
https://www.facebook.com/frangeladuo/
https://www.tiktok.com/@frangela.duo

In this video, I speak with veteran animator, Jerry Lee Brice, about his career and the work he's done for the COGIC church, in music videos and with other stars, like Arsenio Hall.

In this video, I sit down w/ Tony Barnes to talk about his extensive video game career and talk about his various interests including muscle cars and Prince. We also talk about how it is to be the father of two sets of twins.

Tony Barnes Social Media

• https://www.retroninja.com
• https://www.facebook.com/RetroNinjaGames/
• http://www.twitter.com/retroninja5
• https://www.instagram.com/retroninjagames/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxsPAibge37Y1Vse98Co5xw/

In this video, I sit down with Eddy Okba, who is a professional 3D  animator and has worked on multiple minions properties, Spider-Man: Into  the Spider-Verse, the Willoughbys, and more. He gives good tips on what  you can learn through each level of your animation career.  Eddy Okba Social Media https://www.eddyokba.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddy-okba-artist/

In this video, I sat down to talk with animator, Kimson Albert about his first animation job working on Beavis and Butt-Head, his love of music, his involvement with "For All Nerds" back in the day, and growing up part French and part Black American. 

Welcome to BlkWmnAnimator, your go-to channel for insightful discussions and captivating content about animation. Join us as we delve into the mesmerizing world of "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" with our special guests Marquise and Alexsys. Get ready to embark on an exhilarating conversation filled with analysis, theories, and fascinating insights about this highly anticipated movie. As passionate creatives ourselves, we can't wait to share our thoughts and observations about the look, storytelling elements, and the overall impact of "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" on the cinematic landscape. Marquise and Alexsys bring their unique perspectives to the table, allowing us to explore the movie's intricate themes, character development, and the innovative narrative style that made the first film a groundbreaking success. We'll dive deep into the mesmerizing visuals, mind-bending multiverse concepts, and the potential implications for the future of the Spider-Verse franchise. Whether you're a fan of animation, a dedicated Spider-Man enthusiast, or simply someone seeking engaging discussions about movies, this video is a must-watch. Make sure to subscribe to BlkWmnAnimator and turn on the notification bell so you never miss an update. Join the conversation by leaving your thoughts and questions in the comments section below. Don't forget to share this video with your fellow movie buffs and animation enthusiasts—it's time to swing into action and explore the fascinating world of "Across the Spider-Verse" together! Social Media Links @artisticinsanite @_naturalartist_

In this week's video, I sat down with Adrienne Brown-Norman to talk about her career as a Disney illustrator, being Black, and being married to Floyd Norman.

Join us in this week's BlkWmnAnimator episode as we sit down with the incredibly talented storyboard artist, Byron Vaughns! Hailing from the heart of Arkansas, Byron takes us on a remarkable journey through his life, sharing his experiences of pursuing a career in cartooning and animation. 🌆 From West Memphis to Los Angeles: A Path Less Traveled In this episode, Byron opens up about the challenges he faced while trying to sustain a career as a cartoonist in his hometown of West Memphis, Arkansas. He candidly discusses the hurdles, the triumphs, and the moments of self-discovery that ultimately led him to make the bold move to the bustling hub of creativity, Los Angeles. Get ready to be inspired by his resilience and determination as he transitions from the local scene to the grand stage of the animation industry! 🖌️ Crafting Stories and Teaching Dreams Byron Vaughns isn't just an exceptional artist; he's also a passionate teacher. Tune in as he shares his experiences of imparting his knowledge and love for animation to aspiring young artists over the years. His insights into nurturing creativity and guiding young minds are truly invaluable. Byron Vaughns Social Media https://byronvaughns.substack.com https://instagram.com/cartoonzip657@gmail.com

 Netflix has a new animated series called Motown Magic. As a Detroiter, I  have to support anything related to the hometown. I enjoyed the first  episode and look forward to watching the rest of the season. 

 In this video, I talk about how you can get more accomplished by putting  yourself out there and creating your own path as opposed to waiting for  life to happen to you. 

