Frederic William Stewart was the first Background Painter on Nickelodeon’s epic animated series The Legend of Korra and today he holds a coveted role as a Dreamworks Visual Development Artist.

In the podcast version of this interview, we talked about the early days on Korra, pushing the limits of digital media and why a diversity of influences will make your work stand out…

This Extended Interview Includes Over 20 Minutes Of Extra Audio:

• The challenges Fred faced while working on Korra.
• Tracing Lion King off the TV.
• Jim Henson, Mister Rogers, and the beauty of stubborn optimism.
• Sensory overload is an inspiration killer.
• Being nerds in high school.
• Why Fred ditched mechanical engineering to pursue art.
• Learning art at the Shrunken Head Man Club.
• The secret convenience of Voodoo dolls.

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In part one, Jenn Ely regaled us with tales of alligators, emu burgers and art school…

Now, Jenn talks about her time at The Savannah College Of Art & Design (SCAD) as well as her mentorship with Dreamworks Production Designer Kathy Altieri.

…but most of the episode is, as promised, about her time at Laika.

This Extended Interview Contains Almost Half An Hour Of Extra Audio:

• What drew Jenn to animated film rather than games.
• How she connected with OA and Visual Development..
• Jenn explains her need for a mentor who would not hold back..
• It’s important to recognize the roadblocks, not just the “good parts.”.
• Look for people who understand you and want to invest in you.
• Is your fear bigger than your desire?
• Consider what others need from you, rather than what they can do for you.
• Jenn gives detail of the creative process she experienced at Laika.
• Life comes full circle as she joins OA to teach!

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Like the design of the world of The BoxTrolls, Jenn Ely‘s life is full of quirky twists and turns.

With stories like these, it’s no wonder she eventually got a job at Laika.

This Extended Interview Contains Almost One Hour Of Extra Audio:

• More memories from the Emu farm.
• Chris and Jenn’s tell stories of their weirdest and most ridiculously ambitious childhood art projects.
• How Jenn transcended the discouragement from a bad teacher with the help of a good one.
• How Jenn found sweet salvation in the world of illustration.
• How Jenn created her own concept art curriculum at SCAD.
• More ranting about the pointlessness of degrees.
• How collaboration is vital to good Commercial Art.
• Showing your artistic process within the art itself.
• Why commercial viability is not always a compromise.

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