This one roster of names I made around five years ago for all the background student characters of MLaaTR.
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This one roster of names I made around five years ago for all the background student characters of MLaaTR.

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The FredFilms Professional Library
About 20 years ago, my colleague, Eric Homan, intrigued by the amazingly beautiful design sketches for Rob Renzetti's "My Life as a Teenage Robot," which were overseen by his masterful art director Alex Kirwan. Eric gathered up the best of them and we whipped together a memento for the crew. "The MLaaTR Sketchbook." Eric did an awesome job, and after the team got theirs we offered it to the public. So started the FredFilms Professional Library.
Since then, we've added more than a dozen book, curated from our Frederator archives, with five in "The Art of..." series just in the past year. Rare title cards, posters, funny storyboard frames, even a lot of the animated logos I produced in a past life. And that's not all! The books run the gamut of the stuff we've lovingly saved.
People seem to like them, so we're not about to stop now. The entire library is available on Amazon. You can preview each and every book in its entirety with links on the library's main page.
Whatās the difference?
Since I founded both FredFilms and Frederator Studios, I keep getting the same questions.
Whatās the difference between Frederator Studios and FredFilms?Ā
Itās mainly the name. I'm no longer with Frederator.
That said, at FredFilms Iām still completely dedicated to putting creators first, creators who always have an originalĀ āvoiceā and want audiences to love their work. Just like at Frederator, Iām fond of saying that Iām incapable of following trends, so every once in a while, weāve started trends.*Ā
Frederator was sold for a variety of (good) reasons, and I left knowing that I was the same person that had guided the studio for two decades. I also know that FredFilms would be a continuation of the same philosophies.Ā
We might not follow trends, but weāre still dedicated to bringing you your next favorite cartoon.Ā
So, are you just making movies now? You know, FredFILMS?Ā
No!
We're primarily focused on animated series but donāt let that stop you from sending us your great movie ideas!
And BTW, arenāt cartoon series creators filmmakers?Ā
*Like Adventure Time or Castlevania.Ā
Pendleton Wardās Adventure Time wasnāt the first, but likely the most influential modern series that had an emotionally complicated hero who was actually likable. Ground breaking live action series like Breaking Bad or The Sopranos brought the same emotionally complex anti-heroes, compelling for sure, but ultimately total thugs and shitheads. AT broke the back of that trope. And, not for nothing, the actors were really funny without having to be goofy, cartoon-y, funny sounding characters.Ā
Kevin Koldeās and Warren EllisāĀ CastlevaniaĀ was the beginning of a new golden age of cartoons.Ā
CastlevaniaĀ was in purgatory for a decade. No one wanted dramatic and violent cartoons for adults. No. One. But during the short livedĀ āexperimentalā period at Netflix, they gave it a go. And with the stunning work that Kevin was able to bring out in Warren, animation partner Powerhouse Studios, and the actors, finally āfinally!ā not-a-comedy adult animation was proved to a hit with audiences across the world. Without Castlevania there would be no Arcane, no Blue Eyed Samurai.Ā
āBest of Original Cartoonsā
Best of Original Cartoons P... by Fred Seibert
When I left Frederator and set up FredFilms a few years ago I updated the Best of Frederator book we published. And then, I either did new editions or updates of all nine (as of now) of our promotional books. You can check them out as the āFredFilms Professional Library.ā Each of them is available as a downloadable PDF, or you can get hard copies at Amazon and Bookshop.
There are posters, cartoon sketches and full color artwork, jokes, some incredible graphics,Ā and lots and lots of postcards. In the āBest of Original Cartoons,ā thereās some of each.
Hope you enjoy them.
