Meet Sebrina Gao | Storyboard Artist & Illustrator

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

Hi Sebrina, what principle do you value most?
Adaptability, open-mindedness, and persistence. These are the three core values that have shaped my life. Being able to change when it is necessary, hear another person’s point of view, and keep to my deadlines has allowed me to grow, understand, and develop my own sense of self. These principles have helped me artistically and personally. As an artist, it is really important to be flexible towards different styles. Being able to draw and paint in any way is the ultimate freedom. Having a willingness to try new things can spark innovation and also lead to new methods of thinking. Finally, being persistent to see a project to its end is the only way to get things done. In my personal life, these values have also guided me towards being a more empathetic and compassionate person.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most excited to keep learning new things! I don’t believe the art journey ever truly ends, and am always striving to do more. I love to work.

I did struggle for a period of time, and I think I will in the future, too. In the most recent past, I had a lot of inner conflict in relation to some distorted memories, and I was also struggling to decide whether I wanted to pursue storyboarding or visual development in animation. What was difficult was that I did not see myself as a storyteller in this space, since the things I enjoyed watching were more arthouse or live-action. Over time, I realized that personal taste can grow and change. By watching a lot of different films and shows, I appreciated the world more, and just wanted to contribute to the creative industry. For me, the best way to do that was through storytelling, so I chose to pursue storyboarding.

Another thing that is important to me is to do personal art. Whether it’s to practice a technique or explore a conversation, doing personal art is a reminder to myself that drawing is magic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend came over, I would love to go on a long hike with them! The Nicholas Flat Trail is the first hike I ever went on, so it would be really fun to have a long conversation while exploring the views. Otherwise, we could go to Switzer Falls or Eaton Canyon, which are easier trails. As for food, I think Arturo’s Taco Truck or King Taco in Pasadena are great, and I love Sunright Tea Studio’s boba.

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 believe that the people you surround yourself with shape your identity. For me, my family, my mentor and friend Alan Wan, and my college friends Everett Cheng and Alisha Gao are all really important, and I am endlessly thankful for their presence.

Website: https://sebrinagao.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seb.draws/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seb_draws