Meet Lauren Collopy: Story Artist and Character Animator

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

Hi Lauren, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was a kid I was shy and didn’t talk much, but art became my voice. When I watched Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame for the first time I knew I wanted to pursue something in animation. I have always enjoyed making up stories and drawing out the characters. In my undergrad I studied comics. It wasn’t until my graduate career in animation that I decided kids shows was my passion. Of course I would love to work in film as well, but I have a fondness for shows. Shows can tell great stories and create lovable characters for families and kids alike and have the ability to last for multiple seasons. It’s interesting when I think about it because I didn’t have TV as a kid, I only had DVDs available. The reason I pursue animation and storyboarding as an artistic career within the film and TV industry is because I’m passionate about telling stories. Stories bring us together, inspire, and touch others. It is a medium that can share cultures and folklore as well as new adventures people haven’t seen yet.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Today I am a character animator on an 2D animated show. I professionally started in an internship with a major toy company story boarding their commercials and animated shorts. Eventually I moved onto having my first job with them. When COVID hit I was effected, had to move back home and work in freelance as I worked on my portfolio. I worked in children’s books as I applied to jobs in the animation industry, which I enjoyed because it’s like a lighter version of storyboarding. One of the biggest pieces of advice I received that has helped me is work on personal projects. That is where you will shine in your portfolio because you already have passion on what you’re working on, and it shows employers who you are. This piece of advice is what helped me get my internship because I finally made the time to work on a personal project. Also if you want to be an animator or story artist draw every day. Practice drawing figures, expressions and environments, even if it is just for 15 minutes a day. I heard all this advice every time professionals came to talk at my school, but it didn’t get easy until I finally buckled down and listened.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a difficult question because I usually refer to myself as a hermit. I enjoy sitting somewhere and drawing or watching movies. Going out with friends I enjoy outdoor options like nature trails. I would take them to Vikery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill or the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I also think the Queen of Hearts Antique stores in Alpharetta or Buford area are a great place to find inspiration or spark conversation. In Atlanta, right behind the Savannah College of Art and Design building is the Center for Puppetry Arts where they have a great Jim Henson exhibit. I would also take them to the local bookstore since I go every weekend. Any burger joint, Chinese restaurant or place to get a waffle is right up my alley. Hope my friend likes coffee because we will probably stop at a cafe for a cup sometime during the day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom has been my biggest support. As a single mother she always tried her best to let my brother and I try new activities when we wanted. Piano and dance lessons to name a few. My mom kept all my drawings growing up so I get to look back at all those old embarrassing sketches that are at least a testament to my progress. A few short stories I wrote she has tucked away in a drawer somewhere. She is an amazing, positive, hard working woman. She has supported me through school and even now in this trying time of COVID she has been a huge support. I also have my husband who has encouraged and supported me. Traveled with me through my first internship and job away from home. They both listen to my stories and are always willing to look at my art. One art group that has been great encouragement and mentorship is storyboardart.org with co-founder Sergio Paez. I had my first storyboard portfolio review with them, which helped toward getting my internship.

Website: https://www.artoflaurendavis.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurendavisart/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-collopy-art/