Meet Garrett Broussard of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Garrett Broussard.

Hi Garrett, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in the 90’s, in a town near Houston, Texas. I loved playing with animals, going outdoors, and consuming escapist fiction in all forms. Between AIM chats and turns at worldbuilding in Heroes of Might and Magic 3, I was engrossed by movies—I even wrote a screenplay or two. I watched behind-the-scenes content for Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, Star Wars, and whatever else came my way. I just knew I wanted to tell stories and live in other worlds, and entertainment was my route to that.
I showed skill in computer science, Java fish simulators, architectural 2D/3D drafting, and a Photoshop class. My teachers recommended I go to Texas A&M University, where the Visualization degree had some very successful VFX/Animation alumni. I did well enough in class, but I didn’t excel until I found more technical classes within the program, or could take on a technical role within a class. I eventually learned that I could make a career out of helping artists get their work done.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked on some great movies: Book of Life, Boss Baby, Alita: Battle Angel, Space Jam: A New Legacy, and many others that were never finished. My roles have varied between software development and artist support.
Fast forward to lockdown, summer of 2020. I was processing some personal grief, as well as global issues, and became very introverted. That process of reflection allowed me to focus on writing the stories that came to mind as a way of processing. Eventually, my wife convinced me I could become a published author.
That gave way to Cacophony of Crowns, my genre-bending short story collection, and some novels I’ve been working on. I’ve never looked back.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, I wouldn’t say it’s been smooth at all. The bumps in my journey were mostly rugged, off-road struggles that came from taking the road less traveled. Others came from trying to make myself into something I’m not—like a painter or jock. Interestingly, I think the former problems stem from my self discovery in an attempt to avoid the latter.
I had to be self sufficient at a young age, which means I tended to do things my own way even to my detriment. This manifested as ridicule from others for doing things a weird way or taking a long time to do things that were simple for folks who were taught how to do it. Now, I’m praised at work for being the person who will jump in and figure it out. Funny how that happens.
The problems that come from trying to fit in are more internal and emotional. I spent about 15 years trying to force my hand at drawing, painting, sculpting, and other CG art but always fell short of making good work. Part of the issue was a lack of motivation and another part was that I just didn’t have the talent. I remember being frustrated and wanting to give up so many times; I just couldn’t make pictures of what was in my head. However, now that I’ve found writing I’m able to paint pictures with words in a way that my brain understands. It’s much smoother this way.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My main career is in Animation and Visual Effects, where I write and debug software for artists in a role called Technical Director, or TD. I’m known for having a pleasant personality, a must for a support role, and also having the programming skills to affect change. I like to think of it as navigating the social and technical aspects of film making in a way that lends compassion and nuance to all those involved. I’ve met some great people in my career, and I think that viewing my role as both technical and social sets me apart from most.
Within the industry, I’m known for large-scale problem solving on various different films. For everyone else, my most recent large achievement is building a digital multiplane camera for the hand drawn Looney Tunes in Space Jam: A New Legacy.
On a more personal level, I’ve got my published book, Cacophony of Crowns, and more on the way. Due to it being my own personal creative work, I’m definitely most proud of this. It’s super common for us creative types to have a side hobby, though writing is a rare choice.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
My readers probably don’t know that I do most of my writing on my phone and tablet, particularly while in a car, going for a walk, or other modes of travel. Something about moving really gets the ideas going; extra points for being stuck on a plane for a predetermined length of time.

Pricing:

• 11.99 – Paperback
• 3.99 – eBook
• 15.99 – Audiobook

Contact Info:

• Website: https://garrettsbroussard.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/garrettsbroussard
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557777294641
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettsbroussard
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/garrettsbroussard.bsky.social
• Other: https://garrettsbroussard.substack.com/