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Accelerate Your Animation Career: Tips from 2D Animator Sykosan

1 minute read

03/30/2022

CG Spectrum
by CG Spectrum
2D Animation
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This week, Maxine meets with freelance 2D animation filmmaker, Sykosan. He reflects on his unique career switch from architecture to 2D animation, the portfolio strategies he used to assist in that transition, and recognizes how many skills from his previous career were transferable to the creative industries.

We follow Sykosan’s career—working his way up from assisting animators to creating and directing a Katy Perry music video, and his plans to move more towards directing. Plus, go behind the scenes of Katy Perry’s Cry About it Later music video and hear the cute backstory behind one of Sykosan’s animated characters, and his alternative ending to the video clip!

Sykosan's expertise covers all stages of the animation process including writing and editing, film directing, character design, background, asset design, 2D effects, and compositing! His distinctive style is a modern blend of western and Japanese influences, but he also demonstrates a strong ability to match a large variety of animation styles. 

Throughout his career, Sykosan’s work has been used across all kinds of media — advertising, feature films, video games, and music videos — for a diverse range of clients, including Katy Perry, the BBC, Netflix, Adobe, MTV, Samsung, Sony, Adidas, Gucci, and Megan Thee Stallion. He is also a mentor of 2D Animation at CG Spectrum.

sykosan-animated-characters-katy-perryCharacter design for Katy Perry's Cry About it Later music video, drawn by Sykosan

Katy-Perry-Cry-About-It-Later-sykosanKaty Perry as a cartoon character for her music video, directed by Sykosan

cry-about-it-later-video-clip-katy-perry-kissSykosan's animation work in progress for Katy Perry's music video

Sykosan's impressive showreel

 

sykosan-gucci-surrealist-animation-1Stills from Sykosan's surrealist animation campaign for fashion house, Gucci

sykosan-love-death-and-robotsWork in progress from Netflix's Love Death + Robots.

 

To see more of Sykosan's work, check out his website or follow him on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and ArtStation.
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This podcast is brought to you by CG Spectrum, a global top-ranked training provider offering specialized programs in real-time 3D, game development, animation, VFX, and digital painting. CG Spectrum’s unique online learning model provides individuals with personalized mentorship from industry professionals. If you're looking to upgrade your skills, explore our online film and game courses.

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Tags: 2D Animation

Meet the hosts

Meet the hosts of the CG Spectrum Podcast!

MAXINE SCHNEPF: From Producing to HR, Maxine's worked on 40+ blockbuster films at studios like Mr X, Deluxe Animation and Technicolor VFX. Now as CG Spectrum's Career Development Manager, Maxine helps students get industry-ready. Her credits include: Blade Runner 2049, War for the Planet of the Apes, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Doctor Strange, Star Trek Beyond and three Star Wars films.

Maxine