Meet Rachel Currid | 3D Character Animator and Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Currid and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When it comes to work life balance, I always try to set boundaries and a routine. For example, because I know that I personally work best in the morning to afternoon, I make sure to always stop working by dinnertime. My brain isn’t as productive during the evening hours so I know for certain that the work I create during that time will not be as strong as compared to the work I get done during the day. Even when I have projects that are stressful, I make sure to eventually go to bed shortly after dinner and pickup the work again in the early morning. My brain is then refreshed to take on the challenge. It took some time, research, and observation to figure out when I feel most productive in the 24 hour day. Many of my peers feel more creative and productive in the evening hours, so it was interesting to ask them about their schedules as well. Another way I try to balance my day is through meals. I avoid working while eating as much as I can so that I can really enjoy the break. I also enjoy taking a short walk outside when I am in the middle of a difficult task that is causing me frustration. Sometimes that fresh air or sunlight can boost my mood. So, essentially, I enjoy breaking up my working hours by a few, intentional breaks, being aware of my emotional state and when I need a break, and then setting a time for myself to stop working. However, everyday is different as I am still a work in progress.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a 3D character animator but I started my artistic journey as a fine artist. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t have a sketchbook in my hand filled with cartoon drawings. Watching movies as a child and seeing the behind-the-scenes special at the end of Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty struck a chord in me. Watching all the creatives work together to create a beautiful story really touched my heart. I believe that animation is one of the greatest art forms out there as it combines almost every job you could think of to create a piece of art that, if made well, can touch the hearts of all ages. This passion encouraged me to take a leap into studying computer animation in my first year of college without any prior experience. The first few years of animation were very difficult as the learning curve was incredibly steep. But through time, studying, and God’s grace, I feel fortunate to say that I have grown so much as an animator. There were many moments and still are moments where I think about if I did the right thing in choosing animation over illustration. I feel as though I have the eyes of an animator but the hands of an illustrator. I wonder if my dedication to both mediums will set me behind skill-wise in both. But these worries are pointless. I realized that I need to keep moving forward, making the art that I want to make. If I decide one day to create a story with animation, then I will do that. If the next day I decide to draw it instead, then I have the ability to do that too. And if my skill level stands in the way, then I will do my part as a life long student to grow in that area. Studying both these mediums has given me the freedom to create in so many ways and I am incredibly grateful for that. I chose 3D animation over 2D animation because the animation industry is largely 3D focused. However, I believe that the best of animation utilizes the technology and efficiency of 3D with the personality, individuality, and hand-crafted appeal of 2D. I desire to blend the world of 3D and 2D animation with the work I hope to do in the future. My fine art skills that I have been developing since middle school did not go to waste when I started animating. With my animation, I strive to present a clear story with visuals that make the shot feel as complete as a full illustration. When I am not animating, I continue to create illustrations and comics based on stories that inspire me and events that occur in my life. In the future, I would love to be able to create my own full-length animated features. I hope that my background in animation and illustration will help me be a kind, understanding, and decisive leader. I was adopted and so I would love to be able to create heartwarming and personal stories around this topic. Whatever art I am creating, whether that’s animation, an illustration, or even a short comic, I strive for glorifying God with the talent he has giving me, working towards excellence, and connecting with my audience on a deeply human level. I hope that my work exudes a spark of child-like wonder and adds some hope into the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in the suburbs of Chicago but I occasionally travel downtown. If a friend was coming to Chicago, I would definitely take them to one of our fantastic zoos. Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo have so many beautiful animals to sketch. After this, you can’t go wrong with getting some tacos for lunch in Pilsen. Pilsen has some incredibly colorful and gorgeous murals painted around the area that you simply cannot miss. For the afternoon, the Art Institute of Chicago or any of the museums downtown are extraordinary. But if my friend isn’t a big museum person, Millennium Park next door to the Art Institute is a great place to walk around. The famous “Cloud Gate” aka “The Bean” sculpture is a perfect photo spot. Grant Park has the Buckingham Memorial Fountain which is so spectacular to see also, especially at sunrise or sunset. But I have a special place in my heart for Chinatown. We can grab some boba and sit in Ping Tom Memorial Park. The Chicago river runs next to it so its the perfect, quiet place for a picnic too. On the North side, there are a bunch of cute cafes and dessert spots to enjoy like Eli’s Ark. They make their ice cream look like cute animal faces. If its Christmastime, walking on State Street by the Macy’s window display is a must. The largest Starbucks Reserve Roastery is close by there too. And for the evening, nothing beats driving down Lake Shore drive and seeing the city lights at night. Portillos is a Chicago favorite if we want a quick, but delicious meal. Otherwise, dinner at the top of the Hancock building is incredibly magical.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Hannah Kim has been my “art buddy” since I met her in sixth grade. Being a year older than me, her artwork and desire to tell beautiful stories that connect to all people has been incredibly inspiring to me throughout the time I’ve known her. Her dedication to her faith, her craft, and her friends and family is astounding. She has supplied me with not only wonderful encouragement and critique, as we have both grown in our skills, but it is her friendship that has meant the absolute most to me. Through her I was able to meet another close artist friend named Katherine Ballesteros, who I greatly look up to. And of course, my family and friends at home who encourage me in my profession are always treasured in my heart.

Website: https://rachelcurrid-art.wixsite.com/rachelcurrid

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachels_sketchbook/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-currid-6763451a8/

Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user114635595