Meet Stanley Soendoro | 3D Animator

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

Hi Stanley, why did you pursue a creative career?
Believe it or not, I had a variety of dream jobs as a child, none of which were remotely related to animation! I wanted to be a jet pilot, a magician, and even an engineer. But growing up with access to cable television, I had the privilege of watching Disney Channel, Playhouse Disney, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network. I watched them so much that I developed muscle memory from repeatedly pressing the same buttons on the TV remote to tune into these four channels daily.

Though I loved watching animated movies and shows, pursuing a career in animation never crossed my mind until mid-2014. It was when I stumbled upon a documentary about Pixar that I first became aware of the existence of “3D animators”. Witnessing the intricate process of how they brought characters to life left me in awe. The creative skill and dedication required to craft compelling and believable movements to digital puppets sparked a deep passion within me. It was somewhat the perfect amalgamation of my various childhood dream jobs, fusing my wild imagination and love for problem-solving, as well as entertaining people. I am beyond grateful that my family is very supportive of my passion and lets me chase my dream to pursue a creative career!

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Born and raised in Indonesia, I feel very fortunate to have been exposed to such rich and diverse culture. Many of my creative works have been inspired by the experiences I’ve had growing up. However, most people in Indonesia still perceive animation as “cartoons for kids” rather than a powerful art form and medium of storytelling. Recognizing this, I knew I had to immerse myself in a community with the same appreciation for animation, which is why I chose to study abroad. I am immensely grateful that my family has been very supportive of my passion. At first, they understood very little of what an animator does, but over time, I slowly explained to them the intricate animation pipeline. Though challenging, their growing understanding and appreciation of this craft have been invaluable to me.

My international cultural exposure also greatly influenced my creative journey. It began with my high school experience in Singapore, followed by my freshman year at the Hong Kong campus of the Savannah College of Art and Design, and eventually transitioning to the United States in my sophomore year. Exchanging cultures with my international friends broadened my perspective and enriched my creative outlook. It also allows me to tell relatable stories that hopefully resonate and touch people’s hearts.

If there is one thing I learned and valued most throughout my journey is the power of collaboration. One of my notable collaborative experiences was co-directing “Kaghati,” a 3D animated Indonesian short film that serves as a reminder to never forget our roots. Started out as a passion project, it is essentially a love letter to my home country. Bringing “Kaghati” to life checked off my bucket list of creating an animated film that celebrates Indonesian culture. Looking ahead, it would be a privilege to help amplify the voices of those who want to share their untold stories and showcase hidden cultures to the world!

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?
I’ll bring them to eat brunch at Big Bon Bodega for their amazing bagels. Lunch would either be at Henry’s Restaurant for their delicious fried pork chop or Maple Street Biscuit Company for their comfort Southern food signature – biscuits and gravy, topped with fried chicken. Maybe, if they feel like it, I’ll take them on a stroll in Forsyth Park or River Street, and if they fancy a coffee or just a nice place to chill, Superbloom is my go-to café. Dinner would either be at Treylor Park, or if they are craving seafood, Crystal Beer Parlor – their crab stew is to die for!! The night wouldn’t be complete without a trip downtown, grabbing drinks at some fun local bars and clubs. If it is on a Monday night, we’ll go to TABs (Totally Awesome Bar) for their free pool and silent disco! MAYBE if they feel like it after all that, we’ll go to Tybee beach to do some stargazing and wait to see the beautiful sunrise.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be where I am today without the unconditional love and support of my family, especially my parents. Despite their limited understanding of my work as an animator, they wholeheartedly trusted and supported my decision to pursue my passion.

I am deeply grateful to all the mentors who have played a significant role in my journey. From my primary and high school teachers to my college professors, and all the artists I look up to, their guidance and influence have molded me into the person and artist I am today.

To my friends who have been there since the beginning, I am incredibly thankful. Their unwavering belief in my work and constant motivation has propelled me beyond my own expectations.

A special shoutout goes to the remarkable “Kaghati” team for granting me the opportunity to co-direct my first-ever animated short film. Their incredible support and trust have allowed me to showcase Indonesian culture to a broader audience. I am honored to have been part of such a meaningful collaborative project!

Website: https://www.stanleysoendoro.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanleysoendoro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stanley.soendoro/

Other: Instagram art account: https://www.instagram.com/stanimatestudios/