Today we’d like to introduce you to Miya Graves.
Miya, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up in Japan, the world of themed entertainment has always surrounded me since I was a young toddler. However, it wasn’t until very recently that I have decided to pursue themed entertainment as a career.
When my close friend passed suddenly, to clear my mind and to temporary getaway from frantic college life, I briefly returned to Japan without informing majority of family or friends– mostly because I didn’t want them to pursue me during emotionally stressful time– and stayed over at my childhood friend’s residence to enjoy my vacation in my home town. Majority of leisure time were spent in themed parks and pop-up cafes; from Tokyo Disneyland to small scale establishments as maid cafe, I felt myself being drawn back into the immersive world of themed entertainment. These experiences eventually ignited a fire within me.
After I returned my trip from Japan, I re-evaluated my career direction from becoming an aimless animator into a themed environment artist/designer. I’ve discarded my current portfolio to recreate all contents from scratch. I put my education on hold to briefly work for Walt Disney World as a College Program Intern to study the world and economics of theme parks. There were many long nights from online workshops and studying text materials every night after work to make up for my lack of formal knowledge in the field. Eventually, during the College Program, I joined the Themed Entertainment Association to expand my field of network to prepare for my leap into the industry upon graduation.
Today, I return to SCAD to complete my final quarter and soon to graduate. I still feel incredible pressure to perfect my halfbaked skills and industry knowledge from others who have been studying Themed Entertainment/Engineering for years, however, I aspire to turn all of my insecurity into motivators to pursue my dream to finally stand behind the starting line of my journey through themed entertainment industry.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For those who aspire to reach the top of the themed entertainment industry, it shouldn’t be a surprise when one finds out that almost everyone pursuing the Disney College Program intern wants to become an imaginner. I, on the other hand, was painfully ignorant of the fact– believing that, all this time I assumed that I was the only one that knew and pursued the “Imagineering Career”. I guess I was more shocked to realize that I have competition.
Because of that, the Imagineering department was difficult to reach due to their busy schedule and high demands of interns wanting to talk to the designers.
Being assertive to stand out of the bunch is very true, yet irresponsible advice for us young women of color, mostly because of our negative stigma against taking initiative in the workplace. Worst case scenario, I believe that it may permanently harm your reputation in the industry. Despite many companies moving forward to become more inclusive and diverse, it’s not always possible to convince people within the company to accept the change around them. People’s views are constantly improving and we are changing for the better, but we, women of color have to start from the negatives instead of starting from zero. Its a cruel world for girls like us.
So, what can we, an aspiring girl of color, can do for us to stand on the same starting line like everyone else? Here’s my strategy– to put yourselves out there. Not just online, but also physically. Establish yourself as an eligible candidate and join industrial associations and have professionals remember your face along with your name. Become the part of the “clique” within the industry and show up to mixers and become someone people associate personally, not just some number with a token. By trying this, without the intention of getting a gig out of them, and genuinely trying to mingle and develop a relationship within the industry, we will be able to leave a pre-impact that will definitely help place yourself as an outstanding individual.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I’m currently an interactive designer and visual developer. I’m known in the industry as a production manager and art direction to experience design-based projects. Despite my experience, I’m still just now learning to put my work out there.
Currently, I am preparing to start a youtube channel to show off my works and pipelines in progress to inspire new creatives and to hopefully gain some attention from more professionals in the appropriate industry.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people in the industry you wish to work in. Join the mixers, ask questions, send emails and DMs on social media. If your creative focus has an association or group, it will benefit you 100% to join. Many aspiring professionals, including myself, have met great mentors within the group.
Contact Info:
- Email: mgrave23@student.scad.edu
- Instagram: mimh_o85
Image Credit:
Miya Graves
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