Meet Kristopher Satterwhite | Character Designer

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

Hi Kristopher, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
One habit I’ve developed keeping a simple and clear goal in mind and then breaking it down into easily manageable steps. It allows me to focus on the work in clarity without getting lost in the weeds. Depending on the job, the work can be incredibly easy or soul-crushingly difficult, understanding how to make workload manageable has been very important.

Another has been staying humble and knowing that I can ask others for help should I need to. The friends, family and peers that have supported me through my life and professional development are a cornerstone to my success. Knowing I have people I can turn to on the job or in life makes the difficult moments so much easier to work through.

My last point isn’t so much a habit as it is an understanding of a truth: success isn’t an instant thing, and that’s ok. I’ve been drawing seriously since high school, but the decision to really pursue my career took me on a journey of self-discovery that lasted until I was in my 30’s before I felt it was time to plant roots. Being along for the ride and enjoying that journey then, and especially the journey now is a key to my success as well as maintaining my sanity as an artist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m really just about drawing what makes me happy. I’ve learned that at the end of the day, drawing for myself when I can is most important and keeps me loving the craft. I love coming up with cool characters and designing fight scenes with interesting and dynamic angles. I also really enjoy designing impact frames and cool effects for animation. That’s what I’ve been doing for the job and it’s very fulfilling and exciting work!

My journey to become an artist hasn’t been a straight line, actually quite far from the traditional artistic journey. What I’m most proud about is the fact that I never gave up.

Growing up I always enjoyed drawing, and I drew much of my inspiration from anime I watched on Toonami and Adult Swim as well as the videogames I played. It was during my junior year of high school that I really began taking it seriously and started studying techniques from my favorite artists on Deviant Art. Because Animation was a huge part of my upbringing, when it was announced that a local college had an animation program, I jumped at the opportunity. However, I learned very quickly that I did not have the skills or patience necessary to become an animator. I was drawn to the art of video games and found myself thinking about a career as a character concept artist in that industry. This interest took me to San Francisco and the Academy of Art University where I received my bachelors in illustration with a focus in video game art and character design. It was a fantastic opportunity, incredibly challenging, and the workload was no joke. My time at AAU truly helped me to mature artistically. The knowledge and skills learned there would eventually serve me well, I just didn’t realize it at the time. As is sometimes common with artists, self-doubt crept in and took hold, I didn’t believe I had what it took to earn a living in the industry. So after graduation, I took a 4 year detour, and joined the Marine Corps. I had a lifelong interest in the military and this was the perfect time to pursue that interest to see if it was the right path for me.

I earned my commission and became a Combat Engineer Officer, which was an excellent and truly shaping experience, challenging me in ways that I never could have imagined. I got to do some really cool stuff, see the world, meet many incredible people, and learn a lot about myself. I still drew on occasion, but it was mostly designing unit shirts or challenge coins, otherwise I didn’t really pick up a pencil or stylus during my time in. I eventually started to really miss art and drawing in the capacity that I had in college, so I took the opportunity to attend a few art classes at the Camp Foster community center while stationed on Okinawa. These classes helped scratch a creative itch that I’ve been missing, and I eventually came to the conclusion that having a career in art, in any form, was the true direction for me. When I came to the end of my contract, I understood that there were no other options available for me, art was the only path left that I wanted to pursue. So I made a pact with myself, “draw or die”. While a little dramatic, it was the mentality that I found useful to do the hard work necessary to succeed. The responsibilities and experiences I had as a leader developed in me the maturity, confidence and resolve I would utilize to be successful once I was honorably discharged and set to begin my next chapter.

I completed my service in April of 2020 and went back to my parents’ home in Buffalo to plan my next steps. The covid pandemic hit almost immediately which provided its own unique set of challenges, but also some opportunities. The shutdown prevented me from finding employment, but the federal covid financial relief allowed me to save money while I stayed with my parents. That freedom allowed me to focus on creating a portfolio that would set conditions for my success as an artist. Connections I had from college and professionals I met on social media inspired me to alternate my course to a new direction away from video game concept art. I decided to make a career in animation production art with the goal of becoming a character designer.

