Diana Chao
School, Year: Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Junior
Major: Animation
Tennant Foundation Diversity Scholarship
What are you doing right now?
This summer I have been going to my studio every day and working on a painting or animation.
What makes you excited about animation?
I like animation because I can use a lot of different mediums and still have my projects in motion. My goal is to push the limits in animation and create something besides regular character and 3D animation. I also think working with different artists is exciting. As an animator, you have to work with people all the time. So then you just have this mixture of brilliant ideas and talent.
What is your dream job?
My dream job would be to actually be an art director. I like to work with a lot of different things and I like to work with a lot of people. And then eventually start my own experimental animation studio.
What would you say to younger students who were deciding on college careers?
Choose your own path and no one else’s as long as you are happy and know you want to go into art, math or whatever. And study, study hard, but still have fun. Manage your time well and make sure you really tell your parents and scholarship donors that you appreciate them helping you out with school, because without any of their help it’s hard to raise your own money and go to school.
Who is the biggest influence in your life?
My family. They have supported my art for awhile and I really appreciate everything they have done for me. My father has been the biggest influence. I love that he has been supporting my art and has believed in everything that I can do and more.
"Choose your own path and no one else’s."
—Diana Chao