In this video, I sit down with Donald Towns to talk about his career as a  background painter for Disney and Rich-Crest Animation and his  transition into becoming a full-time fine artist.

Donald Towns Social Media

• https://donaldtownsart.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCovSJnsSDb1a2DgUYZz4VoA/videos 
• https://www.facebook.com/donaldtownsart
• https://www.instagram.com/donaldtownsart/
• https://www.pinterest.com/donaldtownsart/

 A lot of people asked me about my path to animation.

In this video, I sit down with my fellow Rochester Institute of Technology alumnus, Stephen Oyarijivbie, about his career in the video game industry and working through his dyslexia from childhood until now.

 Things I want to remember the next time I teach a course.

 A lot of times, kids THINK they want to make video games when in  actuality, they just like playing them. Make sure you know which before  you send them off to school to waste thousands of dollars. 

In this video, I sit down with Bill Hudson to talk about growing up in Maryland, attending Full Sail University, and transitioning from being a 3D generalist to climbing the ranks in the VFX industry.

Bill Hudson Social Media
https://www.linkedin.com/in/billhudsonfx
https://www.instagram.com/vfx_papi/
https://twitter.com/BillHudsonFX

I sat down with Ranier Maningding, better known as the face of The Love Life of an Asian Guy, to talk about the representation of Asians in film and animation. Check him out @the_llag!

 This is a video helping professional women realize that they are not  alone and multiple people are going through the same things as they live  out their careers. 

In this interview, I sit down with Chuck Patton to discuss his career in comics and animation. And of course, we spend a lot of time talking about being from Detroit because Detroit is great! 

Chuck Patton Social Media

• https://artofchuckpatton.com/
• https://twitter.com/chuckpatton9?lang=en
• https://www.facebook.com/ChuckPattonArt
• https://www.instagram.com/chuckpattonart   

 Remembering my college experience.

 In this video, I give tips on reaching out to people working in animation and the approach you should take. 

In this video, I sat down with Lenord Robinson to discuss his animation  career and his many interests including rollercoasters, anime, jazz and  Asian spas. 

Lenord Robinson Social Media

• http://www.robinsonanimation.com/
• https://lenordrobinson.wixsite.com/robinsonanimation
• https://www.youtube.com/user/51lodb/videos
• https://www.instagram.com/bigdaddyoflove/
• https://www.pinterest.com/lenordrobinson/

In this video, I sit down to talk to Tara Whitaker about growing up in  Brooklyn, NY, having successful animation and illustration careers and becoming a director.

Tara Nicole Whitaker Social Media
http://www.taranicolewhitaker.com/
https://www.instagram.com/taranicolewhitaker/?hl=en

I went to see The Lion King remake and wanted to review and share my thoughts. I thought I could provide an interesting perspective as a Lion  King fan and animation professional.

In this week's BlkWmnAnimator episode, we sit down with the Ed Bell, a veteran animator and proud L.A. native. Join us as we dive into his remarkable journey through the world of animation, from his early days in the heart of Los Angeles to working on some of the most iconic animated projects in history. 🌟 Featured Guest: Ed Bell 🌟 From his groundbreaking work on Bebe's Kids to his contributions to MTV's revolutionary Liquid Television, and his heartwarming involvement in Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child, get ready to hear straight from the source as he shares anecdotes, insights, and behind-the-scenes stories that will leave you inspired and awestruck. 🏙️ L.A. Roots and CalArts Influence 🎨 Born and raised in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Ed Bell's upbringing played a significant role in shaping his artistic perspective. We'll explore his experiences growing up in L.A. and how those early influences fueled his passion for animation. Plus, hear firsthand about his transformative years at CalArts, where he honed his craft and connected with fellow visionaries. 🎬 An Animated Career Unveiled 🚀 Join us as we take a deep dive into Ed Bell's illustrious career, spanning decades of creativity and dedication. From the challenges he faced in the industry to the triumphs that have defined his legacy, this interview is a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring animators, industry professionals, and animation enthusiasts alike. Ed Bell's Social Media https://www.instagram.com/bigedbell/ https://www.facebook.com/bigedbell

In this video, I sit down with Swinton Scott where we talk about his work as an animator and director and some funny stories throughout his career. He has worked on The Simpsons, C-Bear and Jamal, and more.

