Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayuko Watson.
Hi Mayuko, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my career interning for a commercial animation studio straight out of high school. At the end of my internship I was offered a full-time role that I declined in favor of pursuing a full ride scholarship to Laguna College of Art & Design. After my sophomore year, I was offered a job as a character designer on The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish, a series I am proud to say was nominated for an Emmy. I’ve been working in animation for over six years now and am currently back in commercial animation!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been extremely smooth up until 2023, when jobs began to decline in animation. Up until that point I was able to keep work and opportunities lined up very easily. However, for the past two years, finding and maintaining work has been extremely difficult. It’s no secret that the animation industry is currently struggling and it’s certainly reflected in the amount of peers I’m seeing in the same boat as me. I’m very lucky to be working in animation right now, but I worry where I’ll be getting my next paychecks from after my contract ends.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in character design, it is the aspect of my art I am most proud of and also have the most fun with. I have a particular love for UPA and enjoy encorporating it into my work. Lately, I’ve been combining UPA with slightly more realistic and grounded sensibilities. At first I did it because it was challenging, but now I just do it for fun!
What makes you happy?
Being involved in projects that bring joy to anyone who watches them. Animation was hugely impactful to me in my childhood and I want to pay it forward. It’s also a miracle anything in animation gets made and it’s truly magical to play a small part in the grand scheme of things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mayukowatson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risayume/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayuko-watson/
- Twitter: https://x.com/mayukowatson