February 23, 2021Ā FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANIMATION LUMINARY FRED SEIBERT LAUNCHES NEWĀ PRODUCTION COMPANYĀ
Visionary Producer of Such Blockbuster Animation Hits as Adventure Time, The Fairly OddParents, Castlevania, Bravest Warriors and Bee & Puppycat to Develop Range of Long and Short Form Animation Series to Meet Heightened Demand for Animation from Linear TV and Streaming Platforms
Initial Projects Include First Look Deal with VIS KIDS, a Division of ViacomCBS Networks International; Seibert to Also Remain Executive Producer on Netflix hit Castlevania, and the Highly-Anticipated Return of Bee & PuppyCat Coming Soon to NetflixĀ
New York, NY (February 23, 2021) ā Fred Seibert, the driving force behind some of the most successful and iconic animation projects of our time, announced today he is launching a brand new production entity ā FredFilms.Ā The new company is designed to help meet the increased demand for premium adult and kid animation programming from traditional linear networks and a wide range of streaming platforms.Ā For this new venture, Seibert has already struck a first look deal with VIS KIDS, a division of ViacomCBS Networks International, with additional projects expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Seibertās credits and achievements have established him as a true legend in animation and a visionary in television branding. During his illustrious career, Seibert has discovered, cultivated and launched some the biggest and freshest animated series across TV and streaming networks.Ā He has served as executive producer for such blockbusters as Pendelton Wardās Adventure Time and Bravest Warriors (Cartoon Network and Cartoon Hangover), Butch Hartmanās The Fairly Oddparents (Nickelodeon), Kevin Koldeās and Warren Ellisā Castlevania (Netflix), and Natasha Allegriās Bee & Puppycat (the most backed animated series in Kickstarter history). While serving as President of Hanna-Barbera, Seibert oversaw the development of a string of hits from The Powerpuff Girls to Dexterās Laboratory.Ā He has also helped discover some of the hottest animated talent on the planet including Craig McCracken, Genndy Tartakovsky, Pendelton Ward and Seth MacFarlane.
In addition to his success in animation, Seibert has overseen some of the most celebrated television branding achievements of all-time.Ā As the founding creative director of MTV, heĀ developed the unforgettable āI Want My MTVā campaign. Additionally, he architected the original Nickelodeon and Nick-at-Nite branding and promotion.Ā Ā
Out of the gate FredFilms has finalized a first look deal with VIS KIDS, a division of ViacomCBS Networks International.Ā Through the agreement, FredFilms will present at least three projects to the studio with a goal of at least one being put into development.Ā Seibert will also continue to serve in an executive producing role on two major Netflix projects ā the breakout hit Castlevania which will launch its fourth season later this year, and the cult sensation Bee & Puppycat whose new iteration Bee & Puppycat: Lost in Space is coming soon to Netflix.
āAnimation is having yet another golden age, driven, as always, by new technologies. The rise of streaming platforms has given animation studios a whole new landscape to have their innovative voices and stories told. And the success that many projects are finding in streaming, both adult and kid targeted series, has re-opened the eyes of executives at linear networks to invest in animation.Ā With that said, I thought now was the perfect time to set up a new production company in which I can focus 100% of my energies on what I truly love to do: nurture fresh talent and emerging voices, and help bring to life amazing, cutting-edge animation,ā said Seibert.Ā
"At VIS KIDS, we are committed to the development of new creative partnerships and deepening our relationships with talent to bring unique, fun and creative stories to life. We look forward to our partnership with Fred Seibert and FREDFILMS, as we further this commitment and establish VIS KIDS as an industry leader in kids content,ā said Nina Hahn, Head of VIS KIDS and Senior Vice President, Production & Development, Nickelodeon International.Ā
Seibert is currently building out his executive team and has already brought on former Crunchyroll writer/producer and seasoned graphic novel editor Casey Gonzalez as his development director and Sarah Kessler as Manager, Development.Ā Ā Ā
He is interested in hearing pitches from creators.Ā More information about FredFilms can be found at fredfilms.com.
###Ā Ā
For More Information Contact:
Jeffrey Klein, Brittany Smith
DKC 212-685-4300

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The Summoning Vol. 1 preview. Claire specializes in the magik of manifestation, creating art pieces that are capable of coming to life! But she wants to do moreāand toĀ beĀ more #comics #magik
Gene Goldstein - Creators First Spotlight
From running an indie animation studio to front-manning a punk band, Gene does this all and more! In this interview, Gene tells about his animation journey and how he ended up as a Line Producer at Glitch!