In this video, I sit down with Raven Irabor to talk about her career as a producer and creative director.

Raven Irabor Social Media
https://ravenirabor.com/
https://tinyurl.com/the-rae-direction-subscription
https://www.instagram.com/ravencherisse/

In this video, I sit down with ex-NFL football player and therapist, Jay Barnett to discuss being black in white spaces, how to handle racism and sexism in the workplace, and much more!

In this video, I sit down with Curtis Gadson to talk about his extensive career in Detroit, MI and then moving on to create BET's ComicView, 106 & Park, Cita's World, and more.

Curtis Gadson Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/curtis_a_gadson1

I have my first guests on my channel!!! Chris Douglas and Timothy  Miller. I wanted to bring some people who are both video game players and also have particular backgrounds and experiences that lend to an interesting conversation. We're talking about the myriad of things that go into the representation of black video game characters, what has happened thus far, and what we look forward to in the future.

In this video, I sit down with Aaron Covington about starting his writing career off with a bang with Creed, his relationship with his college roommate Ryan Coogler and his thoughts on being successful in your desired career.

Aaron Covington Social Media
https://www.aaroncovington.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/bearcov/
https://twitter.com/bearcov
https://www.tiktok.com/@bearcov 

In this week's video, I sit down with my high school classmate, DeMarvelous Carter to talk about basketball and music inspirations of his childhood and how he got into music production.

DeMarvelous Carter Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/marvelous_infiniteaudio/
https://www.tiktok.com/@marvelous_infiniteaudio

In this #blkwmnanimator episode, we have the privilege of interviewing Shari B. Ellis, an inspiring professional in the world of animation production management. Join us as we dive deep into Shari's personal journey, discussing her transformation from a shy individual to a leader in the industry. In this interview, Shari opens up about her struggles as a shy person and how she overcame her inhibitions to excel in the field of production management. She shares her experiences and provides valuable insights for those who may be facing similar challenges. Discover how Shari's determination and passion propelled her forward, ultimately leading her to break free from her shell and embrace her true potential. But that's not all! Shari's story goes beyond her professional achievements. As a prominent advocate for the asexual community, Shari has dedicated herself to representing and uplifting this often misunderstood group. Through her volunteer work and consulting efforts, she strives to create awareness and foster inclusivity. Join us as we delve into Shari's meaningful contributions and learn how she brings about positive change within her industry. Like, comment, and subscribe to BlkWmnAnimator for more empowering content! Shari B. Ellis Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharibellis/ https://ohshari.com https://twitter.com/ohshari https://www.instagram.com/ohshariproduction

In this interview, I sit down with Kabelo Maaka, the founder of Cabblow Studios in South Africa! Kabelo shares her inspiring story of specializing in medical animation, starting her own studio, and the incredible bond she shares with her supportive mom, who is also her partner.

Discover the fascinating intersection of art and science as Kabelo delves into the realm of medical animation. Learn how she utilizes her creative talents to visually communicate medical concepts, making them accessible and engaging for audiences.

Follow along on the entrepreneurial journey of Kabelo as she recounts the challenges and triumphs of founding Cabblow Studios. From navigating the business landscape to fostering a creative haven, Kabelo shares invaluable insights for aspiring animators and entrepreneurs alike.

Discover the heartwarming partnership between Kabelo and her supportive mom, Dr. T. Hear about the passion, collaboration, and unique dynamic that adds a special touch to Cabblow Studios. Their story exemplifies the strength that familial support brings to the world of animation and entrepreneurship.

Kabelo discusses her commitment to nurturing talent, contributing to the community, and breaking barriers in the animation industry on the African continent.

