Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Audrey Hector. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Audrey, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is like a relentless, shapeshifting monster that first visits you as a child and continues to haunt you throughout adulthood. It begins as a whisper in your ear or a lurking shadow, always casting doubt on your worth and making you feel like a fraud at every corner. As you grow older, the monster evolves—sometimes appearing as self-doubt, sometimes as anxiety or perfectionism—constantly shifting forms and tricking you into believing that no matter how much you accomplish, you’re never truly enough. However, over time, you learn that this monster, while persistent, doesn’t have to define you or dictate your decisions moving forward. The more you face it, the more you begin to recognize its tricks. You start to see the patterns in its whispers, the way it preys on your vulnerabilities and insecurities. Bit by bit, you slowly dismantle the monsters power, relinquishing its control on your thoughts and mood, and instead leaving room for you to know your worth and value.
It is with these strategies that I have continued to overcome this invisible monster we know as imposter syndrome. Reminding myself that acknowledging my feelings, surrounding myself with a supportive community, and celebrating my unique perspective will always diminish the power of the imposter syndrome monster.
Imposter syndrome often manifests as feelings of inadequacy or fear that you don’t belong, despite evidence to the contrary. The first step I take to conquerer imposter syndrome is to simply acknowledge these feelings and know that it is common to feel this way, especially in industries or environments that may not be as diverse. It’s important to realize that these feelings don’t define my worth or abilities, are completely normal and happen to everybody in different ways. I acknowledge these feelings, but I don’t allow them to define me or my career. Another step I take to combat my imposter syndrome is to surround myself with a supportive and diverse community. Building a network of encouraging and supportive individuals can help you feel less isolated—a feeling often preyed upon by the imposter syndrome monster. I’ve learned it’s ok to ask for help and that I can lean on my community to help remind me of all that I have achieved and that I’m worthy of success. Lastly, another step I take to overcome imposter syndrome is to remind myself that my perspective is valuable. For me, as a black woman in the animation industry, imposter syndrome has often made me feel like I didn’t belong in certain spaces especially when at times, no one else in the room looked like me. It is during those times that I have to remind myself that the stories I tell, the way I create, and the culture and experiences I bring to the table can enrich the animation industry. The animation world benefits from diverse voices—my experiences, my background, and my vision bring something special. To conquer imposter syndrome, I embrace my identity and differences as a strength rather than something to be minimized.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a personal journey, and it’s different for everyone. My imposter syndrome may never fully go away, but by acknowledging my worth, seeking support, and celebrating my contributions, I can push past those feelings of doubt. In the animation industry, your identity is not a barrier but an asset, and I use it to fuel your confidence and let it propel me forward in my animation career. To anyone reading this, remember, you belong in that space, keep creating, keep challenging yourself, and know that you are enough!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an M.F.A. graduate from UCLA’s Animation Workshop, a former DreamWorks Animation CG TV Production Intern, and currently, I am a Part-Time Animation Lecturer at California State University, Los Angeles,
I graduated from Scripps College with a B.A. in Media Studies with a concentration in Computer Graphics in May 2018. After one year of working in freelance, I decided to get my M.F.A. in Animation at UCLA’s Animation Workshop, graduating in 2022. In summer 2023, I was fortunate enough to be selected as a DreamWorks Animation CG TV Production intern. All of these experiences have helped me grow personally and professionally, while becoming more passionate and dedicated to continuously growing my skills in production and as a 3D Artist. I have learned and experienced the many steps in the animation pipeline, giving myself a broader understanding of the entire animation process on the 2D side and the CG side.
In my personal work, I’ve always enjoyed expressing my personal experiences as a black woman through storytelling. I am passionate in creating new, inclusive, fresh, and forward-thinking content. As a black woman in the field of animation, I bring a unique perspective and lived experiences that greatly influence my creative work and goals within the industry. My journey in animation has been shaped by both triumphs and challenges, all of which have contributed to my growth as a professional and as an individual. Moving forward in my animation career, I make sure that the heart of all of my work encompasses a celebration of different voices, inclusivity, and a showing of more diverse characters. Furthermore, I am committed to furthering the animation industry where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated, leading to a more vibrant and inclusive environment for storytellers and audiences alike.
