Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Simpson.
Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always enjoyed drawing but never thought of it as a career choice until I was studying to be a Librarian. Several classmates and coworkers told me to go into animation instead. Years later, while I was studying Animation at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, I gave a piece of fanart to the creators of a certain animated television show I enjoyed. They eventually reached out to me a couple of months later and asked if I would like to do some freelance character designs on “Phineas and Ferb”. It was the first time I got to experience something in the industry outside of school, and it pushed me harder to achieve my goal of becoming a storyboard artist.
A year after I graduated, I was contacted by the same creators to see if I would like to be a storyboard artist on their newest show. A few months and a work visa later, I had moved from my quiet home in Canada to Burbank, California, USA.
For the past four years, I have worked as a storyboard artist and a storyboard revisionist at Disney Television Animation, working on high-profile shows while also working on my own personal work. There were challenges along the way that taught me to be a better draftsman, and I’ve met so many talented artists and actors with different backgrounds. I’ve had the chance to get some illustrations published in Animation Magazine, and currently I am doing revisions on a show that I never anticipated to ever be part of. Just thinking about how far I’ve come so far, thanks to perseverance and support, makes me excited for what is waiting for me!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being on a work visa comes with its own challenges. I have to prepare in advance for whether I will have something to move onto or else have to pack up and move back to my home country. It’s that feeling of uncertainty, you know? I’m learning to not worry about things that are out of my control, but boy does it feel good when you get the news that your visa has been renewed!
Another struggle would be overcoming my own anxieties. I was nervous to meet new people or venture further than the people I enjoyed being with on my own crew. Once I moved onto my next show at Disney, it was easier to reach out and meet people. Still struggling to start lasting conversations though, but it’s a work in progress!
I also live fairly far away from my family, so it’s difficult to say goodbye when they visit and when I visit them. Thankfully I have plenty of friends here who are available when things get tough!
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I work as a Storyboard Artist first and foremost, but I also do illustrations and comics! I am proud in my ability to tell compelling stories, which I tell through illustrations by using bright colours. Whenever I create something, I try to put myself in that character’s shoes to better create a connection with the viewer or reader.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Aside from plenty of wonderful coworkers and friends that I’ve met while working in the industry, my parents and brothers have always been big supporters, and whenever I need a boost they’ve always been available to send me a few encouraging words. My best friends, a comic artist and animator, have always cheered me on despite my stubbornness. Two teachers from college, who I still stay in contact with, have been incredible mentors and supporters during my time in the US. They’ve given me advice on writing my comic and support when I started to doubt myself. I try to visit with them at least once a year.
The Storyboard supervisors I’ve had on the two first Disney shows I’ve worked on, “Milo Murphy’s Law” and “Star vs”, have been huge inspirations and mentors. The Line Producer on the current show I’m on (not known yet!) has been such an amazing cheerleader, boss and friend that I’ve had the pleasure to work for. He tries his best to be positive and supportive all the while keeping a crew in check.
The list goes on! I have so many friends, directors, showrunners and executives, that have been supportive through my first few years in the industry. I feel lucky to be where I am now!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.ashleymichellesimpson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ash_michelle_sims/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshMichelleSims
Image Credit:
Ashley Michelle Simpson
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