Why the medium of animation?  What can you do in animation that you cannot do in Live Action or a different medium?

There’s a special charm about animation that keeps us so captivated. Whether it’s 2D, 3D, stop motion, motion graphics, you name it, there’s an artist behind every creation. When it comes to animation, everything has to be hand-crafted and designed for a reason. If you’re making a 2D film, each frame must be hand-drawn. Even in a 3D film, there’s a special skill in being able to model characters by hand. It shows that there’s careful thought, attention, and craftsmanship put into each frame. I think the hand-crafted process of animation can’t always be replicated in other mediums. It leaves a humanistic touch on the animated media that we sometimes take for granted.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I’m in the process of pre-production for my senior film. Eventually I’ll be bringing my film to life very soon! I've also been collaborating on other seniors’ thesis projects. I’ve mainly been helping out with in-betweening, clean up, and character animation. In my spare time, I’m always working towards strengthening my portfolio and creating more pieces for it.

What future projects do you see yourself creating and why?

While in school, I see myself creating an animation that really shows off my character animation skills, both creatively and technically. I’ve been very fortunate to take a variety of awesome classes that’ve let me explore this focus, such as 2D animation, 3D character performance, and even motion capture!

After college, it’s a dream of mine to become a character animator for a family-friendly animation studio. I hope to work on an animated film that future generations will get to enjoy! Even if it means animating a background character that only appears for one second, the experience alone would be very fulfilling to me. Being another piece of the puzzle who contributes to meaningful stories and helps the team progress smoothly is very rewarding to me.

What are some of the highlights of your time in the John C. Hench Division of Animation + Digital Arts?

The people in this program have made a profound impact on me. It’s been wonderful getting to know my classmates and professors. Everyone is extremely supportive and is always there to hype you up. I’ve really enjoyed viewing my talented classmates’ work. It’s been fun seeing what innovative and funny ideas they come up with. I don’t think other majors get to laugh as much as we do when we do our homework. Unlike other majors at USC, the animation division is quite small and tight-knit. It’s nice being able to say “hi” to familiar faces around every corner of the animation building. From collaborating with other students on their films, I’ve been able to form long lasting friendships beyond the classroom.

Why attend USC?

Staff and faculty truly want the best for you. The program’s curriculum is designed to help you succeed in the industry and put your best self out there. USC offers countless opportunities to grow professionally and personally, such as screenings with guest speakers, recruiter meetups, film festival resources, and so many more! I’ve been able to use the work I've created at school to build my portfolio, apply to internships, and even be recognized for opportunities that have extended beyond USC.

From entering USC as just a 2D artist, I can confidently say that I’ve gained artistic and practical skills that I didn’t think I could achieve. USC’s animation program is unique in that we’re privileged to be able to try every part of the pipeline. I’ve been able to hone a variety of skills in storyboarding, design, animation, compositing, and so much more! If you want to deepen your focus in one specialty, you can by taking other electives in that area. Likewise, if you want to be a generalist, you can take a holistic approach to your course selections. I’m very grateful to graduate from USC as a well-rounded artist and scholar.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying to the John C. Hench Division of Animation + Digital Arts?

Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate. Animation is a team effort, and the best learning I think what scares a lot of people from applying to USC’s animation program is that they think they aren’t good enough at drawing. Knowing the fundamentals of art is important, but as long as you can tell a compelling story, you can be taught the technicalities to achieve it! Keeping a sketchbook for all your ideas is so invaluable. You’ll never know when they’ll come in handy in the future. Also, don’t sacrifice your grades for your art either. Your education works hand in hand with your artistry. In the end, remember to ask yourself why you want to do animation and why USC. It really helps you to reevaluate your motivations, goals, and aspirations. Be authentic in your art and showcase the skills that make you unique!

Where can we see more of your work?

You can view my portfolio here: https://www.rebeccaharterfoist.com/

My work can also be found on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebecca.harter.foist/