Exclusive: When I lost my job due to COVID-19, I took it as an opportunity to learn animation and drawing, says Christina Furtado

Christina Furtado, aka @potatoface, is a stellar animator, illustrator, content creator, and a firm believer in spreading joy and nostalgia through her artistic content. Her diverse content spans various genres, from hilarious comedy sketches to nostalgic throwbacks celebrating simplicity's beauty. Like many Indian children, Christina cherishes the memories of visiting her grandparents and receiving small gifts from her parents during her childhood. She strives to capture the essence of those precious moments in her content, hoping to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth in her audience.

In an exclusive conversation with us, she spoke about creating animations, animation in the entertainment industry, and how to handle creative blocks.

Here are the edited excerpts from the exclusive interaction:

What inspired you to start creating animations and illustrations?

Content creation is something I gradually stumbled upon. It wasn't my goal initially. I simply wanted to share my personal stories, experiences, and memories through animation online. Little did I know that social media could be a source of sustainable income. Only after Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other big brands reached out to me did I gain the confidence to pursue content creation seriously.

I am a mechanical engineer with a master's in supply chain management. Despite my technical background, I've found my passion in the creative field of animation and social media content creation. It may seem crazy to make such a career switch, but I had to follow my heart.

My journey started when I came to Australia for my studies. I realised I wanted to do something that excited me and gave me a sense of purpose. As a child, I was always drawn to art, and I used to create greeting cards for my parents and teachers. I loved making artsy stuff for my friends as well.

When I lost my job due to COVID-19, I took it as an opportunity to learn animation and drawing. I practised every day and tried to upgrade my skills. It was hard work, but my determination paid off in the end. Now, I create content for social media and earn a living doing what I love.

What software and tools do you use to create your animations and illustrations?

I use Procreate on my iPad to create reels and Adobe Animate for my animations.

Can you share your thoughts on the current state of animation and illustration in the entertainment industry?

The current state of animation and illustration in the entertainment industry is very exciting. With advancements in technology and software, the possibilities for creative expression are virtually limitless. Many people are drawn to animation and illustration because they allow visualising unique and imaginative ideas that would be difficult or impossible to convey through live-action footage. Social media platforms like Instagram have become popular outlets for showcasing animated shorts and illustrations, allowing artists to reach wider audiences and gain recognition for their work.

The animation and illustration industry is currently experiencing a significant surge. It is because they provide a convenient medium for expressing creative ideas in ways that may not be achievable through live-action filming. Due to this trend, many individuals are now learning animation and illustration, as there is ample space for originality and innovation in these fields.

Animations offer a unique advantage in adding an additional layer of depth to creative work. It is because certain ideas or concepts may be difficult to portray through live-action filming. For instance, inanimate objects such as TVs or furniture may be shown to be flying in animated films, whereas this may not be feasible in live-action filming. 

Consequently, animations have become increasingly popular, and people appreciate their unconventional and vibrant energy. Overall, the current state of animation and illustration is marked by a high degree of creativity and potential, and it is exciting to observe how this industry will develop in the future.

How do you come up with ideas for new projects or series?

I thoroughly enjoy brainstorming and spending time with my family; my mother plays a crucial role in our creative process. Whenever I face a creative block, she acts as my "creative director," providing fresh ideas and helping me refine my existing ones. We spend hours discussing my childhood experiences and memories with our family and friends. I am always drawn to stories that resonate with me and others, and I use these relatable experiences to inspire my content. Therefore, many of my ideas are based on true events, making my content authentic and genuine.

How do you handle creative blocks or burnout?

When I sense experiencing a block or burnout, I tend to step back and unwind. I am careful not to let burnout take over me, as it may cause me to lose interest in what I do. Instead, I spend time with my loved ones, watch a series, nap, walk, paint or sing to divert my attention and recharge myself. It helps me start fresh without feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

What advice would you give someone looking to start their animation or illustration career?

Although it may seem like a common piece of advice, I would like to encourage people to persevere and not give up. If you have a passion for something but lack the necessary talent, it's never too late to learn or improve your skills and try again. I believe having an unwavering determination and refusing to give up can make all the difference and transform seemingly impossible situations into attainable goals.