We recently connected with Aprilyn Cunanan and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Aprilyn, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
This is an age-old question all or most artists have to ask. Artists ask this of each other and we ask this of our past selves too. I’ve gotten different answers from all sorts of creatives and some say to start small and with no expectations, others say to consume art or media to get inspiration from others. My partner Michael Nanna says he likes to study animation and anatomy to break out of art block.
What usually happens to me is that I’ll have bursts of inspiration, like a never-ending fountain and I’ll just create, create, create so many good paintings and then suddenly…. it stops. It’s frustrating, but I know now that it’s actually my brain and body pacing it self. During this dry period, and it’ll go as long as a few weeks to a few months to (at one severe point in 2021,) a whole year. This is the period I rest and do anything that’s not art — I’ll play some games, I’ll pick up my camera, I’ll go to the gym more. And when the inspiration fountain bursts, I know I’ll be at it again. The cycle always repeats.
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 Filipino-American illustrator based in Burbank, CA! I can describe my stuff as kid-core but with adult nostalgia. And I like to draw shiba inus! I’m also trying to lessen my carbon footprint and use only cloth, paper and wooden products and I’m hoping to phase out all plastic by 2024. I design products and merchandise as a side hobby and make things like totes, charms, wall-scrolls, prints and postcards. I also have a brand new zine coming out called “Plein Air Painting: Vol. 1” and it’s 32 page zine that is a collection of my gouache paintings from 2022 to 2023. I’ve been working with my manufacturers on a 100% cotton tea towel and a newly designed tote bag.
I’m super excited and honored to say I’ll be exhibiting at Lightbox Expo this year on October 27th -29th. It’s an annual event at the Pasadena Convention Center where we celebrate the artists and creators behind our favorite films, animation, games, TV shows and illustrations! All my newest products will be available that weekend so please stop by if you’re in the area!
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?
If I phrase this question for advice for anyone hoping to break into the animation industry, let me start with this: please don’t be discouraged by the current state of the events. With the recent larger layoffs and cancellations in animation, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, it seems bleak. Even though studios are pushing replace creators for a cheaper, faster alternative — I believe in the solidarity in artists and creatives. We can overcome this.
1. Be nice to your peers and future and current colleagues. If you’re currently not in TAG, The Animation Guild, I would suggest taking classes in the type of animation field you’re interested in (props, characters, backgrounds, storyboarding etc). You’ll meet a lot of artists at your level and you’ll get a real handle on how a pipeline works.
2. This is a tough one for some people. but you’ll need to have some networking skills to keep consistent work. Building friendships and relationships are important to you as a person organically but also professionally. Unfortunately, animation is not a field where introverts can thrive. There is a level of putting yourself out there that you need to do to find more work.
3. The Animation Guild will have resources even for non-members. Check out their website for current news, resources and frequently asked questions. They might also have events listed that non-members can attend.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My partner, Michael Nanna, who I mentioned earlier is particularly determined and scrappy because he came from independent animation that he had founded his own indie studio in North Hollywood long before he met me. He really knows how to run productions and finances. He’s taught me so much about animation and I know he’d be a great teacher because of how kind and realistic he can be with newcomers and how open-minded he is to anyone from different walks of life. He’s taught me to identify trauma, to work through fear and to face the uncomfortable because it can be good for you. Working in animation became so much more enjoyable when I found someone who could match me perfectly in creativity and introspection. He has been my sounding board and I will always be his.
Contact Info:
- Website: aprilyncunanan.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sheeprilyn
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheeprilyn
- Other: Online Shop: https://sheeprilyn.bigcartel.com/
