Meet Amelia Vaughan | 3D Animator

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

Hi Amelia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I’ve definitely been told I’m a calculated risk taker; I’m certainly not opposed to taking chances, but I weigh my options and make sure that the risk is worth the outcome.

I have risk-taking to thank for a lot of my favorite memories and opportunities; I took a risk when I chose to go to a high-performing animation program for college, instead of a ‘safer’ career path. I take risks when I go skiing or hiking, but with the proper precautions, those one-of-a-kind experiences more than outweigh the risks of danger. I took a risk in moving to Canada for work after graduating from Ringling College of Art and Design, but living in a different country far from where I grew up has been a really wonderful experience, since I get to see more of the world and explore Vancouver.

When it comes to taking risks, you have to be willing to take the potential consequences. Sometimes it doesn’t pan out, but learning from that experience is what helps inform you for the choices you might face down the road!

When it comes to animation, as well, what makes your work unique is yourself. Your experiences, good or bad, give you ideas to draw from and make your pieces yours. Taking risks is what gives you the chance to have the experiences that you’ll carry with yourself, and potentially share with the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I ended up in animation specifically because of how it demands both creative and technical talent; you have creative authority over acting choices and the choreography of a shot, but working in the complex programs we use requires some technical problem solving skills. Out of all the different departments within the pipeline, it felt like the best balance of both my strengths.

While I have experience in all parts of the CG film pipeline, I’ve pursued the specific role of 3D Animator. I’m most excited about this niche because of how much there is to learn. I’m currently working as a Junior Animator at ICON Creative Studios, and I feel very lucky to have gotten a position so soon after graduating. I’m very excited to see where the industry takes me!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As I’ve only been in Vancouver a short time, I think this trip would be just as new and exciting for myself! Hiking is an obvious first; the views of the mountains from the city are only bested by the views in the mountains themselves. The food here is absolutely amazing, and I haven’t had a bad meal since moving here. I’d probably start at Jam Cafe for brunch, take a walk around Stanley Park and the waterfront, and end up at Breka for a late night treat.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As early as I am in my career, I couldn’t have gotten to where I am without my professors, friends, and family. They’re my biggest supporters and closest mentors. I’d like to thank my parents, my friends Antonio Montilla, Sam Durkin, Zara Jump, August Park, Stanley McNeiece, and my professors Steve Hickner, Andy Welihozkiy, Heather Thomson, and Jim McCampbell for all they’ve done to support me. Thank you for being there and pushing me to do the best that I can!

Website: https://ameliavaughan.wixsite.com/animation

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrITCxW3K2KBKozA4cZ7x3g/featured