Helping You Navigate Your Creative Journey
Creative Strategist
Personal Highlights
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Hello!
My name is Allyssa [uh-LEE-suh] and I'm a Creative Strategist, Recruiter, Career Consultant, and prime-time television EMMY® winning Animator most noted for my animation on over 75 episodes and promos of FX's series "Archer". I also have created content for NBC's "30 Rock", Discovery Channel, Mtv, i am OTHER, Animation Domination, Apple, ComicCon San Diego, Georgia Public Broadcasting (PBS), and Captain Planet's Planeteer Movement.
In 2015, I founded Georgia's first and largest animation resource and staffing agency, My Animation Life (MAL). The team works to find creative strategies and solutions for both studios and independents. Creating Georgia's most inclusive animation map, calendar, and classified listing are just a few of the popular assets MAL provides to strengthen Georgia's animation industry.
I use my education in animation from Savannah College of Art Design and business from Harvard University Online towards advancing emerging artists in film and digital media in creative employment, business development, and animation production and pitching. In addition, I am on the Board of Directors for ASIFA South, one of the largest international animation societies in the southeastern United States, and a judge for The EMMY® Awards. Most recently, I performed high-volume recruiting on twelve animated feature films for Netflix Animation.
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As an animator, what inspires me the most is the ability to bring my ideas to life through the magic of animation. I find great joy in taking something that only exists in my imagination and turning it into a tangible creation that others can experience and enjoy.
I am constantly inspired by the possibilities of animation as a medium, and I love pushing the boundaries of what it can do through experimentation with new techniques and styles. Animation allows me to explore complex concepts and ideas in a way that no other medium can, and I am always excited to see how far I can take it.
Overall, my passion for animation comes from the belief that it is the most flexible and expressive medium out there, and I am constantly motivated to create new and exciting works that showcase its full potential.
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My mission is to provide people resources, and support so that animation is a more viable communication medium for all. Through the creation of a global infrastructure, I empower businesses and artists to have more seamless collaborate on animations. I value easier accessibility of the animation medium for all, industry practice transparency, industry inclusivity, and equity of opportunity availability.
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Learning
"I can have more than I've ever had, because I can be more than I've ever been" ~ Jim Rohn. I love this quote because it speaks to the core of why I am obsessive about continued learning. The more I learn and grow, the more potential I have to succeed. My only rule is to not consume new information without applying what I have already learned. Learning without action is just entertainment!
Traveling
As a military brat, my family has taken me to more places than I can remember. Each location broadening my understanding of this human experience. Countries I’ve lived in and visited include: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Guyana, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Languages
The stronger your communication skills, the more people you can connect with! I studied French in high school, college, and independently for eight years. In 2023, I spent 4 months in France getting my skills to a conversational level. It is my hope to become fluent. When I’m not practicing French, I like to dabble in Spanish.
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"Creative Convos With Allyssa A Lewis"
Interview by Cdeeq, Creative Convos
Panel by Georgia Game Developers Association
Panel by Diversity In Speculative Fiction & Literature
Skill Highlights
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- 2D Traditional and Digital Animation
- Paper Cutout Stop-Motion Animation
- Character Animation
- Layout Design
- Photo Editing, Restoration, Reconstruction, and Manipulation with Generative AI.
- Social Media Management
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Leadership
- Project Management
- Producing
- Event Planning and Coordination
- Presentation Deck Creation
- Public Speaking
- Giving Presentations
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Software Highlights
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- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Flash / Animate
- Adobe Premiere
- Adobe Lightroom
- Adobe Illustrator
- Toon Boom Harmony
- Autodesk Maya
- Image Ready
- Audacity
- Digicel Flip Book
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- Graphite
- Charcoal
- Chalk
- Pen and Ink
- Acrylic Paint
- Watercolor Paint
- Wax Crayon
- Pastel Crayon
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- Epic Shotgrid / Shotgun
- Workday
- GreenHouse
- GreenSlate
- Simplicity
- SalesForce
- Lever
- Watson
- Neo
- AirTable
- Slack
- Trello
- Dropbox
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- Google Calendar
- Google Docs
- Google Sheets
- Google Slides
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Work Highlights
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My Animation Life (MAL) is an animation creative solutions agency dedicated to the career advancement and placement of artists within animation-related industries. From animation celebs to basement geniuses, MAL recruiters uncover talented individuals from every aspect of the animation production pipeline. Through utilization of the MAL database, hundreds of artists are categorized to fulfill the needs of any animation-related project. Offering everything from Georgia's most inclusive animation map, calendar and classifieds listing to portfolio reviews, workshops and mentorships, MAL provides hands-on career path planning to artists at every stage.
