Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lydia Monzo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lydia, 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?
From a young age, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive and creative family. My love for the arts blossomed particularly because of my dad. He would always draw me pictures of my favorite toys and cartoon characters, and the amount of precision and care he put into each sketch inspired me. It was from that point on that I was completely immersed in the arts, taking weekend art classes, joining art clubs and AP classes in high school, and drawing any free moment I had. This hobby pretty much became my life, turning into something meaningful. By my junior year of high school, I realized that this was something I wanted to pursue as a career.
Attending Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) has opened my eyes to so many facets of the arts, pushing me to step out of my comfort zone. While I initially focused on traditional illustration, my experiences at SCAD led me to discover my deep interest in computer animation. I am now a senior with a concentration in 3D Character animation, that still loves to illustrate and use both my 2D and 3D skills.
My father played a big part in shaping my creative career. His encouragement and guidance pushed me to try out as much as I could in the arts. Driven by a deep eagerness to learn, I have explored different parts of the film and animation pipeline, including drawing, storyboarding, character animation, layout design, and previsualization.
A constant theme throughout my creative and educational journey has been to embrace every opportunity to learn and step out of my comfort zone. I believe the support from my family and my experiences at SCAD have been instrumental in fostering this mindset, which has also shaped my sense of purpose. With these skills I have developed, I hope to apply them to projects that not only entertain but also create a meaningful connection with people-whether it’s through humor, emotion, or powerful storytelling.
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?
As a senior at the Savannah College of Art & Design, I’ve had the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in animation while also expanding my skills in drawing, storyboarding, layout design, and previsualization. I love exploring the many workflows that bring animated stories to life and find the industry’s creative process inspiring.
I aspire to work as a 3D animator or story artist in the film and animation industry, bringing characters and narratives to life. Currently, I’m part of Lost Track, a 3D animated short film directed by Luna McKee and AJ Almeida. I began production as a storyboard artist and then expanded my role to include previsualization before stepping into my primary position as a 3D animator—breathing life into the film’s two main characters, Tempo and Birdie. This experience has deepened my understanding of Unreal Engine and Maya while strengthening my collaborative and technical skills.
To learn more about Lost Track and the amazing team behind it, check out our Instagram: @losttrackfilm. I’m always eager to connect with fellow creatives and explore new opportunities in animation!
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?
As I reflect on my growth as a young creative and my academic career at SCAD, I think these three qualities or skills were the most impactful in my journey:
1) Curiosity and the Willingness to Explore
Early on in my time at SCAD, I wasn’t sure exactly where I fit creatively. I began my art journey as an illustrator but was fascinated with the film and animation industry. So, instead of forcing my decision too soon, I took advantage of every opportunity to explore different aspects of animation—storyboarding, previs, layout, and character animation. That curiosity led me to discover what I truly enjoy. If you’re unsure about your niche, try everything! Take on different roles in projects, talk to professionals, and stay open to new experiences. The more you experiment, the clearer your path will become.
2) Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Animation is an ever-evolving field, and every project presents new challenges—whether it’s learning a new software like Unreal Engine or tackling a tricky animation shot. Embracing those challenges rather than fearing them made a huge difference in my growth. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. When something feels difficult, see it as an opportunity to level up. Ask for feedback, seek out tutorials, and don’t be afraid to fail—it’s all part of the process! For example, in my senior capstone film, I was tasked with a new role as a Previsualization artist. The task felt daunting, but reaching out for help and feedback from industry professionals made the experience more achievable and enjoyable. Pushing through the uncomfortableness helped me expand my skills in a new area of the animation and film production pipeline, making me feel confident and excited to learn more!
3) Collaboration and Networking
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that animation is never a solo effort. Working on Lost Track taught me the importance of communication, teamwork, and learning from those around me. Some of the best lessons don’t come from classes but from collaborating with peers. Build relationships! Work on team projects, support your peers, and connect with professionals. A strong network can open doors and provide mentorship that helps guide you toward the right opportunities.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Breaking into the animation industry feels daunting, especially with the current state of the industry being so uncertain. Seeing news articles, discussions on LinkedIn, and hearing about the challenges artists are facing can be disheartening. But rather than letting it discourage me, I’ve been focusing on small victories—one step at a time.
Working as a 3D animator on my capstone film, Lost Track, has only deepened my passion for animation. Every shot I complete, every challenge I overcome, and every moment I see a character come to life reminds me why I love this craft. To keep my motivation strong, I’ve also made it a point to stay engaged with the industry—following studios, keeping up with new films and shows, and learning about different companies’ projects and pipelines. Seeing the innovation and artistry that continues to emerge, despite challenges, reinforces my excitement for the future of animation.
I know breaking into the industry won’t be easy, but by staying focused on growth, celebrating progress, and staying inspired by the work being created, I’m determined to carve out my place in this field.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lydiamonzo.wixsite.com/lydiamonzoart
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydiamonzoart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-monzo
Image Credits
Lost Track Still. Responsible for Animation and Import. Others Responsible:
Luna McKee: Director, Story Artist, Tech Artist, Lighting Artist
AJ Almeida: Director, Story Artist, Tech Artist, Set Dressing
Kate Meine: Tech Artist, Lighting Artist, Compositor, Set Dressing
Melissa Weigman: Tech Artist, Rigger, Lighting Artist, Set Dressing
Angela Frazier: Tech Artist, Lighting Artist, Set Dressing
Kaitlyn Pinilla: Tech Artist, Lighting Artist, Set Dressing
Soda Unveren: Lead Animator, Story Artist
Sabre Scott: Animator, Story Artist, Tech Artist
Yilan Zhang: Animator, Story Artist
Lost Track Still. Responsible for Animation and Import. Others Responsible:
Luna McKee: Director, Story Artist, Tech Artist, Lighting Artist
AJ Almeida: Director, Story Artist, Tech Artist, Set Dressing
Kate Meine: Tech Artist, Lighting Artist, Compositor, Set Dressing
Melissa Weigman: Tech Artist, Rigger, Lighting Artist, Set Dressing
Angela Frazier: Tech Artist, Lighting Artist, Set Dressing
Kaitlyn Pinilla: Tech Artist, Lighting Artist, Set Dressing
Soda Unveren: Lead Animator, Story Artist
Sabre Scott: Animator, Story Artist, Tech Artist
Yilan Zhang: Animator, Story Artist
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
