Meet Nataliia Alekseieva | Character Animator

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

Hi Nataliia, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m originally from Ukraine. I was a very artistic child, remember I liked to draw more than hanging out with my friends. My favorite thing to do was to watch the Walt Disney movies “The Little Mermaid” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. At the age of five, I would ask my parents to pause the film on my favorite frames so I could attempt to draw the characters. At that time, I didn’t know back then I want to be an animator, but my parents are saying they always knew it. As I grew older, pursuing animation as a career didn’t seem real since Ukraine didn’t have any animation colleges. Consequently, I chose to study sculpture restoration because I felt a deep sense of purpose in preserving centuries-old sculptures that were on the brink of being lost forever. It was my way of ensuring that future generations could appreciate the beauty of art.
During my final year of college, a local 3D studio in Ukraine extended an offer for me to work as a part-time 3D sculptor. Initially, I saw it as an interesting side job while I was still a student, without envisioning it as a long-term career path.
However, fate had other plans, and animation, which had slipped from my mind, found it’s way back to me. The same small local studio recognized my potential due to my artistic background and encouraged me to try my hand at animation. It completely changed my trajectory and plans for the future. I just loved to do animation more than everything and for my huge surprise seems I had a talent for it without learning animation before.

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 am a character animator currently working at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Prior to this, I had the incredible opportunity to work at Sony Pictures Imageworks as an animator on two amazing movies: “The Sea Beast” and “The Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse.” However, my journey as an animator began around 10 years ago in Ukraine.

In Ukraine, I worked as an animator and lead animator for the popular YouTube series “Dave and Ava.” I also had the privilege of working as a character animator on the featured film “The Stolen Princess” and as a lead animator on “Gulliver Returns.” I saw that I’m good for the local studios but like Ariel is singing “I want more”, I wanted to be better. Disney movies, in particular, have always touched me deeply. There’s a certain magic in that can evoke emotions and make you believe that everything will be alright. I wanted to make animation that could create the same heartfelt response from viewers. So, I made the decision to enroll in online animation classes to further develop my skills.

My last job in Ukraine was as the Head of Animation on the featured film “Mavka The Forest Song”. The decision to move and work in Canada and later in the United States was not without its challenges. Adapting to a different culture, language, and being far away from home, family, and friends was difficult. However, I learned that good-hearted people who make you feel at home can be found anywhere. I would encourage everyone not to be afraid of taking such leaps.

I can’t say that my journey was too difficult, balancing full-time work and online animation classes wasn’t easy, but my passion for animation is always bigger than any feelings of tiredness or fear. While I may not know if my dream of evoking positive emotions through my animation has come true, one thing is certain: I will never stop learning and trying to improve my craft.

I would advise everyone to never forget why they pursue their art, as it will always provide the strength to move forward and overcome challenges.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite place in Los Angeles is definitely Rancho Palos Verdes. Exploring it’s breathtaking hiking trails and spending weekends there is an absolute delight. The panoramic ocean views are simply mesmerizing, and also you can meet there sea lions, crabs, lizards, and pelicans. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Six Flags is a must-visit destination. Although I’ve only been there once, I’m eager to go again. And if you’re in the mood for a magical weekend and want feel like a child again, then Disneyland would be the perfect choice.

While I don’t dine out frequently, Mexican cuisine is my favorite. Los Angeles boasts numerous Mexican restaurants, but the best for me is Sharky’s. Their flavorful dishes never fail to impress. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an upscale dining experience and like a Japanese cuisine, without a doubt, my top recommendation is Nobu. Not only will you savor the finest sushi you’ve ever tasted, but you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy ocean views.

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?
I owe my deepest gratitude to my parents. They have been there every step of the way, believing in my potential and encouraging me to reach for my goals. Their belief in me has been instrumental in my success, and I am forever grateful for their support. When it comes to book recommendations, there is one that I believe holds universal value, regardless of one’s pursuit in animation or any specific field. It is a positive and easily digestible philosophical work called “Letters from a Stoic” by Seneca. This book has had a profound impact on my perspective. It is astonishing to read and realize that, even after centuries, humanity’s fundamental problems and questions remain largely unchanged. “Letters from a Stoic” serves as a reminder of the importance of focusing on our inner lives and finding contentment in what we have.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliia-alekseieva-86a148161/

Image Credits
“Mavka The Forest Song” property of Animagrad. “The Sea Beast” property of Netflix. “The Spider Man Across the Spider-Verse” property of Sony Pictures Animation.