Telling the Stories of Underrepresented Individuals Through Animation by Julia

Telling the Stories of Underrepresented Individuals Through Animation by Julia - April 2023 Scholarship Essay

I plan to pursue a degree in animation so that I can use my skills to tell the stories of underrepresented individuals like those that are LGBTQ+ and people of color.

My most meaningful community impact experience has been my work with the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) and especially with LGBTQ students at my school. When I was a sophomore, I attended NAHS virtual meetings and was inspired by hearing the upperclassman speak about their artistic journey. In junior year I was officially inducted as a member, helped with the yearly art auction fundraiser, and was elected as Vice President. As Vice President I manage various NAHS activities, such as overseeing the afterschool sketchbook parties where students can come afterschool, hang out with friends, draw in their sketchbook, and listen to live music. I made it my personal duty to host these events every quarter so that the tradition can carry on even after I have graduated. As vice president of the National Art Honors Society, I have opportunities, like during our mental health for artists meetings, to encourage everyone to make the artwork that they want to make regardless of what others might think.

Many of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) students at my school are LGBTQ and as the Vice President, and as a bisexual upperclassman, I believe they see me as a role model. While some NAHS students are trying to enhance their technical skills, many use their own stylistic art to create original characters and stories. Having LGBTQ people write, draw, and create LGBTQ stories is necessary in our world, because it supports the idea that we are valid, and our experiences are worthy to be told and seen. I support my fellow NAHS students by following their art accounts online and liking, commenting, and sharing their posts to improve their confidence while also encouraging them to keep making their art.

When I started high school, I didn’t think I would want to pursue art as a profession, but now that I am a senior, I can’t see myself doing anything else. Although my high school art studies focused a great amount on realism, and I have found success with it, I also have an interest in film, storytelling, and character design. I especially want to tell the stories of underrepresented individuals like those that are LGBTQ+ and people of color. I hope to work in a team with other creative artsy people to turn these stories into animated work that can be shared around the world. I feel a good place for me to continue my art studies would be in the animation field since it requires both the artistic skills and an interest in storytelling.

In the future I wish to continue my outreach to younger LGBTQ people through storytelling in animation. There is power in having young kids see themselves reflected in the media they consume. By displaying their stories, we spread the message that we exist, that we are not weird for existing, and that our stories are just as important and awesome as anyone else’s. Compared to other volunteer work I have completed in and out of school, I feel I found a passion connecting to younger art students. I believe this passion will help me to become a leader in the animation industry.