Operations Management
staff training and management, contract drafting, business strategy development, CRM management, accounting, social media management, administrative organization, oversee all communications.
Full Cycle Global Talent Recruitment
Hire domestically and internationally sourcing, talent intake, onboarding, maintaining job board.
- Source candidates using Google boolean syntax search, social media bot creation using Python script, in-person and virtual networking events.
Client Management
- Client acquisition, project bidding, project consulting, project management.
Employment Services
Career fairs, job and internship placement assistance, consultations, portfolio / resume reviews, mentorships.
Event Coordination
- From conception to execution, host career fairs, conferences, classes, workshops, and one-on-one training.
- Managing paid and voluteer staff, setting up and breaking down event spaces, overseeing all correspondences to staff, guests, vendors, and attendees.
Public Relations
- Represent the company in giving presentations, speaking on panels, interviewing guests, being interviewed by press, and producing physical and digital promotional and educational content.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Coordinated and sponsored MomoCon’s Career Expo with 24 companies and nearly 600 attendees. Managed volunteer staff and vendors.
- Instructed and created curriculum for over one thousand students.
- Notable clients include: Apple, NBC, Discovery Channel, Mtv, Pharrell William’s “i am OTHER”, and Captain Planet's Planeteer Movement.
- Offer the most inclusive animation map, calendar, and classifieds listing in the southeastern United States.
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- Build strong and diverse pipelines of top global talent, and drive the end-to-end hiring needs of multi-million dollar animated feature films from Netflix Animation studio in conjunction with partner studios by leveraging various sourcing, networking, and other research methods.
- Conduct intake meetings, hiring syncs, portfolio reviews, manage complex and global deal negotiations with a mindset that is both budget conscious and competitive, and deal closures.
- Partner closely with Creators/Producers to understand their specific needs and guide Researchers through solving for specific styles, aesthetics, diversity requirements, refining technical and behavioral requirements, translating that understanding into actionable recruiting plans, and streamlining the hiring process to enhance the candidate experience.
- Collaborate with Business and Legal Affairs, Production Finance, Labor, Talent Operations, Employee Services, Tech, and Immigration team to strategize rate, schedule, visa compliance, relocation, and deliverable terms for international and domestic talent.
- Own and juggle multiple requisitions and maintain high-quality/maximum traction for Hiring Managers at all times while helping the Animation initiative keep up with massive growth.
- Lead broader team projects and initiatives to enhance recruiting at Netflix and Netflix Animation.
- Ensure that candidates understand and embrace Netflix’s unique culture as it continues to form.
- Understand how Animation Union (839) affects candidate experiences.
- Represent Netflix Animation Studio at industry outreach engagements.
HIGHLIGHTS
- High-volume, face-paced recruitment. Hire up to 5 candidates a week on 12 feature film productions.
- As short as a 2-hour hire time after candidate’s interview. This includes a wrap call, offer draft, term review with hiring managers, and an offer rollout.
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Board of Directors
2018 - Present
ASIFA-South (formally ASIFA-Atlanta) is the US's southeastern chapter of Association Internationale du Film d’Animation, also referred to as The International Animation Society, and has over 40 chapters around the world. As a member of the Board of Directors, it is my duty to assist in leading the organization in a direction that meets it's future pursuits while holding the authority to vote on corporate matters, and bear legal fiduciary responsibilities.
Advisory Board
2015 - 2017
I provided non-binding strategic advice to the management of ASIFA-South to aid in the transition of the new Executive Board and assist with event coordination and organization operation when needed.
Vice President
2007 - 2014
During my seven years of service, I helped grow ASIFA-South from a 17 person member base to one of the largest animation societies in the southeastern region of the United States, and give our members the ability to vote in the Annie's (the equivalent of the animation Oscar's). Some of my duties as Vice President included event coordination, public speaking, artistic and educational workshops/classes/tutoring, graphic design/illustration/animation/video editing, maintaining a monthly member newsletter and consistent social media presence, physical and digital marketing, community outreach programming, judging and screening films, and reviewing professional portfolios and resumes.
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- Provided individualized and industry-specific career advising to 870+ students in the following majors: Animation, Film and Television, Interactive Game Design, Motion Graphics, Visual Effects, Television Producing.
- Prepared undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni for professional employment and entrepreneurship utilizing industry-specific advice, career development, and professional job search assistance such as: resume development and editing, portfolio critique and refinement, one-on-one advising sessions (in-person, phone, and virtual), mock interviews, workshops, tutorials, in-class interactions, and industry resources.
- Conceptualized, planned, and facilitated workshops, in-class programs, and recruitment events both on and off-campus. Created event programing and staff training that is still in place today.