Back in my college years, I remember Gene's "Planet Panic" pilot making the rounds in the animation lab. I'm a sucker for the "grumpy mentor / optimistic mentee" duo, and his take on this classic was so uniquely bold and energetic, I was immediately hooked. Fast forward years later, I've had the pleasure to get to know Gene as a friend and colleague, and my admiration for him and his work has only grown. He's just a great guy on so many levels!
Gene shows up time and time again for the art and community of animation ā if one door closes, he installs a newer and better one in its place, and always finds a way to make it work. He is making some very exciting moves in the animation space, not only with his own indie studio, Jellybox, but also extending his reach to others at Glitch, and more. He's firing on all cylinders with all burners blazing, and whatever he's cooking up next is bound to blow everyone's socks off.
-Flip
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Why are you a storyteller?
I feel like I've had it in me since I was a little kid. It's just always called to me. Something I've realized as an adult, is that I process a lot of things through my consumption of media. It's rare for me to feel strong emotions in real life, but good media can make me cry. Iām pretty sure Iām on the spectrum, which I think adds to this, but itās just how Iāve always viewed things!
When I was six, I moved to America from Ukraine and I was obsessed with Toy Story. I watched that tape to death and I still love that movie!Ā
I think storytelling is a way for me to understand my own emotions, and a way for me to connect with people. Itās also a way for me to find purpose in life, I believe thatās the biggest thing. Iām really grateful for it too, because I feel like so many people have never quite figured that out for themselves, and yet I've always had it.Ā
I took it for granted for a long time, but now that I'm older, I think itās a blessing. Even though it can be hard to live this āgig-to-gigā lifestyle and to be obsessed with the craft, it gives me purpose and I always feel fulfilled.Ā
Youāve got a lot of projects going on, how do you manage all your different creative pursuits?
You know, it's taken me a long time to get to this point. I think back on the days where I thought I was busy and I laugh to myself.Ā
Creativity and productivity are muscles.The more you work, the easier it gets. You start to learn really good time management. You learn focus, you learn delegation. Those are skills that I have acquired over the years.Ā
With all my projects, I basically don't do it if I don't have somebody that I can do it with. Collaboration has become very important for me. All of my most successful projects usually have somebody else that I share the load with. We break it up, we complete each other's flaws and weaknesses, and it turns out better for it.Ā
So for my band Qbomb, my writing partner, Rem Ropp, and I share the writing. We pass it back and forth and it keeps the momentum going.Ā He handles more of the music side while I handle the lyrics. Iām also the front man because heās more shy and Iām the braggadocious one, when Iām in that mode.
For Jellybox, I have Sean Aitchison helping out. He basically runs all the operations and production stuff so I can focus on more of the creative. I get to lead the studio direction and hiring, things that are more fun for me - and that I think Iām stronger at.
For any project, it's just setting up the pieces, knowing people's strengths, knowing how to build out these teams and then at a certain point, just letting them cook. I don't like micromanaging. I try to get out of the way and remove myself from things as fast as I can. Once the toolbox is there and the parameters are set for whatever it is, everyone can get to work on what their part is.Ā
That's the only way I've been able to do these things. I am very busy, but there's days where I don't have anything to do. I actually have to always convince myself that it's okay that I have nothing to do sometimes.
Ā
What inspired you to make your own indie studio?
Necessity, to a degree. In 2023, I got laid off from my last job.
I was already working on NOXP, a series of shorts, because I had time on my hands. I felt the urge to make something, as I often do. Pretty quickly I started getting help from Laura Serrano Miralles - whoās now our animation director for JellyBox. She was actually the first employee that we had.
So yeah, I got laid off and like I said, I donāt like to sit still. Iāve been told that people have different reactions, like fight or freeze or flee - and I think that I fight. I can never just let something happen to me, I have to immediately figure out the solution. So that week I was laid off, I was basically like āWell this sucks and the industry is clearly not moving in a good direction - so what are my options?ā I knew I had to start building something because it would take time for it to grow to a point where it could be self-sustaining and actually make me money.Ā
Everyone says businesses don't start making money for the owner until two years in, so I was like, āI gotta start nowā. That same month I registered the business and within that month we had our first client. I was like āOkay, maybe I can actually make something of this.ā
Now the projects just keep coming to us! Theyāre always something that I want to do, which has been really cool. Weāve tried doing direct outreach with clients but it never works. But because we're consistent with our output and we're putting in the effort to make everything the best it can be, we keep getting interesting clients!