My first industry job came in 2021 when I was recruited to work on Nickelodeon’s Transformers: Earth Spark as a visual development artist. Not long after, my first opportunity to designer characters came from Cartoon Network’s Invincible Fight Girl and I’ve been drawing characters since. I’ve done work for other companies as well to include prop design, and 2DFX and animation. I even taught myself to animate along the way which brought everything full circle. It’s been three years since I began my career and I couldn’t be happier with the path I’ve taken.

For the artists who read this and have dreams to work in any industry, you have to believe in yourself, your skills, and your voice as an artist. At the end of the day, the most important person that should be rooting for you is you. Cheer yourself on! It might take a while to obtain success, but you only truly fail if you give up on yourself and quit. Never stop until your dream is realized.

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.
Oh man, the food here is crazy and my number one highlight. LA literally has any kind of food, from any culture, from any part of the world on a plate. I would pick from some of my favorite spots like Hank’s Bagels, Cento Pasta Bar, Siri Thai Cuisine, All India Café, Gin Cook, or The Tam O’ Shanter. The Sunday food market Smorgasburg is another spot I’d take anyone who was here on a weekend. It’s never disappointed, and has such an incredible range of food for any palate! The bars here are endless, there’s literally something for everyone. Player One bar arcade, Story Tavern, and Broken Compass Tiki are some of my local favorites, a complete list of bars I like would be pages long.

I’d take them on one of LA’s many hiking trails. O’melveny Park’s Mission Point or Brand Library hiking trail are my favorite climbs in the city. It’s a great way to start the day, especially if you want an incredible view of the valley at sunrise.

I’m also a huge airsoft enthusiast. I’ve been playing for almost 20 years and had the pleasure to play in different states and countries all over. I have to say LA has some of the best airsoft in the world. The community here is so vast and varied, there’s a style of play for everyone and the player diversity is great as well. Players both young and old with so many different levels of experience always offer fun and exciting challenges on the field. If you’re coming to visit me, you best believe I’m taking you to a Saturday or Sunday game at Warped Ops or Wildlands airsoft park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give the first shoutout to my parents. They have sacrificed so much for me and my sister. They have always been in my corner and supported me any way they could throughout life’s twists and turns. I am so fortunate to have such loving parents who would move heaven and earth for their kids and only want to see us succeed. To my sister Maya, we’ve been through so much together and I cherish the relationship we have. you’re amazing and the best sister a big brother could ask for. Thank you for always rooting for me!

To my childhood friend Adam Delpriore, we’ve been best friends since 6th grade and I’m so thankful we’ve stayed connected for all these years. You’ve picked me up when I’ve been at my lowest and pushed me to be my best self. You might be on the other coast but we stay close, love you brother!

To my friend and mentor David DePasquale, I’m truly grateful for your friendship. You’ve provided so much wisdom and inspiration in the short time I’ve known you. Your guidance has really helped me be the best character designer and professional I can be. You’re an absolute legend!

To my friend Mikel Wellington, thank you for being such an awesome friend and source of inspiration with your skills as a character designer, as well as your professionalism and candor. You’ve always lent an ear and offered sagely advice when I needed it. You were one of my first friends in the industry and I’m glad we connected!

To my friends who’ve supported me from college and continue to support me now; Cameron Archer, Danny Neou, Luke Brady, Sabrina Ranellucci, Gary “GW” Walker, Quintin Brooks, Mike Polaski, Nate Lewis, I’m thankful I met you at AAU and have continued to stay in contact. Thank you for all for always being in my corner!

I’ve got to give a shout out to the crews I fought in the trenches with on Transformers, Invincible Fight Girl and Golden Axe. You guys are the coolest, most talented individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I’ve learned so much from your work and your skills constantly motivated me to always do my best work! I can’t wait to cross paths again on future productions!

And finally, the biggest shoutout to my amazing girlfriend Michelle Drennan. You have been my best friend and biggest source of support for the past decade, I’m so blessed that our time together since college has blossomed into this beautiful relationship. I love growing together as individuals and as artists, and I’m thrilled that we’ve made it in same industry working the same craft! Your love for what you do and dedication towards excellence in your work inspires me to always do my best and reach higher. Your love, support and faith in me continues to push me forward and I love this life we’ve built together. I am so excited to see what the future holds for us.

Website: https://www.krsatterwhite.com/

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KRSatterwhite