Meet Madison Dunn | Storyboard Artist

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

Hi Madison, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
If you’re considering giving up on a dream of yours, take a step back, and take a break instead. If this is a real passion you have deep within your soul, chances are your heart won’t give you the option of giving up. That burning passion deep within the depths of your soul will always be there. So take a break, instead. Burnout is a real thing, so it’s important to recognize it, rather than try to fight it. Get out and do something fun.
Being an artist isn’t easy, and there have been many rough times in my own journey. But if I could share any bit of advice to other artists out there who are struggling with pursuing their dreams, it’s this:

As an artist, you have an incredible power within the passions and talents you possess. Recognize that power, and don’t let your goals intimidate you. Do your best to remind yourself, “I can”, rather than “I can’t”. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by the path ahead, and whenever that inner voice is telling you to quit, take that inner resistance as a sign that you’re on the right track. Resistance usually means you’re doing someone right, because the right thing always comes with challenges. Think of the discomfort as growing pains.

While at times I may feel inadequate, like I’m not good enough, I still have all of the tools I need to create something in this present moment. It’s not all the tools in the world, but it’s what I need right now. And, I think one of the most valuable tools we possess is the willingness and hunger to learn and grow. It’s through learning and listening to those who have come before us, where we find those tools to tell the stories we want to tell.

I think experiencing roadblocks and inner resistance is a common part of an artist’s life. I highly recommend the book “Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking” by David Bayles and Ted Orland. Upon reading, you might just find that you’re not so alone in those hard emotions and feelings about your passions and creative journey.

If you push forward and give your passion and dreams all you’ve got, you risk the outcome that you’ll be unhappy with your work. But if you give up on those dreams and not give it all you’ve got, then you’ll guarantee that you’re going to be unhappy with your work. If you keep going, you might just surprise yourself. If only you knew of the great power you truly have inside of you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a storyboard artist, currently working at Warner Bros. Animation. It’s my goal in life to tell stories that transport audiences to far off worlds, but also draw them into our deepest and nearest emotions and struggles. I hope to create stories that can help others see what matters most in life, balancing between the joys of imagination and the sincerity of reality.
I’ve absolutely loved the projects I’ve been able to work on within the past year at Netflix Animation and now Warner Bros. Animation. I’ve learned so much from the teams and from my directors, and to see such talented people realizing their creative visions is a testament to the sentiment that dreams really do come true.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that I’m a forever student, even though I’ve graduated college. The life of an artist is a constant hill that I will always have to climb, and that’s ok. Being aware of where I need to improve is the most important step towards growth, because it’s the working, learning experience that’s the best part of working on a project, rather than just hoping all of it will be over soon and the thing will be made. The real fun part is being in the trenches, problem solving and learning from experience. That’s a big lesson that my mentor, John Aoshima, taught me.

So, every time I struggle, I remind myself to enjoy it, because it means I’m about to level up, reach a new plateau. I will always have things to learn, and I think that fact is both intimidating and exciting. It’s important to focus on improving your weaknesses, but don’t let those weaknesses blind you to all that you already know. Honing your craft and revisiting the foundations is a great remedy to insecurity as an artist.

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?
If you want some fun places to sketch, take a trip to the Natural History Museum, the Getty, and the Anaheim Packing House. The Tam O’Shanter in LA is a lovely place to have lunch or dinner. Walt Disney and his artists/imagineers would frequent the Tam O’Shanter, so it’s got a rich history within the animation world. If you’re a big reader, definitely check out The Last Bookstore in LA, as well as Stuart Ng Books in Torrance. Stuart Ng Books is an Animation, Illustration, and Comic Art bookstore, and it’s absolutely worth a visit! And finally, if you’re looking to watch a good movie, take a trip to the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood! The El Capitan shows a wide range of classic Disney films, which you normally wouldn’t be able to see on the big screen anymore. Recently, I saw both “Hercules” and “Mulan” at the El Capitan Theater, and it felt like I was watching those films for the first time in my life.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my journey, I’ve taken lots of steps, followed lots of tips, and worked very hard. But, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance and love of many many people.
I’ve been blessed by such incredible mentors. Namely, Brad Hicks, Chuck Grieb, Doug Macleay and John Aoshima. And, I’m also so grateful for my parents, Michelle Roberts and Michael Dunn, who’ve always been there to encourage me when I’m feeling down or lost. And finally, I really owe all of my thanks to my God, who has led me every step of the way and carried me through all of these experiences, good and bad. And, He’s also reminded me that my value and my identity is not in my art or my job performance, that while our purposes and our passions are amazing, they don’t define who we are. We are all much more valuable than just that.

Website: https://artofmadisondunn.weebly.com/storyboards.html

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

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

Image Credits
Joey Ikemoto Photography