Today we’d like to introduce you to Salvé Black.
Hi Salvé, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I knew I wanted to be an animator since I was little. I remember watching “Lilo and Stitch (2002)” and realizing that some adult, somewhere, had to have made it. Where else would it have come from? From that point on, I knew that making art and cartoons was what I wanted to do when I grew up.
I focused on art and drawing from then on. I could express myself, and being a quiet kid, the bit of popularity my draftsmanship earned me was a bonus. I went to Tri-Cities High School to be a part of their Visual Arts Magnet Program, and my time there prepared me for my time at SCAD.
I earned my BFA in Animation from SCAD in 2021. Since graduating, I’ve been freelancing on a variety of projects. I’ve done work for both small studio productions and for everyday people with fun ideas.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My grandmother dropped out of school in the 3rd grade to start working and supporting her family. Similarly, decades later, my mom started working when she was only ten years old to support her family. She later earned her GED and even completed some college courses, proof of her hardworking spirit.
I’m lucky to have a single mother who has always supported my dreams. I would be the first in my family to earn a college degree and then to pursue a career in something as niche as animation.
My road has definitely been smoother than others and has been the smoothest so far in my family’s history. Really, my only roadblocks in life have been the fear and anxiety I’ve placed on myself. Being black, female, shy, and low-income can make a kid wonder if their dreams are really achievable. Even now, seeing so few black female animators in the industry, I sometimes worry for my own future. I try to fight against that mindset, though. I remind myself that so many people support me and that, regardless of whatever my labels or demographics might be, my work and dedication will always speak for itself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in Toon Boom character animation. Most of what I do is help people realize the animated dreams they’ve always had. I’ve helped create short films, music videos, animated children’s books, and T.V. show pilots! I often handle every part of the animation process; Storyboarding, art directing, and animating. I pride myself on my versatility.
Currently, I’m animating on a show called “Tuttle Twins!” You can check it out on YouTube and on the [completely free] streaming service Angel Studios.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The pandemic wasn’t easy on anyone. Every one of us felt how tiring and unnerving the entire experience was. For a while, I beat myself up about being less productive and motivated in the first year of the pandemic. It seemed like everyone else who had been sent home in the middle of the school year handled the isolation and uncertainty better than me.
Now, I’m not only forgiving myself for those couple of years, but I’m learning to be kind and understanding toward myself. It may have taken me a while to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic, but I’m bouncing back nonetheless.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.salveanimation.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salvevblack/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salv%C3%A9-b-4748a8132/