We haven't even released some of the crazy stuff that we're cooking up. It's all NDA. But I feel like the future is pretty bright. We had a really good year last year with the AWI shorts that blew up and really put us on the map.
I think that it also helped me find purpose - again. So much of the industry was burning down and still is in a way. Being able to have a little bit of control over something in my career, my projects and my output has been super helpful. I was unemployed for almost two years and it didnāt feel like that. I didnāt wake up stressed, because I was doing something. I was doing as much as I could to get myself out of that.Ā
Honestly, having Jellybox is what led me to getting the job as Line Producer at Glitch.Ā Kevin Lerdwichagul saw what I was doing and was like, āHey, we need somebody who's doing basically what you're doing, for this new team here.āĀ That has happened so many times in my life that I've learned that I got to just follow my gut. Start the next thing, do another project, and I know Iāll land on my feet by the end of it.
Has being an artist helped you as a producer?
I've kind of realized that I've always been more of a producer than an artist. Iām very Type-A and I think things through very logically. I like efficiency, and so Iāve always leaned in that direction.Ā
I actually had a conversation with Eric Robles years ago, when I was a little adrift. My show Planet Panic had just been passed on by Nickelodeon and I didnāt know what I wanted to do with myself. The whole pitching thing seemed a little exhausting to continue down. He told me āYou should start thinking of yourself as a producer. Thatās what you are and you should follow that path. Youāre good at getting things done and thatās what a producer does.ā
It took me a while to understand what he meant. I didnāt know what a producer was - like what does that mean? Then I watched The Offer, which is about the making of The Godfather, and it was all about the producer of that movie. That show was really eye opening to me because I was like āOh, heās just the guy who goes around and tells people to keep doing their jobs. He solves problems and makes it happen. He leaves room for everyone thatās involved to do their jobs, but he has to make it happen - that is his job. Sometimes that means making hard choices or compromises. It means you have to be really confident, almost arrogant at times, to convince people that what youāre doing is worth doing.ā
I realized that I have been doing that with all my projects and it has led me down this path. I think it's a strength that Iāve done the creative work, because I understand how the other side things. I know how to work with artists and not against them. Whereas a lot of people who work in production, if they haven't done any kind of creative work, they just see people as resources sometimes. They just see deadlines and dates and forget that people, especially artists, are not factories.
That has always been something that has been helpful for me and I always keep that previous creative life in the back of my mind. I have to make sure that people have the time they need. I donāt always get it right but people always say you figure out how to make a thing right as you're finishing it. Itās been like that for basically all our projects but things are going well. I contribute that to the combination that Iāve had of knowing what good creative looks like, but also what an efficient production looks like.
Where do you see the future of animation going?Ā
I actually made a whole video about it. I think that it's inevitable that indie is going to start to dominate the mainstream animation scene. The larger studios have collapsed under their own weight and you get places like Titmouse that used to be smaller and are now feeling like the big studio - which is crazy. They're actually still making things there. They're still growing. They had their 25th anniversary party recently and I saw so many people that I've known over the years coalesce in this one location. Multiple people I had conversations with were all like āwe havenāt had a party like this in a long timeā and that was kind of sad. But it's great to see Titmouse is holding that flag still.Ā
Then you get the Glitches and the Flying Barks and all these studios that are still making stuff in both 2D and 3D animation. I think that this younger generation of business owners and creators are going to lead the charge and cut out the middleman quite a bit. I think the larger studios are bloated with overhead and shareholders and whatever. But there is still a hungry audience that wants content. Itās just figuring out what they want, how to monetize it and how to make it a sustainable business for everybody.
It's exciting to be at the forefront of it. I genuinely feel like I am right at the front lines of this movement between Jellybox and working as a line producer for Glitch. I think it will be exciting for everybody once the dust starts to settle too.
