Today we’d like to introduce you to Kailey McCune.
Kailey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Ever since I was caught drawing during class in the 4th grade, I knew I wanted to pursue becoming an artist. Getting my papers taken away did not stop my creativity. It only made me stronger! The next thing my teacher saw was me drawing on toilet paper I had taken from the restroom. Growing up with two older twin sisters, who were very close, meant that I ended up spending a lot of time alone. This gave me many opportunities to explore my capabilities as an artist. I also spent large chunks of that time watching animation on my family’s box television. My favorite childhood cartoons brought me happiness during tough times and most importantly, brought me out of my shell. As my siblings and I grew older, I would see them even less often than before, which further inclined me to dive deep into the art community. Specifically, I became very involved in the arts program at my high school and began taking adjunct animation and life drawing classes in Pasadena and Hollywood.
While I participated in the arts program at my high school, I was also able to maintain good academic standing and play on the varsity volleyball team for all four years. During my senior year, I was fortunate enough to win my high school’s Visual Arts Award, which recognizes the dedication of a particular art student each year. This accomplishment further reassured my interest for a career in the arts and gave me the motivation to keep going. It may seem like a strange combination to have a serious interest in both athletics and art. However, I believe being an athlete taught me how to become strong in numerous ways that are applicable to my current journey in animation.
When it was time for me to consider college, I made the decision to major in Entertainment Art / Animation at Cal State Fullerton. Upon acceptance, I was introduced to an even bigger world of animation! Cal State Fullerton has been a place I’ve considered “home” for many years. Having the courage to make friends with my fellow peers and become more involved in the animation community at CSUF has made my experience invaluable. I am expecting to graduate this Spring, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead in this amazing journey!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As previously mentioned, my experience as a competitive athlete has taught me many things about mental toughness. And while I was trained rigorously to better manage my time, maintain healthy habits, and always give 110% effort, I still struggled with my transition into becoming an adult. Not only was I riddled with self-doubt about myself and my work, but making friends and keeping connections in an ocean of people seemed nearly impossible to me at first. Readjusting to a new season of life can be very challenging. I remember coming home from my first day of college sobbing because of how overwhelming everything was. It took some time, but eventually, I was able to make a few connections and take control of my college experience. My own fear and anxiety have held me back and kept me from many great experiences. Once I decided to go out of my comfort zone, I found that I wasn’t alone in my struggles as an art student. I’ve met so many wonderful and talented people here at CSUF who continuously motivate and inspire me to keep working! My hope is for all young artists to know their worth and not let fear hinder them in pursuing their passions.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a 2D Animator and Character Artist who primarily focuses on a “cartoony” style that aligns more with TV animation, comics, and other forms of illustration. Some of my favorite recent project experiences include freelance animation for a student / alumni-run studio, freelance illustration for an independent art publication, and my own student-animated short film, “A Royal Fantasy.” Despite my love for working with 2D materials, I am additionally familiar with 3D programs such as Maya and ZBrush. 3D character modeling has become a recent interest of mine as it relates to the anatomy and construction of characters. Character art and animation has always fascinated me, and watching people interact with each other throughout everyday life is very inspiring! My goal is to help make an impact, whether that be through contributing to a meaningful project or even fostering the next generation of animation lovers through education. Wherever my career takes me, I can have joy knowing that I am doing what I love!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Personally, I am not most known for taking big leaps. Many times have I let anxiety control my decisions. However, I believe there was some risk that factored into my decision to attend Cal State Fullerton. After applying to several colleges, I was excited to see that I had been accepted into Laguna College of Art & Design’s animation program with a scholarship. The only major problem was that I would most likely go into debt within a year or so due to tuition and living expenses, even WITH the provided scholarship. CSUF, however, was a much more affordable alternative. Choosing CSUF over LCAD did not result without uncertainty. I was aware that graduating from an art school could greatly increase my chances of getting a job. I ultimately took the risk and traded one security for another, believing that no matter what upbringing an artist has, they can be successful. Taking risks are sometimes necessary in order for us to progress in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaileymccune.wixsite.com/portfolio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccunekailey/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kailey-mccune-ba40201b3/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSnZyWxg7vWKQBEztH–9TA
