Meet Danielle DeRosa | Character Designer & 2D Animator

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

Hi Danielle, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always enjoyed drawing from a young age. Although it was often just simple doodles, art has always been something that just clicked with me. I decided to take art more seriously once I reached high school, where I learned that art did not have to remain a hobby and that I could aim for an art career. From then on, I could not see myself doing anything else. I have always been fascinated by the art of creating characters, developing stories, and worldbuilding, and knew I had to pursue a career in the animation industry. Character design and 2D animation have always been unique ways to envision how I live life and I often use it as an outlet for topics or feelings I like to explore. I am always thrilled to have the chance to assist others in achieving the same through my artwork.

I graduated from Montclair State University in 2021 with a BFA in Animation & Illustration. I have had the amazing opportunity to work with Ghostfire Gaming as a 2D Animator and Character Designer and I currently work as a Graphic Designer for Jazzpaw Games. Although I am still seeking a full-time position in my field I remain incredibly grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. I am also thankful for the strong industry connections and friendships I have made these past few years. These work opportunities and the current bonds I have formed are a constant reminder that I will never want to stop pursuing being an artist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My unwavering commitment to my craft is something I will always be proud of. I take pride in my attention to detail with my character work as well as my ability to bring that detail to life through 2D animation. Whenever I start a new project, I am eager to apply my skills, whether it is for a personal piece, portfolio sample, or for a company. I am always seeking ways to better myself, improve upon my craft, and make sure I never settle for less.

Getting where I am today has not been easy and has been a continuous learning experience. Despite it being quite a challenge, I do my best to embrace the journey. I have faced many opportunities that fell through. No one likes having to face rejections. However, with time, I have realized that there is good in facing rejection. I remind myself that rejection is a way to propel myself to work harder towards my ambitions. With every rejection, you might be leading yourself to an even better opportunity in the future.

I have persevered through difficult times and have made the most out of any challenges that have come my way. I try to take things day by day and remind myself that everything will work out eventually. I want people to know that no matter what obstacles or challenges I may face in the future, my passion for art will never fade, and I will always continue moving forward, stronger than ever.

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.
To be quite honest, I feel there is not much to do around my area. I always enjoy taking the time to enjoy simple things such as going out for a nice meal or simply grabbing a cup of coffee. You can never go wrong with treating yourself, especially with the many amazing independent restaurants in this area. One of my current favorite places to visit is Fuji Japanese Steakhouse Hibachi & Sushi. Maggie’s Town Tavern also holds a special place in my heart due to its cozy, rustic atmosphere and delectable food that never fails to impress me. If you’re looking for something more casual, you can’t go wrong with any of the local pizza places in New Jersey!

One of my favorite things to do is to explore thrift stores. To me, they are like art exhibits; every time I go, I am able to discover and appreciate new finds. It was something I grew up doing often and it is something I continue to do to this day. You always find stuff there that you just can’t find anywhere else!

If the weather is nice enough, I like to take the occasional trip to my local park. There are plenty of picnic benches, a walking track, and even a gazebo on the lake. They also host events and live music shows frequently. It is one of my favorite places to relax, gather my thoughts, and enjoy the serene surroundings. If I’m not visiting the park, I’ll most likely be at the boardwalk or the beach! Jenkinson’s Boardwalk has an awesome aquarium. I think many would agree that visiting the boardwalks and beaches is essential while in New Jersey.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my mom, dad, and brother. They have always shown their unwavering love and support for me and my artistic journey. Without their efforts, I would not be where I am today. This is a more difficult subject for me to get into, but my dad passed away from a hard-fought cancer battle in 2022. I will always be thankful that he saw me graduate and start my artistic career. I know I still have his support along with the strengthened support of my mom and brother. I am thankful that I can share my current accomplishments with them and I am determined to continue striving for even greater success.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to have the support of my friends and establish a strong network of connections who continuously motivate me. I want to thank those who have stuck close by my side these past few years and encouraged me to keep working toward my career.

I also want to thank Montclair State University and Women In Animation for granting me amazing opportunities, meaningful mentorships, and continuous success. Staying in touch with Montclair graduates and fellow Women In Animation members post-graduation is something I value deeply, as it provides me with strong artistic communities I can always be a part of.

Website: https://daniellederosa.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_danidoodle_/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellenicolederosa/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_danidoodle_

Image Credits