By Alexandria Ramos
Three female African-American animators and voiceover actors spoke about the unique industry from their perspectives as people of color while advising students how to become a part of it to Clark Atlanta University’s eager students and faculty,
“We’re all talented enough to go out and create what we need to survive and advance to the next level in our career,” Judith Franklin, Broadway performer and voiceover actor said. “So I say do your homework, help yourself and help others want to help you.”
Franklin, animator, and multimedia artist Nana Boachie and 2D animator and voiceover actor Artists Saunders talked about their experiences on Oct. 27 via zoom, elaborating on how their stories began.
Franklin, a CAU Alumna, ignited her passion by performing in the choir at a young age, then later graduated from Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts as a vocal and dance major. Before her successful Broadway and voiceover career, Franklin received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from CAU.
With a strong focus in animation and illustration, Boachie began her career at SCAD in Savannah before relocating to Atlanta, where she has helped produce various content for TV streaming apps.
As a part of the Bento Box Entertainment team, Boachie’s work consists of content that is educational or invokes awareness. She has created documentaries shedding light on the experiences of young Ugandan refugee women and sexual health.
Self-taught cartoon animator Saunders creates content that is both educational and entertaining for present and future generations. After graduating from CAU, as a mass media arts major, she decided to use her passion for art and her knowledge in mass communications to create purpose and meaning.
The three women described what it’s like to work in a male-dominated industry. They often find themselves to be the only woman, an especially African-American woman, in the room.
“If I go out in public and tell people what I do because it’s such a male-dominated industry, it comes as a surprise to people, and it can be lonely. There are not many women in the industry doing this,” Saunders said.
However, they urge not to be discouraged by the disproportionate number of African-American animators and release content regardless of consistently. Social media creates many opportunities to network, grow a platform, and put yourself out there to advance yourself in this digital age.
“Social media has changed the landscape a great deal and gets you very noticed,” Boachie stated. “I think for the people who get a lot of following and just people who are consistent, it helps you get noticed.”