How has your experience been working as a Line Producer at Glitch?
Iāll share what I can. Iām the Line Producer of the GO Plus Team (GO is Glitch Online). We are the team that handles a lot of the promotional materials. We work on the small projects that are attached to the big productions, but arenāt the actual production of the show. Things like trailers, music videos, anything like that.Ā
We help with overflow too. If an episode gets too long, we jump in to help out on those sequences. I have a small team in the Western Hemisphere, some in America, some in Canada, one guy is in Brazil - all a really talented group. It's been nice to build the thing from scratch and know that itās only going to grow bigger. Itās guaranteed to get bigger because Glitch is getting bigger.Ā
Iām one of three producers, there is a 2D LP, a 3D LP, and me. It all feels like the logical next step for me and where everything Iāve been doing is coalescing. Kevin and I have joked that itās like my team is an indie studio inside of an indie studio. And I think he hired me for that.Ā
When we were first talking, he mentioned that he sees what Iām doing at Jellybox and needed someone who can be flexible and quick at figuring things out in creative ways. We still use a lot of the resources that the other teams have because our team is just animation and lighting generalists for 3D. I have to be really good at using minimal resources to create something that is larger than the sum of its parts, which is all Iāve ever done.Ā
It makes sense for my career right now and it feels good.
What advice would you give to young creatives right now?
The same advice Iāve been giving for many years, youāve just got to make things. And youāve got to make a lot of things.Ā
I recently spoke to a college class of animation students and it bummed me out a little bit to see how little work they had to show in their portfolios. This is something that I would see even when I was in college myself. A lot of students don't realize how competitive and brutal this industry is. Everyone has a different degree to which they're willing to commit themselves andĀ how much they're willing to sacrifice and thatās up to them. I am not going to judge that, but if you want to work in any position, you need to put in the work and have a big portfolio.Ā
I have seen a lot of portfolios that are just the work they did for class, or it doesnāt feel like their best - and you just canāt do that. Iāve beenĀ that person, so I get it, but you also donāt realize how much free time you have when you have it. I know that the people who put in the most hours are the ones to get noticed. They stay up late working on personal projects, or webcomics or shorts, and those are the ones who make a career out of it. The ones who phone it in, or do the minimum amount of work, they might get a lucky break but they wonāt be able to sustain themselves for long. They are going to miss out on opportunities.Ā
People notice the artists that are always creating because itās hard to ignore.Ā
At FredFilms our motto is Creators First, Original Always - is there a creator or original youāve been into recently?Ā
I recently replayed Outer Wilds, which is a phenomenal game but really itās just a work of art. Essentially itās an archeology simulator in space. Without spoiling anything, the game is just about uncovering this secret tiny solar system and there is no combat.Ā
There is some action but youāre not out to hurt anything. You are there to learn and explore. Technically you can beat the game at any time, you just donāt know how - you have to learn how. The ending is heart wrenching but in a good way. When I first played it, it genuinely changed me a little bit. I replayed it with someone and they were crying at the end, it's just amazing.Ā
I think that games get a bad rap a lot of the time, which always annoys me because there hasn't been a mainstream breakthrough like there is with Ghibli where they are like āoh yeah this is art.ā And I hope that happens. There are so many examples of games that are life changing for people that arenāt just shooters. Yet there are so many people who think of it that way, which bums me out. Anyways, that studio is Mobius Digital and Iām really excited for what they do next because that game rules.Ā
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Find Gene's work HERE
Creators First: Spotlights is an interview series in which we interview creators about their lives, their work, and what they love! Stay tuned for more from artists, writers, musicians, comics creators, executives, and other friends of FredFilms!
Izzi Lee - Creators First Spotlight
Izzi Lee shares about her time as a popular autobio comic artist, her recent move to Amsterdam and how she incorporates 'wonder' in her work in this cozy interview!
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I met Izzi just a few months before she set off for the Netherlands, and in that little amount of time she made a huge impression on me. She has boundless positive energy and a welcoming presence. The honesty in her work captures a simultaneously universal and individual experience of having a sensitive heart.
Since her move we have had wonderful conversations about what is means to be an artist, the personal relationship to ones work, and how following your joys can take you to wonderful places.
