Meet Cailyn Santos | 2D Animator & Storyteller

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

Hi Cailyn, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Cool stories and art make me happy! Whether I’m experiencing them as an audience or player, or if I’m creating those experiences myself. I’m always drawn to great art and storytelling from TV and movies to video games and table top role playing games. Each medium showcases a new way to share a story in a new style that inspires me to create my own interpretation. I’m regularly a dungeon master for a dungeons and dragons group, and I find subtle ways to sneak in some inspiration from the mediums I enjoy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have worked in the animation industry for about six years now. My career began in Canada of all places! I spent six months in Halifax, Nova Scotia meeting some amazing people and experiencing a new part of the world. The project over there was also very beginner friendly and I’m grateful for how they eased our team into the animation pipeline. After my time there, I moved to Atlanta to become part of the growing animation community here, and have been here ever since! I’ve worked with three different companies here, both in person and remote. At each company it’s been fun recognizing people I’ve worked with in the past. Seeing familiar faces warms my heart knowing I’ve truly became part of this community.

My time bouncing between different studios helped me discover my strengths that set me apart from my peers. I learned that I’m a fast animator! I didn’t realize it working by myself in college, but working with a team showed me how fast I could complete shots, or rigs, or notes. I find it funny when I start a new project and I surprise the leads because I’m asking for more work. Even recently, jumping onto a new project with a new crew, the first day of the job I was able to submit a shot for review. It honestly surprises me sometimes as well, but it’s also fun to lean into the skill that everyone knows me for!

With me gaining new contacts at each studio, I couldn’t have gotten this far without the people that I’ve met and worked with. A skill like speed is hard to showcase on a resume. I’ve faced a handful of setbacks because other studios won’t give me and my skills a chance. It’s only because of the wonderful people in this community that I’ve continued to grow as an animator. It was them that passed me along to other studios. Them who reached out to me about a new project they want me to be a part of. I can’t thank them enough for how much they’ve helped me in my journey, and the best I can do is pass it on and help others in my same position.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a sucker for a good attraction and the Georgia Aquarium is always a great pick! I’ve hopped around multiple aquariums across the country. I even grew up constantly going to the Chicago Shedd Aquarium, and I still think the Georgia Aquarium takes the cake! I also recommend hitting up Park Bar within walking distance of the Aquarium for a good burger! It was a hidden find that I discovered and have constantly gone back whenever I’m in the area.

But with a little more variety in food, I’d definitely hit up one of the multiple food halls. I love going to either The Chattahoochee Food Works, Ponce City Market, or Krog Street Market. Or the handful of other food halls outside of the city! I love the variety they give and it’s fun to go back and try something new.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I couldn’t have gotten where I am today without these two amazing animators and mentors – Brandon Berger and Brenna Powers.

I met Berger at a career fair while I was still in college, and he was one of my first contacts into the animation industry. It wasn’t long before we began working together. He is a fantastic director and I’ve worked my way from being an animator to lead animator on his team. He trusted my skills as an animator and as a leader, and I am forever grateful he opened my eyes to another side of the animation pipeline I didn’t think I was ready for.

While working with Berger is when I also met Brenna. Brenna is inspiring not just because of her amazing animation skills, but because during my time working with her I also watched her progress from lead animator to director. She not only honed my artistic skills, but also gave me a chance in other projects away from the original company we both worked at. I love working with Brenna and am always thankful for the opportunities she gives me.

Website: https://www.cailynsantos.com/