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Social media has significantly transformed how we access and engage with animation in many key areas. In reshaping the landscape of animation it is making it more accessible, interactive, and diverse, while also creating new opportunities for both creators and audiences.
In this insightful interview series, some of the top animators from TikTok and YouTube share their unique journeys and discuss how social media is reshaping the animation industry. From building global audiences to creating content independently, these creators explore the impact of platforms like TikTok and YouTube on accessibility, creativity, and community engagement. They also reflect on the evolution of animation in the digital age, how they've adapted to the fast-paced world of social media, and the new opportunities it provides for artists worldwide. A must-watch for aspiring animators and fans of digital creativity!
Karen Jordan’s remarkable path from sketching animations on TikTok to designing toys for iconic brands like Paw Patrol and Gabby’s Dollhouse is as inspiring as it is entertaining. How does an artist turn a passion for animation into a flourishing career that bridges 2D storytelling and 3D toy creation?
Karen’s story is one of humor, perseverance, and innovation, as she recounts the balancing act between crafting eye-catching animations and designing playful toys. She also reveals the amusing origins of her TikTok handle, "okay_karen," and reflects on how the pandemic reshaped her approach as an animation manager, offering a unique perspective on the industry’s adaptability in the digital age.
Image Credit: © 2024 Karen Jordan. All Rights Reserved.
SPEAKER
Karen Jordan
Toy Designer & Animator // Independent
Karen Jordan is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Toy Design. Currently a contractor with SpinMaster, Karen specializes in designing toys for the preschool team, bringing innovative ideas to life across multiple brands.
In her role, Karen collaborates with a wide range of teams, including engineers in Asian factories, packaging departments, brand teams, and fellow designers, ensuring each concept transitions seamlessly from idea to finished product. Since graduating in 2023, she has gained valuable industry experience and continues to expand her expertise.
With a passion for creativity and teamwork, Karen looks forward to collaborating on exciting new projects and contributing her skills to meaningful, impactful designs.
Website // Instagram // TikTok // LinkedIn
MODERATORS
Alice Roncier
Independent Producer & Director // Studio Neera
Alice Roncier/APPi (they/them) is a French filmmaker based in Vancouver, Canada. They co-founded Studio Neera in January 2024.
Their first 2D animated short, Razor Ruckus, won Best Director's Prize at SPARK Animation Festival 2024
Website // Instagram // LinkedIn
Noushin Emami
Independent Producer, Writer, Director & Co-founder // Studio Neera
Noushin Emami is an Iranian-Canadian producer, writer, director, and the founder of Neera Animation Studio, established in 2023. Through Neera, Noushin and her co-founder Alice, focus on preserving cultural heritage and amplifying underrepresented voices by creating 2D animated stories rooted in folk traditions. Her work explores universal themes such as family, love, and identity, connecting with audiences across generations and backgrounds.
Her debut film, Razor Ruckus, won the Best Director award at the 2024 SPARK ANIMATION Festival, marking a significant milestone for her and her team. As the producer of Razor Ruckus, as well as upcoming projects like Carpet Weavers and WolfRabbit, Noushin strives to craft stories with humour, warmth, and cultural depth.
Social media has significantly transformed how we access and engage with animation in many key areas. In reshaping the landscape of animation it is making it more accessible, interactive, and diverse, while also creating new opportunities for both creators and audiences.
In this insightful interview series, some of the top animators from TikTok and YouTube share their unique journeys and discuss how social media is reshaping the animation industry. From building global audiences to creating content independently, these creators explore the impact of platforms like TikTok and YouTube on accessibility, creativity, and community engagement. They also reflect on the evolution of animation in the digital age, how they've adapted to the fast-paced world of social media, and the new opportunities it provides for artists worldwide. A must-watch for aspiring animators and fans of digital creativity!
Karen Jordan’s remarkable path from sketching animations on TikTok to designing toys for iconic brands like Paw Patrol and Gabby’s Dollhouse is as inspiring as it is entertaining. How does an artist turn a passion for animation into a flourishing career that bridges 2D storytelling and 3D toy creation?
Karen’s story is one of humor, perseverance, and innovation, as she recounts the balancing act between crafting eye-catching animations and designing playful toys. She also reveals the amusing origins of her TikTok handle, "okay_karen," and reflects on how the pandemic reshaped her approach as an animation manager, offering a unique perspective on the industry’s adaptability in the digital age.
Image Credit: © 2024 Karen Jordan. All Rights Reserved.
SPEAKER
Karen Jordan
Toy Designer & Animator // Independent
Karen Jordan is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Toy Design. Currently a contractor with SpinMaster, Karen specializes in designing toys for the preschool team, bringing innovative ideas to life across multiple brands.
In her role, Karen collaborates with a wide range of teams, including engineers in Asian factories, packaging departments, brand teams, and fellow designers, ensuring each concept transitions seamlessly from idea to finished product. Since graduating in 2023, she has gained valuable industry experience and continues to expand her expertise.
With a passion for creativity and teamwork, Karen looks forward to collaborating on exciting new projects and contributing her skills to meaningful, impactful designs.
Website // Instagram // TikTok // LinkedIn
MODERATORS
Alice Roncier
Independent Producer & Director // Studio Neera
Alice Roncier/APPi (they/them) is a French filmmaker based in Vancouver, Canada. They co-founded Studio Neera in January 2024.
Their first 2D animated short, Razor Ruckus, won Best Director's Prize at SPARK Animation Festival 2024
Website // Instagram // LinkedIn
Noushin Emami
Independent Producer, Writer, Director & Co-founder // Studio Neera
Noushin Emami is an Iranian-Canadian producer, writer, director, and the founder of Neera Animation Studio, established in 2023. Through Neera, Noushin and her co-founder Alice, focus on preserving cultural heritage and amplifying underrepresented voices by creating 2D animated stories rooted in folk traditions. Her work explores universal themes such as family, love, and identity, connecting with audiences across generations and backgrounds.
Her debut film, Razor Ruckus, won the Best Director award at the 2024 SPARK ANIMATION Festival, marking a significant milestone for her and her team. As the producer of Razor Ruckus, as well as upcoming projects like Carpet Weavers and WolfRabbit, Noushin strives to craft stories with humour, warmth, and cultural depth.