- Collaborated with faculty and Career and Alumni Success (CAS) colleagues to brainstorm, plan, and implement professional development opportunities and employer recruitment across majors and degree programs.
- Tracked and reported data relating to student and alumni employment readiness and employer interactions through the Career Action Plan (CAP) benchmark system utilizing information management systems and web-based technology such as SCAD Job Portal (Symplicity) and Salesforce.
- Collaborated and communicated with team of 40+ Career Advisors and Industry Alumni Engagement teammates through SAAS platforms: Slack, Zimbra, Google Hangouts and Jabber.
- Interfaced with multi-national companies such as: Disney, Adobe, HomeDepot, Spotify, Pixar, Google, Cartoon Network, and CNN.
- Represented university and CAS at virtual and in-person recruitment, orientation and alumni events by giving presentations, leading tours, and serving as an information resource.
- Assisted with new hire selection and onboarding. Sourced talent, reviewed applications, and conducted interviews.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Achieved a 99% employment rate of students getting hired in their field of study within 10 months of graduation.
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re:imagine ATL connects youth with resources and mentorships to amplify their voices in media. Through our in-school and mobile programming, youth have the opportunity to explore film, music, podcasting and more. My duties include overseeing the animation needs of the organization. This includes animation instruction, event exhibition, mentorship, and artistic talent placement.
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Carvelight Productions is a visual media resource specializing in photography, video, and design services.
- 2D animation, motion graphics, VFX, physical set lighting, video editing, and compositing.
- Photo editing: color correction, lighting, cropping, adjustments. Photo restoration and retouching.
- Creative photo reconstruction: background replacement add/subtract elements, digital painting.
- Utilized a non-destructive workflow to expedite client revisions.
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- Animated over 75 episodes and promos from season 3 through season 7 of FX's Emmy winning series "Archer" using Adobe After Effects. Averaging 30 - 60 seconds of animation per day.
- Lip-sync characters with 7 to 54 different mouth shapes, character animation, compositing, VFX, character rigging, environmental setup, and pipeline management.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Notable projects include animating content for Animation Domination and Comic Con San Diego.
- During my employment, I was trained in character animation on Toon Boom Harmony and participated in company-exclusive figure drawing sessions.
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Content coming soon!
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Content coming soon!
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Content coming soon!
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Instructor, Various Creative Courses, Quarterly School Program (2020 - 2021)
Inner-City Arts (Los Angeles, California)
As an instructor for Inner-City Arts, I teach Character Animation (Digital and Traditional), Digital Illustration, Digital Painting, Comic Book and Manga Creation, Character Design, and Storybook Creation for 8 different underserved schools in the surrounding area. Our primary focus is to create a preparation pipeline for students to jumpstart their creative careers.
Instructor, Character Animation, 12 Week Program (2018, 2020)
The New School - X Program (Atlanta, Georgia)
As an instructor in The New School (TNS) CEL program, TNS-X, I teach Character Animation in varied programs. Students learned character acting, animation vocabulary, the 12 Principles of Animation, the animation production pipeline, storytelling basics, visual and audio compositing, script utilization, and tools/techniques such as utilizing motion curves, the puppet tool, graph editor, and layer parenting.
Instructor, Motion Graphics : After Effects, 6 Week Program (2017)
WonderRoot ArtED Program (Atlanta, Georgia)
Tutor, English As A Second Language Program (ESL), (2007 - 2010)
Savannah College of Art and Design (Atlanta, Georgia)
Teacher, Mathematics (2008 - 2009)
Hands on Atlanta, Americorps (Atlanta, Georgia)
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Owl Film Festival (2023)
Animated Short Films
NFFTY Film Festival (2023)
Animated Shot Films
Fast Film Festival (2021)
Stop-Motion Paper Cut-Out Animation Festival
41st Annual Emmy Awards (2020)
New York EMMY® Awards of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Arts: Art News
41st Annual Emmy Awards (2020)
Michigan EMMY® Awards of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
MI2020-SE-06: Arts / Entertainment
41st Annual Emmy Awards (2020)
Northwest EMMY® Awards of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Branded Content Program - Short Form
Horizons: An Art+Tech Make-A-Thon! (2020)
Georgia Institute of Technology
Physical art and tech innovations
39th Annual Emmy Awards (2018)
New York EMMY® Awards of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Arts: Program Feature/Segment
39th Annual Emmy Awards (2018)
Pacific Southwest EMMY® Awards of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Arts/Entertainment - Program/Special
39th Annual Emmy Awards (2018)
Boston/New England EMMY® Awards of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Arts / Entertainment
Ladies Night (2017 - 2018)
Live-Action & Animated Comedic Short Films
Film Clash Live (2016, 2018)
Live-Actions Shorts & Feature Segment
Atlanta Film Festival (2009 - 2018)
Animation Shorts & Feature Segment
Generally Local, Mostly Independent Film Series Screening (2017)
WonerRoot & Atlanta Film Society
Live-Action & Animated Shots
Skyline International Film Festival (2017)
University of North Georgia
Animation Shorts & Feature Segment
Live-Actions Shorts & Feature Segment
ASIFA-South (formally ASIFA-Atlanta) (2007 - 2017)
Animation Shorts & Features
Animation Attack (2016)
Animation Shorts & Feature Segment
Sharpie Slam (2015)
Illustration Segment
SCAD-Atlanta Animation Society (2007-2010)
Savannah College of Art & Design
Animation Shorts Segment
Education Highlights
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Bachelors, Animation
Savannah College of Art and Design
Concentration in character acting for traditional and digital animation, project management, and abstract experimental animation.
