Tracey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got my 1st animation job when I was 17 but I been a working artist all my life. I was the kid in class that everyone would ask “can you draw me?” to which I would say “Sure 1$ please” and I managed to keep my family off lunch assistance that way. Today I am still very much a business-savvy creative child. Art helped me express myself in all the ways that words failed as I struggled with being bilingual I used art as a language bridge when communicating became difficult.
My comics and art closed the culture gap between my traditional Haitian upbringing and my American experience. The joyful reactions to my work and encouragement of my loved ones led me to study the animation at Calarts, Walt Disney’s school for Character Animation and University of the Arts for Illustration.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not! Struggles along my journey include but are not limited too – Learning to draw and animate (I wasn’t very good when I started but I had a lot of ideas!) – Getting hit by a truck after shoulder surgery – Having shoulder surgery – Moving from the east coast to the west coast – Work 2-3 jobs while in school – Racism – Being denied an education because of racism and thus having to repeat college at my own expense on the other side of country. –
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an Art Director and Animation Producer. I created characters, mascots, and visual identities for shows, products and digital platforms. You might recognize my work in several Google products such as Google Doodle, Play Store, and Google Files App Mascot “Tidy” The projects I’m most proud of are my short films. During my time at Buzzfeed as an Animation Producer, I collaborated and created several unique funny viral characters such as Tamika the carefree girl, Boggs (little germs big lives), and Talbot the anxiety fairy. What sets my work apart is a unique perspective, a contemporary voice and strong storytelling skills.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson is to believe in yourself. I always knew the woman I was becoming because I could see her clear as day in the mirror even when others doubted me, but sometimes the world beats you down and makes you question yourself and people you thought you could rely on aren’t always so reliable. Every time I got misjudged, I would feel confused and think, “why can’t they see who/what I see inside ” and I’d go check in the mirror to see if the woman I saw myself becoming was still there and every time I looked there she was in front of me clear as day staring back at me letting me know I am going to make it and I’m a little closer to achieving my dreams everyday. That’s really what kept me going. Some folks take advantage if you don’t know how valuable you are or worse, try to lower your self-esteem to boost their own. Keep your head up and walk in your power; you are enough!
Pricing:
- Commissions 80-200$
- Commissions 80-200$
- Posters 40$
- Stickers 8$
- Animated Short or Board 1-3min 6k-12k
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://traceyelle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracey.elle/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cuite3000
Image Credits
Tracey LaGuerre
