International Animation Day: An Exclusive Interview With Stephy Ann Tomy

There is a reason why animation and imagination sound similar. Both invoke innovation and inspiration and have the power to educate, entertain and move us in ways words alone often cannot. On this International Animation Day, we celebrate the art of animation and countless artists, who are unique storytellers and who bring life into characters that are as dear to us, as our own. Today, as we celebrate International Animation Day, we’ve had the pleasure of speaking to a talented illustrator and content creator, who has made Instagram a colourful and joyous space. Stephy Ann Tomy is known for her intricate illustrations that can put a smile on anybody’s face. Her videos on Instagram are super hilarious and touch the relatability metre at its highest mark. The team at Social Nation is thrilled to have her with us today to share her insights, experiences, and thoughts on the world of animation and illustration.

SN: Where did the love for animation come from? How did you get started in this profession?

Stephy Ann Tomy: The love for animation did not come organically. Instagram’s introduction of reels is what pushed this avid illustrator into animation. Once that started, there was no looking back! But apart from that, the urge to relay real life situations in my unique style was paramount to get me going along this direction!

SN: Can you tell us about some of your favourite animation projects that you’ve worked on and what was the inspiration behind them?

Stephy Ann Tomy: Any project that’s based on my personal experiences and resonates with the audience will always be a favourite! However one of my favourites is the video I made for Mother’s Day this year! (Using mom’s shawl for a saree as a kid)

SN: What animation techniques or styles do you enjoy working with the most, and why?

Stephy Ann Tomy: I love working with 2D animation, as all of this stemmed from my love for illustration. 

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SN: What is your creative process behind bringing characters to life through animation?

Stephy Ann Tomy: Taking on the character’s most notable features and exaggerating/highlighting it is a major aspect I focus on. Apart from that, attention to tiny details always brings life to animated characters!

SN: Could you tell us about a particularly challenging animation project you’ve worked on and how you overcame the difficulties?

Stephy Ann Tomy: The challenging aspect of a project has always got to do more with the content than with the drawing part of the animation for me. Being mostly comedy driven, any time I have to work on projects with a more serious note, I approach it with a different mindset and try to add elements that will enhance the viewer experience of the same as well. 

SN: In your opinion, what role does animation play in storytelling, and how does it enhance the overall narrative experience?

Stephy Ann Tomy: Real life scenarios have boundaries that animations can transcend. Be it exaggerated expressions, or the addition of mystical elements, there is always the ability to bring more to the story – and that is a unique tool to make something that may seem ordinary in real life, extraordinary.

SN: Are there any emerging technologies or trends in animation that you find particularly exciting or promising for the future of the industry?

Stephy Ann Tomy: I would not call this a trend yet, but there is more attention being paid to original scripts now more than ever. This is a competitive field and any way one can stand out and bring their unique voice to their animation can be a great way to improve the overall quality of the animation as well as the viewer’s experience.

SN: Tell us your Top 3 favourite animators or animation works. Has their work ever influenced your own style or approach?

Stephy Ann Tomy: While I adore Pixar, DreamWorks, Disney, Cas van de Pol etc there are just too many favourites that can’t be limited to 3 spots! Anyone who has a unique way of storytelling and has the ability to make something that you relate with visually or story wise, is someone that I draw inspiration from.

SN: If you get to collaborate with another animator, who would it be and why?

Stephy Ann Tomy: I would love to collaborate with Christina (potatoface) as she has a wonderful style of storytelling and her works are a visual delight! Hopefully we might come up with something in the future!

As we wrap up this insightful conversation with Stephy Ann Tomy on International Animation Day, we can’t help but feel inspired by her journey and passion for illustration. Her dedication to her craft and her observational storytelling are truly remarkable. We hope Stephy’s words and experiences have ignited your own creative spark, and we look forward to witnessing the magic she continues to create in the realm of animation and illustration.