Meet Seon Shoopman | Actor and Animator

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

Hi Seon, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose an artistic career because it is what brings me the most joy and to others. I’ve been watching movies/tv and cartoons since I was a little boy, starting at around age 3. My grandpa is an avid comic book collector and drawer as well and that is what got me started. When I started doing theatre in high school, I knew from there I wanted to be in the industry as an actor. Performing in high school was so much fun and made me feel different than how I did playing sports. It was a different kind of joy. Others enjoyed my acting and that kept me going.

Aside from acting, even though I did it in high school and college, I had another kink; cartoons and animation. I wanted to be a voice actor and thought a career in animation would be awesome. I got my bachelor’s degree in computer animation from Purdue University.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most proud of starting my professional career as an animator. The journey to animation and now acting was not easy. There are hundreds of thousands of others out there trying to do the same thing as me. Knowing that I made it and accomplishing my goals and dreams is a surreal feeling. I have wanted to give up so many times but I always think about my family and how I want to make them proud and give them everything they deserve is what drives me. Keeping faith and taking risks is what I feel separates me from others. I definitely would not be where I am without God and the support of my family.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a tough one for me! Only being in Atlanta for a little under a year, I honestly haven’t been out much and explored all of what Atlanta has to offer. If my best friend were to visit, I’d take us to a Braves or Falcons game and look up different vibe areas such as downtown for the best places to eat or get a drink.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to dedicate my success and passions for animation and acting to my family! I started drawing cartoons and doing voice impersonations when I was younger. Them pushing me to never give up and supporting me allowed me to grow as an artist and really think to myself that I can do anything I wanted to.

Someone particular that deserves the underlying credit is my grandpa. I was always watching him draw different cartoons, painting cartoon murals, and was an avid comic book collector. Reading and watching got me to dive into the comic and cartoon world further.

Website: www.seonshoopmanimation.com