Amber Morales – Animation

Educational Statement

I’ve always known that I wanted to create my own characters and bring them to life.  Inspired by the animated films from my childhood, I picked up the drawing pencil and started honing my craft. As I entered high school, I learned about the world of digital art and although the initial switch was jarring, I knew that it was the field I wanted to work in.

Even though I wanted to be an animator, before attending the University of Tampa I had no prior animation experience. Illustration was one thing, but creating motion in a convincing and impactful way was something I had no idea how to tackle. It was through Dana Corrigan’s 2D animation class that I felt reassured that I was not in over my head and that with hard work my efforts would pay off. Professor Corrigan not only taught me how to use complex programs that are industry standard but she also gave solid critiques that gave my work a greater impact and better readability. She even advised me on networking and educated me on what the animation field is actually like to prepare me for finding a job in the industry. Her passion for her career and her continuous support has motivated me to continue on my path and exceed to the very best of my ability.

Through my love of illustration, character designing, and storytelling, I’ve found that 2D animation is a place where I can truly shine. I feel very comfortable designing unique worlds and characters as that’s what I’ve been doing all my life. Much of my childhood I spent making comics of my characters, their powers, their relationships, and the fantasy worlds they lived in. I developed at eye for composition and how I wanted shots to feel. Expressing emotions through a character’s body movement is another skill I have gained thanks to my years of drawing illustrations. 2D animation allows for me to utilize my abilities and add a whole other layer of life to my artwork.

Despite wanting to become an animator I never even considered working in 3D animation before I started taking 3D animation classes. With 2D animation I could at least rely on my drawing skills that I had been building up. 3D modeling and animation took away the comfort I had in physically drawing characters and I felt completely lost and overwhelmed. Rigging and texturing sounded like a foreign language and using a software like Maya was very confusing. Although I still can’t say I feel 100% comfortable with 3D animation, navigating in a 3D plane has helped me better understand the principles of animation, character design, and aided me in my problem-solving skills.

After I graduate I plan to work in the 2D animation pipeline as either a character designer, storyboard artist, or 2D animator. I’m considering moving to a city with a better opportunity for animation. I also plan to continue my freelance work, selling my illustrations on Etsy and in artist alleys at conventions.

Professional Statement

I’ve always known that I wanted to create my own characters and bring them to life.  Inspired by the animated films from my childhood, I picked up the drawing pencil and started honing my craft. As I entered high school, I learned about the world of digital art and although the initial switch was jarring, I knew that it was the field I wanted to work in. 

Working in 2D animation, I’ve been told it is a dying industry since 3D has become the focus of animated films. Despite this shift, I believe that 3D and 2D animation can coexist and can even work together. I’m determined to stick with my passion in 2D and prove that it still has a place in this quickly evolving world.

After Highschool, my art moved from a traditional space to a digital one. My works are focused on placing realistic and relatable characters in fantastical settings. As a Hispanic artist and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know how important diversity is in our media. I strive to create stories with representation so that everyone can enjoy the field of animation.

After I graduate I plan to work in the 2D animation pipeline as either a character designer, storyboard artist, or 2D animator. I also plan to move to New York for better opportunities in animation.  My goal is to create my own animated shorts where I can make my story ideas come to life.