And you will get a taste of these musings from this interview, enjoy!
-Flip
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What is your artist's journey?
I am mostly known as a cartoonist ā however, that's maybe the smallest part of my artist journey.Ā
I started in fine arts and I moved to Los Angeles at the age of 16. Iām actually a high school dropout. I was supposed to go to art school, but I went to work on film sets first instead.Ā
I thought, āWell, I'm going to school to get a job, but if I just get the job at the film sets, that works.ā I was continuing my painting and photography practice while working on film sets and videography.Ā
Later, I worked as a graphic designer for entertainment companies on movies and billboards. That kind of studio life gets really hectic, so I put my personal artistry to the side. For my own art,Ā my interests have always been scattered. I practiced in many mediums, and prioritized the medium that made sense for each story. I remember feelingĀ extremely self-conscious about the fact that I didnāt have a thing.Ā
In retrospect, I'm really glad I did that ā but in the moment I had a lot of shame about it. Turns out, it is a common experience to have that āniche mentalityā.Ā
After the extremely chaotic work environment I experienced in graphic design, I decided to start pouring back into my art. Thatās when I landed on cartooning, because at the time I thought the best way to reach people would be through social media. In a landscape like that, and cartoons being digestible art and story, I thought it was the most efficient medium, so that was where I landed.
I went balls-to-the-wall with that (professional term) ā and the cartoon actually worked! It happened really fast, but like all things that happen fast, it was the many years leading up to it that let it happen fast. I was putting out work for seven or eight years before, and then I started putting out my cartoons with ClownLifeIzzi in October or November of 2023. It got traction over the winter, and I did that for about a year. Then, I hit a point where the stories I wanted to share required a medium which allowed for more depth and nuance. I decided to put a hiatus on my cartoons, and over the next year, wrote my novel Apple, Dirt, xs Miniskirt. I am about to start revisions this summer. During this time, Iāve found new levels of meaning in my practice by falling in love with painting all over again as well.Ā Ā
So the short answer is that Iām known as a cartoonist, but have always done what makes sense for the story.
I just care about the story.
Do you remember a moment in your life when you felt āI must be an artistā
You know what? I remember so many moments where I was fighting it. I was like, I can't be an artist. Please. I don't want to do it. Itās not that I donāt want to do it - it's that I know what it means to have an artistās life. And I have so much respect for art itself.
Caveat to that, art means something different to everyone ā and I think that's the beauty and the freedom in it. But for me, art is tied to respecting craft and story. I knew that meant a very unconventional life.
I was born and raised in Korea, and growing up in Korea, you are expected to have a conservative, traditional life path. You know your life wonāt be smooth if you stray from rigid normality and expectations. There came a moment when fighting it becomes harder than doing it.Ā
I think that the tipping point was when I transitioned out of my graphic designer work into my own work. I was working in the arts as a graphic designer for a very well-known studio and it's maybe the coolest job that I've ever had. But it wasn't my art. So finally I was like I need to do my work with my life and my time. And I that was the transition when I started ClownLifeIzzi.
What's your relationship to your art making practice and how has it evolved as youāve grown?
It's evolved so much, especially after my experience with my cartoons. The comics were a very specific experience that extended out to so many people. During that experience, there was a method to my madness but it's not something I can list coherently. All I can describe is that I was extremely persistent.Ā
I'm a very devoted person to what I'm doing. It was a lot of time and work and energy. The point that changed was when I realized that the numbers of social media had started to seep into the most private parts of my creating process. I became trained in analyzing which pieces will perform well, and when that data started to trickle into how I decided which stories to tell - I didnāt like that.Ā Ā
So I stopped making my comics and experimented following wherever my interests took me. , I felt there was more to learn elsewhere.Ā The experience from my comics was really important, but I knew I needed my world to be a bit smaller so I could dig deeper.Ā
How did it feel to be vulnerable online with your autobio comics?Ā
Ā I think there are a few other autobio comic artists online that I would have a great connection with, haha! Itās a very specific experience where, in the beginning, I genuinely didnāt think about anyone seeing it. I just blocked it out. It was the only way I could be vulnerable.Ā
After a while though, the blockage of acknowledging wasĀ also blocking the most wonderful parts of it. When I reflect now, I say I started sharing my comics as a cry into the dark, hoping someone might hear it. There was this yearning for connection, and blocking out the response as a whole, was not allowing that gift to come through.
