Once upon a time, three interns took three very separate journeys to the magical land of FableVision Studios. They fought off deadly Self-Doubts, traveled across oceans of caffeinated beverages, and braved their way through surprise New England snowstorms. Ultimately, they made it to FableVision in one piece.
For FableVision’s three 2017 Spring interns, their stories began, quite literally, at opposite ends of the country. One of them could paint otherworldly images that practically jumped off the page, one wove fantastical narratives that hypnotized her readers, and one created living things out of paper and string. What they did share is a love of stories and storytelling.
Pull up an armchair, grab a cup o’ hot chocolate, and brush off those midwinter blues with tales about this semester’s FableVision interns!
Christine Brennan, Art and Animation Intern
Hometown: Hooksett, NH
School and field of study: Academy of Art University, Animation
How did your journey with art/animation start?
I started animating in high school when a few of my friends and I decided to start an animation club. Every weekend, we would meet, learn about animation, and create new projects together. I decided to pursue animation as a career because I was inspired by the collaboration, hard work, and creative atmosphere that comes with working on a team.
What do you like most about creating art?
Sharing it with people when I am done!
What other things are you balancing with this internship?
I’m taking three classes at my university online, and am starting driver’s education. I also balance freelance jobs, keep up with my art portfolio, and make sure my dog is thoroughly loved (the last being most important, obviously).
What advice would you give to people thinking about this internship?
Don’t think; just do it. Take the initiative and start your career! This is my first official internship and I couldn’t imagine a better environment to get myself acquainted with a working studio atmosphere.
More about Christine!
Favorite type of story? Fantasy! Anything made up and contrary to reality, because, in all honesty, real life is boring. My favorite story is Howl’s Moving Castle. I think it has phenomenal storytelling, and is innovative and beautiful.
Favorite fairy tale? Beauty and the Beast.
Favorite hero/villain combination? Simba and Scar because they both have nice singing voices.
Jayne Roberts, Marketing Intern
Hometown: Oakland, CA
School and field of study: Emerson College, Creative Writing
How did your journey with writing start?
Before I loved to write, I loved to read. I loved how different words, and combinations of words evoked different emotions. Eventually, I wanted to see what kinds of emotions I could evoke with my own writing. I started by drawing up cards and stories for people on holidays. I’d write a poem for each of my friends on Valentine’s Day and gain confidence by how excited they were. Now, I’m horrified when I look back on how badly they were written. I mean, seriously, who rhymes “donkey” with “baby?” Still, it’s those first attempts that got me to where I am today, so I’m pretty grateful for elementary-age me.
What other things are you balancing with this internship?
At the moment, I’ve got a full-time job working at a bookstore, I’m working on my graduate degree in creative writing, and I’m finishing my first novel...plus a screenplay, book of poetry, and collection of essays. I think it’s safe to say I have focus issues.
What advice would you give to people thinking about this internship?
Always challenge yourself, but remember to relax. Everyone who works here remembers what it’s like to be just starting out, and they actually want you to succeed. Don’t be afraid to fail. You’ll learn more from trying out new things, even when they don’t work out, than you will by playing it safe.
What do you like most about creating art?
I love the almost out-of-body experience that occurs when something you’ve created finds its way from your brain out into the real world. You’ve tied together little pieces of yourself with pieces of the outside world and let them grow together. It’s a pretty cathartic experience.
More about Jayne!
Favorite type of story? One that takes me through a range of emotions. All of my favorite authors have had me in drowning in tears, choking on my own laughter, and staring off into space in deep contemplation with a single story.
Favorite fairy tale? Any of the ones involving Anansi. He gets away with murder!
Favorite hero/villain combination? Peter Pan versus Captain Hook.
Mollie Davis, Art and Animation Intern
Hometown: Northampton, MA
School and field of study: Northeastern University, Studio Art
How did your journey with art/animation start?
In 4th grade, I drew a dog pretty well, and my classmates were so impressed that they asked me to draw their animals. I started to wonder if I could be an artist when I "grew up". I was raised in Northampton, Ma where I was fortunate enough to meet local artists, take art classes, and enjoy a public school system that encouraged the arts. My sister is also creative and I think our friendly/not-so-friendly competitions pushed me to do better and work harder.
What do you like most about creating art?
I like that art crosses barriers more easily than anything else: age, time, religion, language. In the graphic novel, Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, readers learn about her life growing up in Iran, going to school in France, and the hard times without ever talking to her or visiting those places. I think art is one of the best methods of communication and it's convenient that a lot of it is funny and beautiful because that means a lot of people want to engage with it. I think going into this field carries a responsibility to aspire to and go beyond the best of what has come before. Isn't that exciting?
What other things are you balancing with this internship?
Phew, it's a lot. I'm in production on my capstone film, a six and a half minute animated short. I'm a co-founder and Director of Exhibitions for spark, a contemporary art collective dedicated to exhibiting art on campus (for students, by students) and educating the Northeastern community about contemporary art. Also, I'm a board member of the animation club and I freelance for the mobile media company Bare Tree Media.
What advice would you give to people thinking about this internship?
Put your best foot forward and don't be afraid to let what you are passionate about shine through. FableVision offers a lot of room to learn and grow.
More about Mollie!
Favorite type of story? Drama and adventure stories. If an author or illustrator has built up a sturdy world and compelling characters, I'll buy the ticket and hop on the ride immediately. I like stories where the characters face big challenges, have to overcome them, and maybe learn something.
Favorite fairy tale? Alice in Wonderland. I find Lewis Carroll's original story fascinating—the subtle political commentary, the mathematic riddles hidden in nonsense, how Alice is constantly and randomly challenged at every turn, and the wordplay.
Favorite hero/villain combination? I really like Chihiro vs. Yubaba. I really like Spirited Away. Period.
Learn more about FableVision internships here.