Meet Christina Faulkner | Character Designer & Visual Development Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Faulkner and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Christina, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The biggest thing that sets my work apart from others is the googly eyes I try to sneak on to everything.
The thing that excites me most is seeing animation opening up to many different kinds of perspectives. I remember watching Bojack Horseman for the first time, and it changing my world because I had never seen characters grapple with their mental health on screen in that way. It hit me at the right time, on such a deep level, and really made me feel seen for the first time in the animated medium. Whether it’s mental health, discussions about inequalities and toxic systems, or LGBTQ+ and BIPOC representation, animation should be empowering many different types of people to tell their stories and speak their truths in front of and behind the screen. I ultimately feel like the most important thing we can do as storytellers is to help kids and adults understand important issues and feel seen and valued just as they are. I think a lot about kids like myself growing up, who don’t fit in with their environment and how animated shows can really give them a chance to experience a safe space mentally. Something comforting and creative that lets them know there are kindred spirits somewhere.I think the most important lesson I learned working in the animation industry is to put your time and energy into the things you can control; things like your attitude, your boundaries, and how you treat others. Ultimately you can’t control the future, you can’t control many of the things that happen to you, but you can control how you respond to them. Also, always invest in yourself!
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.
The best thing about LA is all the things that are so accessible. You can find great stuff in every small pocket of the city. I’d definitely take them hiking and to a lot of parks. I’d probably also take them to Urth Cafe. It was one of the first places I was ever taken to in LA and it occupies a really special place in my heart.
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?
My partner Cyrus has been instrumental in enabling me to live my dream as an artist in LA. I wouldn’t be where I am now without all of his support, encouragement, guidance, and ace meme curation.
Website: www.christinafaulkner.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/christinafaulknerart
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-faulkner-art/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cfaulkne
Image Credits
Photo by Cyrus Soliman Art by Christina Faulkner