There was this one experience when I went to Cavaliers bookshop, and met a reader in person at the register. I could see they were really excited to meet me and that they were a bit nervous. And I said āIs it okay if I give you a hug?ā And there was a kind of pure joy on their face that came from that.Ā Afterwards, I was driving away and I remember being in my car thinking, āthatās real!āĀ
After that encounter, , I realized it was actually a disservice and not earnest to deny the highs and lows within the responses to my work. My relationship to sharing work online has changed a lot. Eventually, I realized I did not want to continue autobio workĀ because I was living my life with a spectatorās eye. It was damaging to my own self image and sense of self - and I donāt think thatās good for the work.
I think it is so admirable when people can find ways to balance that for themselves. Different artists have different lives. Iām a very sensitive person too, which is why it works but for my own health itās not something I could sustain.Ā
What are some themes you always come back to in your work?
I have recently declared that my largest value is wonder.
There is something larger than just the parts of reality. All of the frameworks we have been given: language, frame of thought, logic, social systems-all these things we have been taught as normal⦠I doubt it! Allowing myself to explore this sense of wonder though my art has always been my space of freedom, especially when I was a young girl in a very conservative environment.
There are some experiences where I meet someone, and our exchange wasnāt very long and our exchange wasnāt something you could note down as being or meaningful, however the impact of that is extraordinarily heavy. My human brain is like āThat doesnāt make sense, you shouldnāt be feeling that wayā. But I do feel that way, so there must be something more to the world then.Ā
ThisĀ could be a sensitive topic, especially as someone who is a big mental health advocate, but I often think about how spirituality has a large place in many of our difficult experiences.Ā Coming from an eastern culture where these ideasĀ aren't so rigid, spirituality is woven into the rhythm of everyday life. Ā Elements of Buddhist beliefs,Ā like reincarnation,are embeddedĀ into our culture and language. So I don't view spirituality as a big hoax or a separate entity that could be compartmentalized outside of our metaphysical experiences of life.Ā
Because of that, that is where I draw into the parts of the world that we as humans canāt understand but still experience - that is wonder to me.
It could be a person, or moment, or even just a leaf you saw.
How has moving to Amsterdam influenced your work?
It really has changed a lot. First letās start off with that I absolutely love Los Angeles and it has been everything to me to experience my life in Los Angeles. But after I moved, Iāve been able to dial back a lot more of the urgency for āthe next big thingā because Iām able to slow down my life a bit more here in Amsterdam.
Iāve been able toĀ carve out that space of blank.Ā Boredom and peace has allowed me to have more moments of wonder. Iāve been taking some trips here and there and getting to see a lot of old artwork. Being able to tie that with my learning of art history andĀ fascination with diverging culture has been a big impact on my work lately.
Here at FredFilms our motto is Creators First, Originals Always who are some creators youāve been into recently?Ā
I recently was recommended Itās Lonely At The Centre Of The Earth by Zoe Thorogood at a comic shop here in Amsterdam, called Lambiek.She is a British autobio comics artist, weāre the same age.Ā Her work is vulnerable, honest, and something you hold in your hand yet canāt believe it exists.Ā It kind of scared me when I read it, that chilling feeling when you sense someone can see right through you. Call your bluff. I admire her a lot.
Any Closing Thoughts?
Donāt doubt your desire to create! Make it, just so that it exists.
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Find Izziās work:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/clownlifeizzi/
PAINTINGS: https://www.clownlifeizzilee.com/paintings
VIDEO: https://www.clownlifeizzilee.com/videosĀ
NOVEL (stay tuned): https://www.instagram.com/adxm_izzilee/
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Creators First: Spotlights is a interview series in which we interview creators about their lives, their work, and what they love! Stay tuned for more from artists, writers, musicians, comics creators, executives, and other friends of FredFilms!