Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Cardella.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a recent Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts for Animation and a Business minor in Entrepreneurship.
As a child, I was always excited about when the next Disney animated movie would be released. I enjoyed the beauty of animation from a young age, but Wreck-it-Ralph was the film that made me fall in love with using animation to tell a story full of heart and passion. I was immediately captivated by the movie’s creativity, design, and story. I went looking for any behind-the-scenes featurette I could. During one of these making-of documentaries, I remember watching clips of animators and effects artists playing with icing and dropping mentos into soda to gain reference footage for the animation. I was always so taken by how much fun these animators had at work. I imagined how exciting it would be to study food closely or make things explode to see how they would animate. As I grew up, I kept this love and inspiration close to my heart and went to school for animation. Along with utilizing the principles of animation, I’ve also taken several storytelling classes to help formulate the kind of narratives I hope to bring to life that will inspire others the way Walt Disney Animation Studios has inspired me.
I am a Disney College Program Professional Intern at The Walt DisneyWorld Resort. I have learned the importance of creating an exceptional guest experience through my time at Disney; In creating an immersive environment for guests, I have developed my skills in storytelling. I have been trained in operational procedures, guidelines, and terminology consistent with the Disney brand. Being a Cast Member has prepared me for working within a team of creative individuals, utilizing problem-solving skills, and having a solid day-to-day work ethic.
Previously, I worked for approximately two years as a Video Production and Animation Assistant for Innovative Education, assisting in producing videos for online courses for the University of South Florida and promotional material. I utilized Microsoft Word, Excel, and Gmail to organize production schedules. I learned the animation pipeline from script and storyboards to final animation by creating 2D animated shorts of professors introducing their courses to students. I supported photographers on shoots and productions in the studio and location while collaborating with the team on group projects. I am confident, self-motivated, and always ready to learn new skills.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a challenging road. I’ve had to claw my way to the top, and I’m not even there yet. I wouldn’t even say I’m halfway. Every milestone feels like an obstacle. There’s a lot of competition in this field, even when applying for internships. It’s disheartening to see other people get the jobs you’ve applied for, and it’s hard to see so many of your friends succeeding. It’s easy to feel like you’re being left behind. But there are many ways I’ve motivated myself. Whenever I’m not working my day job, I’m constantly working to improve my animation skills, meet the people in my field, and apply for the jobs I want. I’m still going and trying to reach my goals. Even though it feels like I’m falling behind, I know I’m doing everything possible to get where I want to be.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in 3D character animation. Though, my friends will tell you I’m most known for expressions. Expressions are my favorite thing to add to a character. I love to push emotions and make a character feel those feelings. By making that expression in a mirror or using reference imagery, I want to make the emotions believable. I especially want the audience to connect with the characters through their performance. The expressions I create are what set my work apart. A character can truly feel real and relatable through the expressions I animate.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My parents are my biggest cheerleaders. I know art probably wasn’t the route they wanted for me, but they’ve been supportive every step of the way. Maybe even a little too supportive. They always push me to keep animating, applying for jobs, and updating my portfolio to show off my new work. I know they’ll always be there to support me. The Animation Club at USF is my team. Even after graduation, we still keep in touch. They are my best friends, and we will always be around to lift each other. I’ve been able to bounce ideas off of them, show off my work for critique, and create amazing stories with them. They motivate me to become the best storyteller and animator I can be, and I know I can always count on them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alledracstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alledracstudios/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AlledracS
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbOs6xJmUzJwQbkpinMGq_w
Image Credits
The Dana & Sam rigs are by Gabriel Salas
