Check Out Torianna Jacque’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Torianna Jacque.

Torianna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Like many artists, my kindergarten art class was the most productive period of my career. During a time when many kids still struggled remembering the alphabet- drawing was our primary means of communication. Being good at art was like being an Olympic athlete. Then 1st grade came along and suddenly kickball was all the rage. I fell from kindergarten royalty to the weird girl who draws dragons in the back of class…and not much has changed since.

For some reason, I never grew out of art. I loved drawing, writing, dancing, violin- any way I could express myself. I naturally fell into animation as I believe it’s the culmination of all the best art forms. At CalArts, I loved studying in school with so many practices under one roof. No where in the world can you go from an animation class with a Disney animator- to ballet- to an entry level African drumming course all in one day. I was constantly inspired.

Since graduating, my artistic career has been equally as scattered as my interests. I’m currently pursuing a career in storyboarding for animated films. On the side, I still find time for my own comics, short films, and the occasional Bollywood dance class at the YMCA.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Even the best artists have the most unsteady careers. At least that’s what I tell myself to cope. I’ve faced a lot of rejection on my journey, though my hardest was my initial rejection from CalArts. I felt- If I couldn’t get into my dream school, why bother as an artist?

Especially as an artist, rejection is personal because art is always personal. Even now, I still go back and forth between waiting tables and short freelance gigs. For better or worse, I’m not giving up on career in art. I can’t imagine my life without it. I’m also terrible at math. Seriously- I was rejected from working at a grocery store because I failed the cashier math test. Decimals are really hard for me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m most proud of my short films. Many art schools assign students one big thesis film at the end of their four year program. CalArts assigns two for each year of school: a “one-week” film and another film to spend the school year on. Laboring over every script draft, design, background- not to mention thousands of hand drawn frames of animation- there’s nothing like it.

When I don’t have the patience for an entire short movie- I love making comics. I’ve done everything from short illustrated journals on Instagram to a 140 page graphic novel.

My dream project is an animated musical. Frozen and all the fairytale Barbie movies were my biggest inspiration growing up. My taste hasn’t changed much since kindergarten- and working on a movie involving all my favorite art forms of music and dance and poofy dresses would be a dream come true.

What were you like growing up?
As a kid, I was quirky and a little antisocial. I think you have to be as an artist- otherwise I would have been outside on the kickball diamond all day instead of huddled over my desk. Telling stories has always been my way of relating with others.

Growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, I didn’t have a lot of artistic resources. I’m lucky to have a family who’s always been so supportive. Growing up, my dad used to pass the time at boring dinners by doodling Bill-Waterson-esque caricatures on napkins. He even made his own mini-comics about growing up on a farm with his brother. I like to think I get my artistic side from him. When I was older and applying to art school, my mom would drive me 2 hours into the city for life drawing classes and help lie about my age to get in. To this day, she still gives me notes on all my films and doodles. I was a super lucky kid and it took a lot of support to become the artist I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artoftori.blogspot.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torije/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torianna-jacque-10272a203
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@toriannajacque6398