Meet Salvé Black | 2D Animator and Storyboard Artist

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

Hi Salvé, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
I’m happy if I’m creating something that can get a real, visible response out of someone. It can be laughter, shock, whatever. If I made something that a client or a viewer really reacts to, I’m more than pleased.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In my free time, I enjoy writing character-driven fantasy plotlines. I’m hoping to one day turn it all into a webcomic or into mini-animations that other people can enjoy, too.

Professionally, I lean toward making family-friendly material. Most of what I do is children’s media, with some adult-oriented projects sprinkled in here and there. I’m proud of my ability to pull off a large range of visual styles, and I’m always looking for projects that’ll let me animate in a style I haven’t done before.

As for challenges, I was pretty nervous about finding consistent work after I graduated. I undercharged for my services at that point, thinking I didn’t have much of a choice, but I learned pretty quickly. I realized that clients who’re willing to pay fairly for what I do are out there (if you know where to look) and that there’s plenty of them. It’s a great feeling!

Overall, I just want to make fun stuff; that’s probably where my head will stay at for a while. I hope that one day I’ll be successful enough to recruit young animators into learning from me and working on real animated projects. Black kids from the area I grew up get discouraged by the barrier and costs of animation school. I’d like to give them, in particular, an alternative route into the industry.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To eat: In the Downtown area, Sukoshi. In the Hapeville area, I like Paper Plane and Dua Hapeville.

To drink: I recently went to Battle and Brew (in Sandy Springs) with a group of friends for the Ghibli trivia night. I loved it! I also like the Joystick Game Bar in Midtown.

To visit: I have always been a sucker for the Georgia Aquarium. They have touch tanks! Also, I like pretty much any of the metro-Atlanta museums; MODA, MOCA, The High Museum of Art, the Michael C. Carlos Museum, etc. Our Botanical Gardens are also really nice in the spring!

To Hang Out: I like calm walks at the Newman Wetlands Center and at Reynolds Nature Preserve. For a more quirky, city-type location, you could try Little Five Points.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Sahirah Dean was my Magnet Art teacher throughout all four years of high school. She was instrumental in getting me prepared to pursue an art degree and career, and was endlessly supportive. She was like a second mom to me.

Website: salveanimation.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salv%C3%A9-b-4748a8132/