Kabelo Maaka Social Media

https://www.cabblowstudios.com/

https://www.instagram.com/cabblow/

https://www.instagram.com/cabblowstudios/

https://www.instagram.com/cabblow.podcast/

https://www.instagram.com/rorisaaang/

https://www.youtube.com/@CabblowStudios

In this video, I sit down with Sidney Clifton about how she combines her childhood dreams of becoming an architect and midwife in her career as an executive in the animation industry. She also talks about a project with her siblings called The Clifton House where she's keeping her parents' legacy alive.

In this video, I sit down with Latrice Richards, a licensed therapist to talk about individuals navigating through life's challenges. Latrice provides valuable insights and practical tips on mental health, therapy, and creativity.

As a licensed therapist, Latrice is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding therapy and creating a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions and experiences. She understands the unique struggles that creatives face in expressing their vulnerability through their art, and provides guidance on how to thrive while being vulnerable.

In this video, you'll find thought-provoking discussions on topics such as the importance of finding a good therapist, overcoming the challenges of mental health stigma, and the benefits of using creativity as a tool for self-expression and healing. With her warm and empathetic approach, Latrice shares practical strategies and techniques to help viewers navigate the complexities of their emotional well-being.

Whether you're a creative looking for ways to thrive in your art while maintaining your mental health, or someone seeking guidance on finding a therapist, this conversation is a valuable resource. Join us in exploring the intersection of therapy, creativity, and mental health, and let's break the stigma together. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button to stay updated on BlkWmnAnimator's latest videos!

Latrice Sampson Richards Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/latricesampsonrichards/

https://twitter.com/richbymarriage

In this video, I sit down with Layron DeJarnette to talk about his vast career in commercials, illustration, and animation. He also drops some gems on the importance of the people around you and staying connected with them.

This is Part 2 of my interview with Dan Haskett. In this video, we talk about blackness in animation and the many topics that surround that.

In this video, I sit down with Nurdin Momodu, a Nigerian 3D Generalist who founded Lotusfly Animation. We talk about his journey to animation and what Nigeria can provide to the animation community.

Just in case anyone was interested, I wanted to do a video where I talk a  bit about myself, not related to animation. So, if you want to know about my love for basketball and everything Detroit, take a listen!

In this week's video, I sit down with Steven R.V. Johnson to talk about his educational journey to finally getting the support he needed to level up his animation skills and his experience animating scenes for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

In this video, I talk to René Holder about his journey in animation, starting his own studio and the animation landscape on the island of Trinidad and in the Caribbean at large.

In this episode, we sit down with a true animation trailblazer, Shuzo John Shiota, the head of Polygon Pictures. Born in Japan, Shuzo's life story is a remarkable journey that spans continents and industries. Having spent his formative years in America and then returning to Japan during his teenage years, Shuzo brings a rich and diverse perspective to his role as the head of his animation company.

What makes Shuzo's story even more fascinating is his transition from the world of steel to the realm of animation. From the tough, unyielding nature of the steel industry to the imaginative, ever-evolving landscape of animation, Shuzo's experiences have shaped his leadership in a truly unique way.

In this episode, Shuzo John Shiota shares his insights, wisdom, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Discover how his global perspective and diverse career journey have made him a dynamic and innovative leader in the animation world.

Shuzo John Shiota's Social Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuzoshiota
• https://www.youtube.com/@polygonpictures
• https://twitter.com/da_shooz

In this video, I sit down to speak with Jimmy Cross about his career in animation, producing your own content, and the importance of family.

In this video, I sit down with Gary Anthony Williams and we talk about growing up in Fayetteville, GA, how he went from just acting to starting his voice acting career, and other topics such as The Black Version, the L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival, his love for birds, his weight loss journey and more.

Gary Anthony Williams Social Media
https://instagram.com/garyanthonywilliams
https://twitter.com/garyawilliams
https://www.tiktok.com/@thegaryanthonywilliams 

In this video, I sit down with Craig Clark, the jack of all trades when it comes to animation. He's worked on live-action and animated projects and has produced movies and series of his own.

 Motown Magic is an animated series on Netflix. Being from Detroit and  being an animation professional, it was mandatory for me to support this  show. I share my thoughts in this video of the first season. 

