Artist Statement
"For a first-time attempt at a 2D animation, I had decided that I wanted it to have themes of self-discovery, as it has been for this learning experience. The song choice is Dreamer by Laufey, a decision mainly made through a discussion of if this song about a heteroromantic-focused perspective could be looked at from another lens, in addition through the playful wordplay in the lyrics “no boy’s gonna kill the dreamer in me”. In a heteronormative society, I aimed to tell the story of someone whose idea of love cannot be fulfilled in this world through inner turmoils of what it means to find potential partners in this world. What it means to find yourself in another in being unknowingly queer can be a wonderful experience. In an exploration of love and identity, this animation aims to give the view open-ended meanings or explanations of one's feelings on the matter."
Role
Animator and Creative Director
Problem
Made around the time of discovering self and identity, it had been very apparent that many people like myself have found themselves not fitting into the shape of self that society had determined. In finding other like-minded people, there was a very common feeling of shame and regret over being who they were as the media depicted queerness to be something wrong or having a very angsty feel.
Solution
This animation was created as a deterrent or a "hope core" video to celebrate queerness and finding yourself. In a world where most media about queerness have very dreadful connotations, making a video about how beautiful it can be to learn about yourself and know who you are and who you love.
First Iteration
Rough iterations, sketches, and storyboards.
Social Media Reactions
Song by Laufey - Dreamer
Creative direction, art, animation, storyboarding, and keyframing by Alex Doan