Meet Angela Abeyti

We were lucky to catch up with Angela Abeyti recently and have shared our conversation below.

Angela, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?

Now that I think about it, I really feel I began fostering this during my time in martial arts! Growing up, I begged my parents to sign me up for a Karate Dojo just like many other kids in the 90’s. And just like many other kids my Dad signed me up for karate courses through the city. Difference is, I wound up continuing into adulthood hahaha!

Seeing first hand the results of hard work and practice ingrained in me the importance of staying motivated and taking action when needed, despite difficulty. It taught me that some tangible goals CAN be achieved through hard work, and discipline. It’s something that got me through many of life’s hurdles – especially considering my goals in the world of 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 currently working as a Character and Prop designer for Baby Shark’s Big Show at Nickelodeon but past projects also include shows like Bojack Horseman, Tuca and Bertie, My Momma Named me Sheriff and much more. I’ve worked with a variety of animation production studios like Bento Box, Titmouse, ShadowMachine, Hothouse Productions and now Nickelodeon!

The thing I treasure most about my career is that feeling of finally finding your niche. Drawing cartoons for a living was something I had dreamed about since childhood and now I get to assist in making toons alongside other passionate animation lovers like myself and I couldn’t be happier. I play a role in bringing entertainment and happiness to adults and children the world over and that feeling is something that cannot be replaced. I mean, some of the things I designed are now toys that can be found in many homes around the world and my mind cannot wrestle with that fact to this very day.

My main priority when approaching design is to tell a story. And if possible, a relatable one. If that is something you find intriguing, I am currently open to freelance/commissions alongside my 9-5! You can check out some of my current work/doodles on http://www.angelaabeyti.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/sn00glez/. Feel free to reach out on either platform! Let’s make some toons together!

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?
I think out of the most significant things I’ve picked up during my journey to animation, it would have to be the importance of:

1. Practice
2. Diligence and Tenacity
3. Saying no to “Networking”. Saying YES to making FRIENDS.

For individuals first starting out – the importance of practice and repetition has got to be a priority. Your portfolio needs to be ready for when opportunity knocks at your door – so work, work, work at your trade. When I was first starting out, I would check out artists/studios that inspired me. I would ask myself things like: “am I close to that level of skill?” “What does their portfolio have that mine doesn’t have right now?”. This is not to say you must be as good as those you look up to, but it gives good grounding on what to try and achieve, what is seen as hire-able and what priorities you should have when it comes to your portfolio.

Being tenacious and diligent is really important when pursuing animation as a career. Those that keep on trying despite the odds and don’t shy away from rejection or hard work, are those that end up making lasting careers in this industry. If working in animation is something you DREAM of – then be ready to put everything you have into making that a reality and that includes getting put through the ringer, so to speak.

There IS one thing I don’t fully understand and that is the current idea of “Networking” in this digital age. Nowadays a lot of people see adding you to their Linked-In or other various social media networks, without even speaking or knowing you first, as a viable means of “networking” within the industry. What they may not understand is these are meaningless connections – a silly numbers game! Instead, they should be focusing on making pals! People who know you first hand, like you, and enjoy being around you, are far more likely to want to work with you and refer you for work in the future than a stranger on the internet.

I would plead to those looking to break in, to make FRIENDS with people who have similar interests and goal pursuits as you. Don’t look at your fellow artist as another number to pad your social media roster. When reaching out to someone, or “adding” someone you look up to or respect, try your best to make a meaningful connection with them as well. Reaching out to them from a purposeful place will pay off far more than a cold call – er, cold ADD can.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

The support I’ve received over the years from my family, friends, former teachers, mentors and colleagues is the real reason I am where I am today.

My family never had a ton of money but supported my interests in art in any way they could when I was growing up. From gas station comics, discounted art supplies, free museum days, thrift store novels to second hand VHS and “how to draw” books – they did what they could for me. I didn’t know it back then but their support of my dreams, however nuanced, is what shaped me today!

I could never forget my dear friends either – All of those who have supported me and my dreams from my youth to now. They have all helped me in so many ways and I couldn’t be more thankful. My college pals especially, of which I have kept close to throughout the years. We all have a deep passion for art/creative expression and found solace and support within each other. Heck, it was even my good buddy, Cyndee Guerrieri, who gave me my first opportunity to break into the industry!

My family, my friends and my boyfriend are my rock. I know I can always count on them when it matters and I don’t know where I would be without them!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All rights to Baby Shark’s Big Show belong to Pink Fong and Nickelodeon. All rights to Bojack Horseman and Tuca and Bertie belong to The Tornante Company and ShadowMachine Animation. All Rights to Momma Named Me Sheriff and Mr. Pickles belongs to Hot House Productions and Adult Swim. All rights to Chicago Party Aunt belong to Titmouse Inc. and Netflix. All rights to Mulligan and The Great North belong to Bento Box Entertainment, Fox and Netflix. All rights to Sublo and Tangy Mustard belong to Aaron Long. All rights to My Momma Named Me Sheriff belong to Hot House Productions.

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