The Made in NY Animation Project
In 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to work with the The Made in NY Animation Project (TAP for short), a unique non-profit organization that uses animation and other digital arts as both a creative art therapy program and workforce development initiative. I worked alongside an exceptional team of animators and therapists to empower participants to express themselves creatively.
TAP Summer 2024
In the first of two animations created in the Blue Group of The Made in NY Animation Project's Summer 2024 Program, Kiyoshi saves their monkey sidekick, Kabuki, from the clutches of the sorceress Drusilla and her army of sunflower golems. The program was conducted in a virtual environment, so while I was responsible for all final visuals, the designs, story and setting were developed collaboratively by over 30 participants and a therapist co-facilitator.
In the second animation created in the Blue Group of The Made in NY Animation Project's Summer 2024 Program, Kiyoshi and Kabuki watch the sunset in their home city after a job well done.
A sampling of the storyboards and character sketches created over the six-week program.
Previous TAP Projects
In my first contract with TAP in Spring 2024, myself and a team of creative arts therapists co-facilitated in-person groups in a high school setting. During this programming, we produced four animated shorts written and acted by the participants, featuring designs based off of or directly integrating their artwork.
The Life of Lily
Despite her parents' lack of approval, a high school senior gets to know herself through her creative outlets-- and a new romance.
The Yin Yang
After accidentally awakening her own mind reading powers, a shy high school student must contend with how her new abilities impact her close relationships.
Birthday Party Gone Wrong
A ten year old's birthday goes off the rails when a gift stokes jealousy in her older brother.
The Disappearance of the Yin Yang
Six years after discovering her mind reading powers, Lani faces new relationship challenges in adulthood.
A sampling of character design work done in the pre-production phase of each of the animated shorts.