When working on teams or with clients, I contribute my experience in 3D and 2D workflows and pipelines, my self-directed organizational skills and proactiveness, effective communication, my drive and passion to celebrate differences and promote inclusivity, and present a can-do spirit to get the job done well and efficiently.
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?
Looking back I believe the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey were my willingness and openness to learn, my continued interest in growing my technical skills, and my resilience and persistence through tough times.
When I first entered the animation industry, I quickly realized that every studio and every team I could have the opportunity to work with, might perform tasks slightly different from one another. At first it felt overwhelming, trying to figure out every step in the process, but I realized that as long as I had a willingness and openness to learn and looking to improve my skills, my team was always there to support me and answer any of my questions. In fact now, when learning new tools or tasks or when I approach anything new, I created an acronym for myself to make sure I can learn effectively and efficiently. The following acronym, OLAPS, stands for observe, learn, ask questions, practice, and stay proactive. I repeat this acronym anytime I am learning something new and it allows me to learn quickly and efficiently.
Animation is technical, creative, and ever-evolving. Early on, I invested time in school and in my free time towards mastering the software and tools that are essential to the industry, whether it’s learning and understanding the animation pipeline, mastering 3D modeling, or understanding visual storytelling. The animation industry doesn’t stop evolving, so neither have I, and I have continued to learn and grow in my technical skills not only for my career in animation, but also for my personal work.
Animation is a tough industry, and especially as a black woman, there are a lot of hurdles—whether it’s breaking into the industry, pushing against stereotypes, or simply being heard. Early on, I knew I had to develop a resilience and persistence when entering the entertainment industry, as I knew it would come with its challenges that I would have to overcome and continue to remind myself that there was a place for me in this space and that I belonged. It wasn’t easy at first, as rejection is constant in the animation industry, and not all opportunities will come in a neat, packaged form. But, with my resilience, persistence, and support from my community, I have continued to bounce back, keep learning, and get back out there. Resilience and persistence helped me turn every “no” into a stepping stone, rather than a roadblock.
My advice to anyone early in their journey is to remember, that the journey might be tough or challenging, but if you stay committed to growth, learn from your experiences, and build a solid network, you’ll find your way. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Attend industry events, reach out to people whose work you admire, and always be kind. But don’t just focus on what people can do for you—be ready to offer help or support as well. Relationships should be mutual. Take time to build your network, and over time, it’ll pay off. I can’t stress this enough—relationships are everything. Early in my career, I underestimated the importance of networking, but as time went on, I realized that many doors open through who you know as much as what you know. Building genuine, supportive relationships with mentors, peers, and industry professionals has been invaluable. These relationships provide not only job opportunities but also emotional support and shared wisdom, building a community of encouragement and support. Lastly I would say this, always remember your voice matters, you hold an unique perspective, and don’t let anything hold you back.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, it typically is an earlier indicator to me that I’ve been overworking and I am dangerously close to what is called burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, overwork, or a lack of balance between work and personal life. If you are someone like me, I have struggled from time to time to balance work life and personal life, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and anxious. It is ok to work hard towards your goals and ambitions, and like I mentioned, I always strive to grow my skills and experiences for my career and my personal work, but it’s key to take breaks, stay organize, get enough rest, and let go of perfectionism.
Firstly, it’s important to step away from the situation for a little while. Even a short walk, stretching, or just getting away from your workspace can help reset your mind. This gives you a chance to return to the task with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. Secondly, having a clear system (e.g., a to-do list, calendar, or digital planner) can provide structure, making it easier to track progress and stay focused. Feeling disorganized often exacerbates the feeling of overwhelm, so staying organized can keep things manageable. Thirdly, it’s hard to think clearly or handle stress when you’re tired. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and haven’t been sleeping well, prioritize rest. Sometimes, a good night’s sleep or even a power nap can make all the difference. And lastly, when overwhelmed, it can be tempting to try to do everything “perfectly,” (this one really applies to me at times) but this can often lead to more stress. Recognize that done is better than perfect, and allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes and adjust along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.audreyhector.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/absolutely_audreyhector/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyhector
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