Meet Winona Noronha | Background Painter & Visual Development Artist

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

Hi Winona, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up, I always adored storytelling. I would create my own picture books, immerse myself in literature, and I loved to draw. But even then, I could never have imagined I would choose to carve out my own path as an artist. I came from a classic Indian immigrant family who valued studying and had backgrounds in science; art was always considered simply a hobby. I went through high school and into college undecided about my career path. A creative path was my secret dream, but it seemed impossible to achieve at the time, and I had no one around me to guide me. It was only in my first year of college that I realized that art could be a viable career. It was that year that I first really learned about the animation industry — and my dream was born. Animation combined the two things I loved the most: art and storytelling. As I discovered more animation artists online and read about the industry, I realized that a creative career wasn’t necessarily impossible. I knew it would be a difficult path, and I would have to work hard to hone my skills, but the idea that I could create worlds and stories for a career made it so worth it to me.

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.
My art, like me, is a work in progress. In the past few years, it has grown and changed immensely, as have I. It was tough in the beginning. Throughout high school, I never had the opportunity to take an art class, so I was a bit behind upon entering college. It took years of practice and work to get to where I am now, and even now, I still have a long journey of growth ahead of me. These days, I strive to imagine worlds and create moods in my art, mostly through environment paintings. I love working with vibrant colors and creating cozy spaces. In my personal illustration work, I like to embrace my cultural heritage as an Indian American, whether it be through painting scenes of my family’s hometown or designing and painting classic intricate Indian outfits. While professionally, I still have yet to achieve my goal of working in the animation industry, I have gotten the opportunity to be a freelance illustrator for some truly special projects. My goal is to keep sharing my art and hopefully one day get the opportunity to work in the animation industry, and get the chance to bring my cultural background to the table.

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.
One of my favorite things about LA is the food! A must-go for me would be Porto’s Bakery & Cafe in Burbank: they have an amazing selection of truly scrumptious treats and pastries. A personal favorite museum to go to would be The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. As an animation fan, their animation exhibit is really delightful. I’d also take a day to hang out in Koreatown for the amazing eats and treats. Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea is a personal favorite of mine! To have some fun and just hang out, I love going to the Santa Monica pier. It’s lively and bright (and really great inspiration for plein air painting), but also a great place to wind down and walk along the shore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In my creative journey, there have been so many people and organizations that not only guided me to realize my dream, but also helped support me in working to achieve it. Ellen Mei, my freshman year roommate, is one of my closest friends and the very first person who introduced me to the animation industry, and she has supported me endlessly ever since. Emily Fitzpatrick, a coworker turned friend, continues to inspire and support me in my efforts to break into the animation industry as an artist. My mentor, Dean Gordon, has helped me improve so much as an artist, and given me much needed guidance and wisdom. My professor, Zoya Baker, guided me into the world of freelance, and has helped me so much in the beginning steps of my career. The organizations Rise Up Animation and Asians in Animation have provided countless resources, mentorship opportunities, and friends along the way. And finally, my mom, though a scientist through and through with no knowledge of the creative industry, works her best to support me and encourage me every day, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Website: https://www.winonanoronha.com

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

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/euouim

Other: Print Shop: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/euouim/