Student Organizations:
President, SCAD-Atlanta Animation Society (SAAS)
Comic Editor, The Connector Newspaper
Art Editor, SCAN Magazine
On-Air Voice Talent, SCAD-Atlanta Radio
President, United Student Forum (USF)
Member, Painting Club
Member, SCAD-Atlanta Activities Council (SAAC)
Member, SCAD-Atlanta Intramural Sports (SAIS)
Member, UNI Intercultural Club
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Studio Art, Animation
Wesleyan College
Student Organizations:
Vice President, Art Club
Member, Japanese Club
Athlete, Fencing Team
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Talent Sourcing
Society of Human Resource Management
2021
Credential ID RP4455
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Adobe Certified Associate in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop
Adobe
2020 - 2023
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SEO
HubSpot Academy
2023 - 2024
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"Contract Law: From Trust to Promise to Contract"
HarvardX
2020
Grade: Pass
Explored themes of offer and acceptance, common law and civil law systems, fraud, contract interpretation, remedies, third parties, legality and morality, agency and auctions, partnerships, corporations, and government regulation. Professor Charles Fried
"Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles"
HarvardX
2020
Course Completion
Explored themes of leading in a changing world, adapting to complex complex organizational systems, roles of formal and informal authority, stakeholder perspectives, and conflict resolution. Professor Ronald Heifetz
"Leadership in Crisis: Ernest Shackleton and the Epic Voyage of the Endurance"
HarvardX
2020
Course Completion
Explored themes of hiring and employment, personal strategy and style, managerial behavior, teams, leadership, entrepreneurship, and crisis management. Professor Nancy F. Koehn
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Certificate of Completion, COVID-19 General Prevention (for film sets)
Georgia Film Academy
2020
Grade: Pass
This course covers:
- Personal Sanitation & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Health and Safety
- Social Distancing and Reducing High-Touch Surfaces
- Avoid Contamination Outside of Work
- Health Safety Supervisors and Contingency Plans and Procedures
- Health Policies at Work
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Employee Training, Animation and Figure Drawing
Floyd County Productions
2014 - 2015
Berger's Harmony Academy: One month training on the ins and outs of using Toon Boom Harmony for animation - taught by Toon Boom certified Animator, Brandon L. Berger.
Drink and Draw session: Monthly meetup of employees at various locations to compete in drawing challenges.
Figure Drawing sessions: Bi-monthly in-studio meetup of employees for figure drawing sessions.
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Improv
Kickstand Comedy
2021
Portland based improv class taught by Aman Adumer that focuses on improving listening skills, strengthening collaboration skills, building trust, and tapping into deeper creativity.
Improv
Tampa Film Network
2019
Florida based improvisation and film organization.
Improv
Mmkomedy
2018 - 2019
Multi Media Komedy, also known as Mmkomedy, is an Atlanta-based sketch comedy group that also specializes in film, shorts, theater, web series, and commercials.
Background Acting, Catrett & Associates Casting
2017
Club Patron, "Atlanta" season 3 series
Background Actor
Tammy Smith Casting
2015 - 2017
Lab Tech, "Black Panther" feature film
Nigerian Shopper, "Captain America: Winter Solider" feature film
Principal Actor
MtvUniversity
2016
University Student, "Hack to School" commercials
Improv
Atlanta Acting Dojo
2014 - 2015
Instructors:
David "Dojo Turnball" - Founder of Atlanta Acting Dojo
Kristy Oliver West - Founder, Trainer, Speaker & Improviser of The Brink Improv
Grant McGowen - Producing Artistic Director of Pinch 'n' Ouch Theatre
Jeffrey Karantza - CEO & Casting Producer of Golden Hour Studios
Sacha Dzuba - Actor/Musician/Composer/Writer
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Journalism and Team Management
MSCNE
2008 - 2008
One week journalism and management bootcamp for college newspaper editors all over the United States.