MEET #3219 RACHEL YONDA
Animator • Los Angeles, CA
WNW Member #3219 Rachel Yonda has created 2D, 3D, character, and graphic animation for a range of enviable clients, like Disney, Nickelodeon, SNL, Cartoon Network, Google, Virgin America, Sony, and Microsoft. She's currently working on design and motion graphics for The Late Late Show with James Corden. Rachel tells us how she started in the biz, stays motivated, and manages her secret double-life as a camp counselor. She also sends a helpful reminder to fellow freelancers: "The world is smaller than you think it is and your reputation will precede you wherever you go. A little self-awareness goes a very long way. Stick up for yourself, but never burn a bridge."
1. How long have you been freelancing?
8 years.
2. Is there a time or place that you feel most creative/have the best ideas?
Nighttime trips by plane, train or automobile.
3. What's your ideal Working:Not Working ratio?
Giving 110% in the Post-Breakfast, Pre-Dinner hours Monday through Friday. The rest of my time belongs to me, my family, friends, and cat.
4. Do your parents understand what you do?
Neither of my parents were ever in the industry, but they'd go to small film festivals near my hometown and bring back VHS tapes full of amazing independent animation for my brother and I. It's because of them that I grew up loving cartoons produced by the National Film Board of Canada just as much as I loved Looney Tunes and Disney, so as far as animation goes, I'd say they get it. Freelancing on the other hand, generally not so much!
5. What scene from a movie makes you laugh just thinking about it?
The scene in Home Alone when Kevin McCallister screams "When I grow up and get married, I'M LIVING ALONE!"
6. If you were stranded on a desert island, with your computer, what 3 websites would you take with you?
7. What do you do when Not Working?
Anything that involves moving my normally desk-bound body in the outdoors, visiting friends & family in various locations from coast to coast, living my secret double life as a volunteer camp counselor in the San Jacinto Mountains.
8. Do you have a hidden talent?
I spent more time in college studying music than I did studying animation.
9. Any tips or advice for fellow freelancers?
The world is smaller than you think it is and your reputation will precede you wherever you go. A little self-awareness goes a very long way. Stick up for yourself, but never burn a bridge.
10. What's your favorite thing on the internet this week?
It pretty much stays the same every week.
11. Who are some other WNW members whose work you admire, and why?
There are many, but perhaps I should start with the one I'm married to: Ben Yonda
To name just a few more, I've also had the pleasure of crossing paths with these fine folks:
Michelle Higa Fox, Jordan Scott, and Trevor Conrad
These WNW members in particular are all a huge inspiration to me when it comes to being self-motivated, profoundly creative individuals.
12. Anything else you'd like to add that we haven't asked?
I have a Bart Simpson balloon that's been floating for 5 months. I think it’s going to last forever. I’m proud of it.
More of Rachel's Work