In this week's interview, I sit down with Shavonne Cherry to talk about her career in animation, travel and other hobbies.

 Explaining why the way I think hinders my artistic expression and learning style.

I am a member of one of the 9 prominent black Greek-letter organizations in the Divine Nine, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. I talk about the impact Zeta had on my life as we celebrate 100 years of existence this year! Happy Founders Day to my Sorors and here's to another 100 years!  #ZPhi

 Talking about how the Black Hair Alphabet book came to be. 

Black Hair Alphabet (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1521393753 

Black Hair Alphabet Song (Soundcloud): https://soundcloud.com/blkwmnanimator/the-black-hair-alphabet-song

Black Hair Alphabet Song (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40X9RHG96w8

Reading of the book from Confetti Park https://youtu.be/92s6qvL7hPs

Interview about book from Confetti Park https://youtu.be/QpqsJa2Ki1g 

In this video, I sit down with Maritza Louis who has a long career as a 3D modeler. She talks about being indigenous and the various opportunities she's gotten to practice her craft in the animation industry in Canada.

Maritza Louis Social Media
https://maritzalouis.com/
https://instagram.com/_punchy_
https://www.instagram.com/rezdoganimation/ 
https://www.facebook.com/RezDogAnimation/ 

In this video, I sit down with Andre Rodriguez and Kenan Floyd to talk about various aspects of unconscious bias that we experience in the workplace.

Follow Andre Rodriguez
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dre3d/

Follow Kenan Floyd
https://twitter.com/kenanjfloyd
https://www.instagram.com/kenanjfloyd
https://kenanjeromefloyd.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX1tKnSLGffOaKuD3k0WbGA

In this video, I sit down with Justin Polley to talk about his art and his experience getting his Master's at Gobelins in France.

In this video, me and my friend Andre Rodriguez sit down with animation veteran, Leo Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan has been in the industry for over 50 years.

I sat down with my father to talk about being a supportive parent of an  artistic child. For any parents that need help on being supportive of  your child, check out this video! If you have any questions for my dad,  leave them in the comments and I can pass them along! Or I'll force him to come on YouTube and respond.  

 In this video, I outline my goals for the channel and some personal goals. Please give me ideas!!! 

In this video, I sit down with writer Rodney Barnes as we discuss him growing up in Annapolis, Maryland, moving to Los Angeles and working his way up to becoming a writer on the Boondocks, My Wife and Kids and now Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.

Rodney Barnes Social Media
https://rodneybarnes.com/
https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://www.instagram.com/therodneybarnes/

This video is about how people assume I'm a Blerd because I'm in the animation industry, but I'm not. Nothing wrong with Blerds though!

In this video, I sit down with Lyndon Barrois a stop motion animator and sportrait artist who also has an extensive career in visual effects (VFX), and talk about growing up in New Orleans, going to an HBCU, his career journey, and how he uses his artwork as activism.

In this video, I sit down with storyboard artist and long-time director Larry Houston. Larry is most known for his work on X-Men the Animated Series. We talk about how to be a good storyboard artist and director and how animated content has made a huge impact on its audience.

In this video, I sit down with Frank Abney to talk about switching from professional BMX to animation, starting his director's journey and the importance of fatherhood.

Frank Abney Social Media
http://www.frankabney.com/
https://www.instagram.com/frankabney/
https://twitter.com/ifrankabney

In this video, I sit down with animation veteran and legend, Ron Husband to talk about his career at Disney, the importance of preparation and his faith, among many other great topics!

Ron Husband Social Media

• http://ronhusband.blogspot.com/

 The power of your network is all powerful, but some of the biggest  opportunities in my life have come from randomly reaching out. 

Animation and video game industry veteran Jamaal Bradley made his directorial debut with the animated short film Substance. I wanted to do a review of the short and also do a quick explanation for any other people out there who didn't understand the plot.

Check out Jamaal Bradley's animated film, Substance, here: https://youtu.be/o3muFPF6GII

In this video, I speak with Chaz Bottoms about his career in 2D animation and how he has a long history of forging his own path.