Meet Makenna Gries

We recently connected with Makenna Gries and have shared our conversation below.

Makenna, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My parents are due the credit of how I developed the passionate work ethic I possess today. As educators themselves, they have taught me the importance of putting my best foot forward in everything I do. In doing so, they have also educated me upon how this not only creates personal success, but elevates and inspires everyone around me. Additionally, my twin sister also radiates dedication within every aspect of her life, from her academic studies to medical career preparation to serving those in need. While I have developed my own dreams and goals of a successful future, my family has equally propelled me with their own drive and commitment to excellence.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am blessed to pursue a career in which I have dreamt of since my childhood: 3D Character Animation. Growing up watching animated movies was not only an experience that connected my family, but also shaped my passions for storytelling, filmmaking, and the arts overall. Having the ability to bring art to life? And have the opportunity to voice a story that can connect with millions of people worldwide for generations? What an immensely powerful gift. And with this realization, I understood I could harness my artistic interests to pursue a future I am passionate about. From traditional drawing to digital art to painting, I have possessed the desire to create for as long as I can remember. Now, as I pursue a degree in animation, I am thrilled to bring my dreams and stories to life.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

To reflect, I would say the three qualities that have influenced the most success in both my personal and artistic journey would be empathy, dedication, and having an open mind. Empathy is the threshold of sustaining a connection with someone, which also opens the doors for endless opportunities. Building my professional network? Gaining insight on new skills and resources? Generating stories behind my projects? These have all stemmed from having the ability to understand how someone else thinks and feels. Second, having an unwavering dedication to my craft as an artist, and in everything I do, has opened the doors to so many experiences that I may not have had if my work ethic were not as strong. Finally, having an open mind to explore new skills and techniques, as well as acknowledge feedback from peers and professional on how to improve my work, has been essential in the development in my progression as an animator. So to anyone beginning their journey, having the ability to connect with others, working diligently, and keeping an open mindset will place you in the right direction towards your goals.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My parents dedicated themselves to ensuring I was taught how to live humbly, generously, and kindly. With that, I dedicate my success as an artist, as well as the core of my passions and values to them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://makennagriesart.myportfolio.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makenna-gries