Meet Deborah Kang | Storyboard Artist

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

Hi Deborah, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My work as a Storyboard Artist impact the world and society in a much bigger way then people usually think. Story telling is the basis to every single ideology passed through generations, morals, values, what is wrong, what is right, the way we approach our stories will determine the way we see the world. In my field of study, animation has greatly contributed not only as a source of entertainment and fun for families, but also for childcaring, teaching us since little good values and sculpting our perspectives. Storyboarding is the Art of putting a part of you and your ideas out in the world in a visual way that is so beautiful and unique, with a footprint that will affect millions of people, I mean what kind of other job does that?
It is also a big responsibility because you have to tell relatable stories that the public will like and at the same time portray good morals, it is a little bit tricky and as any job it has up and downs. But I absolutely love my job and it is my dream to learn as much as possible and show the “beauty in the little” that only animation is capable of doing. In the future i would like to become a show runner or a director and therefore reach my most important goal as a storyteller: Share exciting and relatable stories to the public, leaving my memory throughout generations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
That is funny, I would have to say I actually didn’t chose animation as my first option, I went to another university while living in brazil because i was looking for a more traditional career path, I tried so many different things, But i always felt like something was lacking. That is when i decided to try animation in America and ended up falling in love with the country and obviously storyboarding. in the beginning the struggle was real because all these artist from my school were great and started their portfolio since 13 years old while i had to learn from scratch, but in the end all my effords were worth it I ended up being selected to study in Gobelins the best animation school in the world, worked for 1 year in south korea as a storyboard artist and now i am currently working for a great production that will soon come out on Amazon prime. I cant complain

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love LA, I have been exploring the city all around and i would have to say my favorite place is still Pasadena, there are tons of food in oldtown, shopping and fun walks. The Huntington botanical garden is close by, the rose bowl also have a flea market every month and during the new years people come from all over to watch the rose parade. Pasadena also have a metro station that can take you to places like highland park, little Tokyo, union station near the olvera st and china town. Everyone should come visit!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Growing up in Brazil, having a Korean family background and currently residing in America made me a very unique person. I have different experiences and perspectives in life which is an awesome skill for a storyteller. Speaking lots of languages also made me understand people in a deeper way enhancing my communication skills. What inspired me the most was this contrast of reality, making me out of the norm, and that make me into someone that can relate to different characters, that being said my family is also a big factor to my journey, they were my biggest source of inspiration, because immigrant stories are so genuine and heartfelt, makes us all wanna hear more. Having an interesting life also helped, all the funny and stupid things that happen during life serve as good ideas. I was blessed with love and encouragement during my journey and want to dedicate my future to harvesting artist that are lost and feeling insecure. Remember you only need one “yes” to make it.

Website: https://www.deborahkang.com/

Instagram: @deboobskang

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debby-kang-b59a091a3/