Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Ann Dufour.
Hi Lee Ann, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was a kid when I discovered my passion for designing characters, but it wasn’t until I was in high school that I realized pursuing a career in animation would be a way for me to do that professionally. I studied animation at Sheridan College in Toronto and have now been working in the animation industry for over a decade. During that time, I’ve had the chance to contribute to some great animated projects such as Hailey’s On It! at Disney TVA, which I’m currently Art Directing, Big Blue (CBC), Ever After High (Mattel/ Netflix) and The Breadwinner (Cartoon Saloon). I’m grateful my career choice allows me to meet and collaborate with so many talented artists.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest challenge was breaking into the industry. After graduating, it took me a couple years to land my first job in an animation studio. I like to share this part of my journey because it’s easy to feel like things will never work out when you’re in the middle of a challenging situation like that. However, I persevered and kept updating my portfolio until I was able to join the design team at Guru Studio.
A career in animation has its challenges and the contract-based nature of the work can be a source of anxiety, especially in times like these where technology is changing and affecting the amount of jobs that are available. That said, when things are hard, I try to go back to basics and focus on what drew me to the animation industry in the first place: my love for creating art and telling stories.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Lately, I’ve been drawn to exploring childhood memories with my art. In general, I love designing colourful worlds and exploring illustrations that center around friendship. My art is heavily influenced by my experience in the animation industry, and I tend to draw characters or environments that could be part of an animated TV show. I especially enjoy designing outfits I wish I had so I’d like to branch out into designing clothes one day.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
How does the saying go? Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. I think I’ve had my fair share of luck in that I’ve been at the right place at the right time, but I’ve also tried really hard to create opportunities for myself by speaking up and always being vocal about the roles I’d like to move into.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leeanndufour.com
- Instagram: @leeanndufour
Image Credits
Photograph by Dan Sprogis
Artwork by Lee Ann Dufour
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