Vinod Krishnan
Animation Technical Director

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
My name is Vinod Krishnan. I moved to the United States in 2014 to pursue a master’s degree in animation at Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA. Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2018, I’ve embraced every opportunity to grow and challenge myself. From working on renowned projects like Annabelle Comes Home, Marvel’s Runaways and Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, to venturing into the realm of music videos for artists such as Taylor Swift, Camilla Cabello, Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson and Billie Eilish, my journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. Most recently, I’ve found my niche as a Production Technical Director at Disney Animation, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing to multiple award-winning television shows like The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, and The Owl House, among others. It’s been a whirlwind experience collaborating with esteemed studios like Dreamworks Animation, Nickelodeon, and Sony Pictures Animation; and I’m grateful for every opportunity that has come my way.

How did you first become interested in art?
I was raised on a little island in the middle east called Kingdom of Bahrain. Despite harboring a natural inclination towards creative work, I never considered creative pursuits to be a viable career path. It wasn’t until I reached the age of 16 or 17 that the notion of pursuing animation (or just art in general) as a career was introduced to me by a cousin. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, I can’t help but draw parallels to the scene in Ratatouille where Remy, after savoring a bite of cheese and a strawberry, experiences a profound revelation about his life’s purpose.

How does art enrich a community, and what are some ways people can engage with art in Burbank?
Art, in its myriad forms, serves as a powerful means of expressing the intricate tapestry of human thoughts and emotions that often elude verbal communication. Burbank, renowned for its illustrious history in the arts, particularly in animation, has long been a thriving epicenter for creative expression. Over the past six years, as a participant in the entertainment industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand the vibrant pulse of creativity that permeates this area. With world-class studios dotting nearly every block and a palpable artistic energy pulsating through the streets, Burbank embodies a unique fusion of inspiration and opportunity. Moreover, the city hosts a plethora of art-centric gatherings at local coffee shops, bars, and galleries, providing a platform for artists and enthusiasts alike to converge, exchange ideas, and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of creativity. I encourage individuals to wholeheartedly engage with the community and contribute to the collective artistic ethos of Burbank. Whether through attending meetups, participating in collaborative projects, or simply lending a supportive ear to fellow creatives, there exists a multitude of avenues through which individuals can foster a sense of unity and camaraderie within the neighborhood, united by a shared passion for the arts.

If you could share with our community one thing about art, what would it be?
The process of creating animated shows, affectionately known as cartoons, has undergone a profound transformation, becoming increasingly reliant on cutting-edge visual technology to meet the soaring demand. With software updates rolling out every six months and the integration of AI, we’re constantly creating new approaches to our craft. As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold the promise of revolutionizing storytelling, empowering creators of all backgrounds to realize their artistic visions with freedom and accessibility. In this dynamic landscape, the possibilities are limitless, making way for a new era where storytelling transcends the limitations of conventional mediums.

To find out more about Vinod and his work, visit his website here or follow him on instagram @vinod.kr