Meet Jon Henshaw

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jon Henshaw. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jon, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My purpose has always been clear—I’ve wanted to be an animator since I was seven years old. Growing up, I was inspired by classic Disney films and knew I wanted to bring characters to life through animation. I pursued that dream by studying Illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design, hoping to land a job at Disney. However, just as I was starting my career, the industry was shifting from traditional hand-drawn animation to 3D, forcing me to adapt and find my own path.

That journey led me into television animation, working on projects for Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, and eventually, after the 2008 economic downturn, I started my own animation business, Toonalooney Studios, LLC. What keeps me going is the joy of storytelling—whether it’s creating character animation for clients or developing original content for my own YouTube channels. My purpose has evolved over the years, but at its core, it’s always been about creating engaging and entertaining animation.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a 2D animator and the owner of Toonalooney Studios, LLC, specializing in character animation for television, marketing, and corporate projects. Over the years, I’ve worked with studios and brands like Disney, Cartoon Network, and Sesame Street, bringing characters to life through hand-drawn and digital animation.

In addition to client work, I’m also focused on growing my own original animated content through YouTube. One of my biggest passion projects is Stanley & Stella Cartoons, a channel featuring animated shorts about the adventures of two quirky pugs. The series is inspired by my own real-life pugs, Stanley and Stella, whose playful personalities and antics made them perfect characters for storytelling. I wanted to create something fun, lighthearted, and entertaining for both kids and adults, and I’m excited to keep expanding the world of Stanley & Stella.

My goal moving forward is to continue growing Stanley & Stella Cartoons into a fully realized brand while also working with clients who need high-quality, character-driven animation for their own projects.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three things have been key to my success:

1. Adaptability – The animation industry is always changing, from technology to client needs. Learning new software, adjusting to industry shifts, and staying ahead of trends have been critical. My advice to newcomers: never stop learning. Invest time in mastering new tools and techniques.

2. Persistence – Freelancing and running a creative business come with ups and downs. There have been times when work was scarce, but pushing through, networking, and diversifying my skills helped me stay afloat. My advice: be prepared for setbacks but stay focused on long-term goals.

3. Time Management & Business Knowledge – Creativity is one thing, but knowing how to run a business is another. Budgeting, contracts, client relations, and marketing all play a huge role in success. My advice: treat your craft like a business and educate yourself on the financial and operational side of things.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes! I’m always open to collaborating with:

Studios and brands needing high-quality 2D animation for commercials, TV shows, or online content.

YouTubers and content creators looking for custom animation to enhance their videos.

Businesses and agencies that need engaging animated content for marketing or training purposes.

If anyone is interested in working together, they can reach me through my website, LinkedIn, or my YouTube channels.

Contact Info:

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