Meet Katrin Ignatova | Storyboard Artist & Revisionist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katrin Ignatova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katrin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks has always played a huge role in my life. I grew up in Bulgaria and I moved to the US as a freshman in college to study Computer Animation at Ringling College of Art & Design. I was well aware that my decision came with a lot of risks. I had never lived so far from my family and friends, but I knew that was what I needed to do in order to achieve my long-term goals. I was very lucky to have a supportive family throughout that process, as well as today. I graduated this year, and I am now taking another risk by moving to LA to work in the animation industry. Being an international student, this definitely comes with its own unique set of challenges. However, I try to keep my eyes on what I’m passionate about and what my goals are. I would hate to look back one day and regret not having tried my best. There really is no “safe job” these days, so you might as well do what you love the most. And I strongly believe that no matter what you decide to do, you have to give it your all. Even if it means taking a risk. It will pay off in the end.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m still very new to the animation industry. I just graduated in May of this year and started working about a month later. I currently work as a Freelance Storyboard Revisionist at one of the leading studios in TV Animation. I’m beyond lucky to have this opportunity and to have gotten my foot in the door so early on. It’s a very competitive field and it takes a lot of effort to get noticed. I worked hard on making my portfolio as strong as possible in the time that I had during college. I took a couple of online classes in addition to school, and I worked a lot in my free time. I reached out to a lot of storyboard artists that I admired, and I got tons of great feedback. One thing I’ve learned is that there are always people you can learn so much from in this industry, and that is amazing!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I actually haven’t lived in LA that long, but I’ll try my best to “plan” a fun trip. All the restaurants I’ve been to so far have been great. I live near an awesome place called “Basecamp and High Horse Dinette,” so I’d definitely take my friend there. I’d also take them to Venice Beach. That’s one of the most interesting places I’ve been to. I’ve never seen anything like it. For people who like to draw from life, Venice is definitely a great place to do that. Roller skating was one of the hobbies that I took up during COVID, and Venice is obviously perfect for that. I’d probably also take them to Disneyland or Universal. I love theme parks! We could also go to the LA Zoo, and we’d probably find some time to go hiking.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I couldn’t be where I am now without the support and guidance of my parents, mentors, teachers and friends. I think my professors at Ringling College of Art & Design deserve a special shoutout for all they’ve done and continue to do for their students. Steve Hickner, one of my Story professors, played a huge part in my love for storyboarding. I was passionate about it before, but after taking his class in my junior year, I was 100% confident that I wanted to pursue it as a career. He has so much amazing experience and you could just feel his enthusiasm while he was teaching. I will never forget him as a professor. If you’re reading this, thank you again, Steve!

Website: https://www.katrinignatova.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katzdoodles/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrin-ignatova-0b605416b/