Takeover Tuesday with Caroline Le
Introducing this week’s Takeover Tuesday guest, Caroline Le. Caroline is a motion designer based in the greater NYC area with a passion for storytelling, problem-solving, and entertainment.
Q&A with Caroline Le
Read time: 5 min
3D illustration by Caroline Le
Why did you choose your profession? How did you go about starting out?
I've wanted to be an animator ever since I was a little girl, I loved to draw growing up. Disney movies and the Sunday comics were always big sources of inspiration. Although, It wasn’t until I saw a visual effects breakdown from one of the Star Wars movies that I really got hooked. It was so cool and I knew from that moment on that I wanted to do something with animation and CGI.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you? Why is it personally significant in 2021, particularly?
Women’s History Month for me is a time for reflecting on how women have contributed to society both directly and indirectly over the years, and how they continue to do so today. Reflecting on the enormous amount that women have contributed encourages the confidence necessary to fuel continued change in our society. That in and of itself is really empowering. We’re witnessing some real change in 2021, and with more people aware, it’s an opportunity to put our strengths on display and to show the world what we’re capable of as women.
What do you love most about what you do? What would you change?
It may sound cliche, but I really do love the storytelling aspect of animation and motion graphics the most because it has the ability to ignite an emotional connection between the audience, the art, and the message itself. When you can make someone really feel something-excitement, nostalgia, happiness, hope–that’s when the true magic happens. Every project that I’ve been given the opportunity to be a part of has allowed me to create, dream, and problem-solve. Because of that, I honestly wouldn’t change a thing about what I do. It’s the perfect mixture of right-brain and left-brain thinking, and I enjoy it a lot.
“reflecting on the enormous amount that women have contributed encourages the confidence necessary to fuel continued change in our society. That in and of itself is really empowering.”
Tell me about a woman you look up to and why.
There are several women that I really admire, but the most inspirational woman in my life is definitely my mom. I’ve always admired her confidence and drive in her career, her compassion and loyalty when it comes to her relationships, and her generosity and optimistic attitude when it comes to her demeanor. She’s taught me to be a good listener, to always be kind, to be patient, and the importance of one’s relationships. I believe these life lessons have shaped who I am today. She’s also been a cheerleader in every endeavor that I’ve ever pursued, including wanting to be an animator, and I am forever grateful for that.
Created by Caroline Le
What’s the best career (or life) advice you have ever received?
The best piece of career advice I ever received was “don’t be afraid to ask questions” and it’s been useful in every aspect of my life.
Do you have any advice for young women first starting out in this industry?
Nurture your professional relationships. Get to know your teammates and managers, really pay attention in meetings with your team or with your clients. Step away from the computer and grab coffee or lunch with a coworker. Help out wherever you can. Hold on to anyone that you consider to be a mentor, and most importantly don’t be afraid to be yourself.
Do you currently prioritize your work-life balance? If so, how?
Absolutely! Especially working from home due to COVID. I do my best to not bring work outside of my office space, stick to solid business hours, and allow my mind to unwind at the end of the workday. This usually includes watching TV with my husband, playing the piano, or reading a book. I don’t typically work on the weekends, but if an emergency arises with a client project or if I have a passion project that has been sitting on the back burner for a while, I’ll put some time in so that everything stays on track. I also plan the week ahead for an hour or two on Sunday mornings so that I am aware of my biggest priorities to tackle Monday through Friday.
“continuing to show up, doing good work, and supporting one another are great ways to advocate for ourselves.”
What barriers are women still facing in the industry? How do you think they can go about breaking them down?
My observation would be that women may still not be taken as seriously as men in the industry, but continuing to show up, doing good work, and supporting one another are great ways to advocate for ourselves.
“I really do love the storytelling aspect of animation and motion graphics the most because it has the ability to ignite an emotional connection between the audience, the art, and the message itself.”
Created by Caroline Le
Where do you go for inspiration?
I typically go to sites like Vimeo, Pinterest, and Behance for inspiration. Lately, however, I’ve been pulling a lot from books that I’m currently reading or have read, and even personal experiences of my own. It’s a nice change of scenery.
Do you have any closing advice, points, or statements you would like to make?
There are so many talented and genuinely wonderful people in the animation and motion graphics industry. It’s been a real pleasure getting to know members of the community over the past few years and I look forward to connecting with and meeting even more amazing people in the months and years to come!