1) Why did you decide to get into this industry?

I grew up on Disney and Don Bluth films so I have always been surrounded by animation. Drawing and creating has been a part of my life ever since I was old enough to hold a crayon so I think it was always written in the stars that I would work somewhere in the creative arts, but it was a behind the scenes video for the making of The Lion King that tilted my path in the way of animation. Bringing a drawing to life feels like magic and I had to be a part of that magic. It still excites me to this day and I’m constantly inspired by what’s going on in the animation world.

 

2) What’s a defining moment in your life?

When I was accepted into the CalArts experimental animation program I felt such validation and relief. I don’t know what I would have done if I wasn’t accepted. There wasn’t a lot of animation happening in San Diego back in 2002 and I was really struggling to make ends meet so being accepted by the school felt almost life saving. My future was riding on that acceptance letter and it was a huge moment for me.

 

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

I think my biggest concern with the future right now is mostly climate related. I am a huge advocate for bringing awareness to endangered species and how big of an impact losing a species has on the environment. There is this great video by Sustainable Man on Youtube called “How Wolves Change Rivers” which talks about how the ecosystem around Yellowstone Park was balanced when wolves were reintroduced. Everything is connected and we may never realize how integral a species of plant, animal, or insect is until it’s gone and I would like to help curb that loss through my art and research.

 

4) What is a successful moment in your career so far?

The crowning moment in my career so far was definitely when I sold a show to #Amazon. Granted we were only green lit through the pilot phase but it was a huge moment for me knowing that I have what it takes not only to sell a series but to run a show. And it got great reviews! Making the Toasty Tales pilot was an incredible experience for me and I’m already back in the saddle pitching new ideas around town.

 

5) What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

I think the best advice I can give to any female in the industry is never give up. I know it’s pretty cliche but it’s also true. You won’t get anywhere if you aren’t putting yourself out there. You have to embrace failure, you have to love your battle wounds, and you have to learn, grow, and move on from your negative experiences no matter how frustrating or unfair they might be. You also have to be pretty good at networking so if you are shy take a class in communication skills or something because you will have a very hard time climbing an ambitious career if you always stay inside your comfort zone. We need more women creators so put yourself out there!

 

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I try my best not to collect too many things these days but I definitely have a history of being a collector. The first thing I remember collecting was rocks and I sort of still do this. I don’t know why! Sometimes I just pick up a little rock that catches my eye and I bring it home. Same for sea glass, sticks, pinecones, and other interesting natural objects. I think I am always trying to bring the outdoors inside. I think some people would also say I collect cats, haha. My wife and I foster through the Burbank animal shelter so with the three we already have at home it can feel like there are a lot of cats in the house. We have big hearts though and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

7) What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

People can find more about me and my work on my website carolinefoleyanimation.com or for regular updates on art related things (and my cats) follow me on Instagram @Tuff_Waffles or on twitter @TuffWaffles. I plan to focus on creating/writing this year and combining my writing skills more with my illustration skills. Along with continuing to pitch shows around town I plan to release the third volume of my comic Tim Town, Illustrate a children’s book I wrote in late 2018, and hopefully publish my endangered species series. 2019 is going to be a great year, I can feel it!