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Conversations with Stefie Gan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefie Gan.

Stefie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The lush grass and flowers of the idyllic world of Kiki, the way clouds pass the hills, the way wind brushes the characters – these are only a few of the things I admire about Hayao Miyazaki’s work at Studio Ghibli. I didn’t realize at the time my love for these animated films would lead me to a career path in animation. I thought I was going to be an architect. I enjoyed art and writing as a child but didn’t think of art as a viable career path. I was told architecture was a safer choice because I was strong in math. Being the first in my family to go to college, it was a challenge to navigate school life and a career path. The thought of supporting myself after college was a major concern. While studying architecture, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I found more freedom in writing short stories at writer’s workshops and eventually considered animation as a medium I may want to use to express myself. I realized I was much more interested in storytelling and the combination of art and writing.

Thanks to the support of my family, I felt empowered to pursue my passions. Switching fields was hard when I was attending Barnard College, Columbia University, which didn’t have an animation program. I had to find new networks and put myself out there. Later on, as I attended more events and met people working in animation, I started to see more possibilities. After graduating, I was a production assistant, storyboard artist, and colorist at various independent film productions in NYC and worked in media companies and nonprofits where I had the opportunity to apply my skills in art and writing. It was inspiring to see people thriving in creative careers. I’m currently at USC pursuing an MFA in animation to develop my craft and filmmaking. It’s such an interdisciplinary field where I recently got to create animations related to sciences. I’m learning so much with the guidance of many supportive professors, who opened my mind to even more career possibilities such as teaching, producing as an independent artist, and pitching shows to studios.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
After exploring many opportunities, I learned that life is full of uncertainties. I took on many odd jobs, like interning on a film shoot for a hotel, balancing budgets, and judging writing contests. I tried my best to keep learning software and art-making on my own. Writing on my own gave me a deeper connection to my core ideas and personal story. I joined writing meet-up groups and local animation organizations to connect with the creative community because I felt compelled to build the world I wanted.

Trying to balance finances while building my career in the arts has been a challenge. While I was working full time, I took night classes at art schools in NYC. When I decided to get an MFA, I continued to work part-time jobs. During the first year of my full-time graduate program, I was balancing three jobs where I worked at the residential halls, freelanced on animation projects, and managed a company’s social media content. I didn’t want to end up with six-figure debt, which would put a huge burden on my future. It was a bit risky to devote full time to building my craft, but I have absorbed so much and expedited my learning. I’ve really enjoyed this personal artistic journey so far.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do 2D animation and I love traditional mediums like watercolors and inks. I’m most proud of my personal work exploring my heritage in Malaysia. It’s so fulfilling to be able to explore my family culture in my work. There’s so much beauty in learning about various cultures and reconnecting with our roots. I’m also proud of collaborative projects with other artists and disciplines. Most recently, I made a science education video with the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies where I met with researchers and educators on a daily basis to talk about marine life at the intertidal zone. It’s amazing that animation can be so collaborative, and I learned a lot working with experts from various fields.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
By definition, being creative means having to deviate from the norm and explore new paths, which requires taking the risk of not being accepted. We’re innovating and trying to reimagine things. I’ve learned to embrace the unknown, go with my best intentions while also drawing from wisdom before me. Leaving the workforce and going to grad school was a big decision for me. It is unclear whether the three-year time commitment would pay off financially. Also moving to California, an unfamiliar place at the time, was risky after having grown up in NYC. Walking and taking the subway was what I was used to, but people in California drive at least 70 mph on the highway.

The MFA animation program at USC has enriched me so far. It’s been a deep dive into getting to know myself as an artist and exploring my potential. I try to focus on my self-growth rather than the risk. It’s important to keep challenging ourselves and to keep learning and engaging with the world. Discomfort and uncertainty can be fuel for art. It’s about finding the right balance for ourselves, the learning, challenge, passion, and support. When we challenge ourselves too much, that can lead to anxiety, and too little can lead to boredom. Similar to Kiki, we may want to soar high in the clouds, but sometimes we need to stay grounded with quiet self-reflection to recharge.

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Image Credits

Artwork by Stefie Gan

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