Meet our creative and talented Storyboard Supervisor – Bradley Cayford!
Above are a few pieces of Brad’s artwork, and get to know him better below.
What inspired you to work in animation?
My mother introduced me to the work of Norman Rockwell as a child. I always found his character work so enlightening and thoughtful. So I was very inspired by that particular observation on life. Then reading through all sorts of National Geographic helped expose me to more culture than I was already exposed to growing up in a very diverse community. It was in story that I was mostly inspired by and once I began to see these performances of story I was interested in film. From there on it was shows like “The Muppets” and “Looney Toons” that began to show me the light side of story, and followed then by films like “Iron Giant” that really solidified my love for animation to see that there was opportunity to tell a deeper tale in the form of animation.
What is your favorite thing about what you do?
Working with others that are very creatively driven. I like problem solvers and the challenge to solve these problems. Working in story I feel like it helps develop perspective and philosophies beyond the technical performance of drawing. So many wonderful people to work with that have varied experiences in life. I find that enriching.
Are there any other creative disciplines you do in your spare time?
I sometimes play my Merlin Guitar. Often I like to ride my bike to gain some more perspective on nature and I also teach Illustration and Concept Design at a local college. It’s important for me to pay these lessons forward.
Is there any accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
I think just the daily motivation to keep learning and keep improving is what keeps me feel accomplished and wanting more. There have been times I have been nominated for awards or the projects I have worked on that have done well, but it’s in wanting more that I am feeling strongest about in that the path to knowledge does not end with a reward greater than knowledge itself.
Do you have a tip or piece of advice for aspiring storyboard artists?
I would say to keep being observant. Respect all of life to learn all stories and their place in life. If we understand the purpose behind the voice and all it’s experiences, the more accurately we can help tell that story with respect and truth. Learn the value in language like that. Know that we communicate with all things and so it must be performed in our storyboards with every panel. Believe that we are in that story, ourselves, so we can feel what it is to feel to be with those characters as most stories extend far beyond the screen and into our own experiences and realities.
Check out Brad’s website: www.bradleycayford.com
Follow him on Instagram: @brad_cayford
Thank you for all the work you do, Brad!
We are happy to have you on Team Industrial Brothers.