I Moved to Los Angeles to Work in Animation is artist Natalie Nourigat’s autobiographical graphic novel, chronicling her experience pursuing a career in animation. The graphic novel was published in 2018 by BOOM! Box and it is chock full of helpful information and advice on breaking in to the industry, including an overview of animation guilds and studio life, tips on applying to animation jobs, as well as recommended travel destinations in Los Angeles.
The comic has a pretty pink color scheme that captures the dreamy and romantic side of chasing a dream. Natalie Nourigat, or “Tally”, has a portfolio full of animation, character design, concept art, and storyboard work. Originally a cartoonist and freelancer in Portland, Tally made the courageous and inspiring decision to uproot her life and pursue a career as a storyboard animator in the illustrious city of Los Angeles.
Tally’s art style is reminiscent of Bryan Lee O’Malley (Scott Pilgrim, Seconds). There’s even a noteworthy Scott Pilgrim reference in the book that I very much appreciated. Her style is cute and cartoony, and her voice and characters feel accessible and familiar. Tally guides us down her path to success while being engaging and relatable, but never too textbookish. Although the volume of text on some pages may seem overwhelming at first glance, the information provided is invaluable.
Tally also provides a disclaimer that the book tells her specific trajectory; from not having had traditional art school training, working as a freelancer in Portland, to her attempts to break in the industry and how she survived her first year in Los Angeles. She also addresses all too familiar insecurities and feelings of self doubt that I feel most artists or creative types would relate to, and she reveals how she worked through those bumps in the road.
The comic is intended as a guidebook, but to emphasize, there is no one true path to a successful career. Every artists’ career path is different. Tally provides additional insight by including profiles of some of her colleagues, both men and women, briefly summarizing each individual’s path to working in animation. To pursue a career and work in animation is also a generalized statement.
It’s important to note that there are a variety of specialized jobs within the animation industry and related fields that require different and specific skillsets, and it’s up to the artist to choose what they want to pursue. Tally continuously added to her portfolio when applying to jobs and even after establishing her career she continues to work on and refine her craft.
Another important takeaway from Tally’s story is her emphasis on building relationships with colleagues, and being active in a community of artists who support each other. Given the mere existence of this comic, Tally clearly has a passion and enthusiasm for wanting to help other aspiring artists.
I Moved to Los Angeles to Work in Animation achieves its goal by offering first hand experiences, providing resources and insight on the industry, and inspiring others with a tale of hard work, perseverance, and success. While researching potential topics for this review, I was definitely searching for something different and unique, and this comic was a hidden gem. I generally try to stay topical and review recent releases, and I also try to seek properties that celebrate or highlight inspiring and successful women, in hopes to inform and inspire the Sartorial Geek community in particular.
I stumbled upon this graphic novel at the perfect time in my life after deciding on a similar career change myself. Storyboarding in animation is a very specific job title, but I believe much of the advice in this book can apply to other artistic or creative jobs. Natalie Nourigat is an inspiration to all starving artists.
I recommend this graphic novel for artists in any medium or capacity, and for anyone in need of a little inspiration or encouragement to chase their own wild candy-colored dreams.
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