Tell us about your background. What drew you to animation (pun intended)?

Saturday morning cartoons! I loved watching cartoons ALL THE TIME as a kid, and I still do. They just make me happy. I would record episodes on VHS tapes, then would pause frames and try to draw the characters. "Jem and the Holograms" was my favorite show to draw, and I still have some of those old drawings. I didn't know what an animator was at the time, but knew that I wanted to make something like all the shows I enjoyed watching.

I remember catching an episode of an old Disney show that aired Sunday evenings. Disney, in his "Uncle Walt" voice, was explaining the process of animation and being an animator. It was like the heavens opened up! I finally had a name for what I wanted to do, and I've never looked back.

I went beyond drawing from the TV screen and earned an AA degree in fine arts from Prince George's Community College and a BFA in Media Arts and Animation from The Art Institute of Washington. I also had a stint at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County for a year before transferring to The Art Institute, which was quite an experience. For me, my educational background has been a huge factor towards shaping my career as an animator. It also doesn’t hurt that it was all funded through various academic and artistic scholarships.

You work in a pretty diverse range of media. Is this eclecticism a reflection of who you are as a person?

I never thought about it, but I guess it is. I'm pretty all over the place and I like a variety of things, so it seems that my eclectic tastes have naturally appeared in my work. I also enjoy the challenge that diversity brings. I’m forced to think creatively and to push myself outside of my comfort level, which encourages me to grow as an artist. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun to keep things different and interesting.

When did you found Sharvonique Studios, and what was the motivation?

I’m going to say that I founded Sharvonique Studios the instant that I realized I wanted to be an animator. Mimicking Disney, I named the studio after myself and, yes, Sharvonique Fortune is my real name. My motivation has always been and still is for me tell my own stories, so that has pretty much been my goal from the beginning.

Tell us more about your company motto of "Sculpting reality with imagination."

It basically means to take an idea, no matter how incredible or unusual, and make it real. I've always been a dreamer, and I like to dream big. But there comes a point when you have to stop dreaming and make whatever you’ve imagined a reality. Of course, it’ll take a lot of work to do so, but creating something is never easy. I think that’s why I like development so much, because you’re taking something that didn’t exist, and the next thing you know you’ve made something that actually has an impact on people’s lives.

What was the most challenging time in your life/career? How did you address it, and how did it change you?

I would say my biggest challenge is the one I’m still facing. There’s a lot of uncertainty working as an independent freelancer. As much as I plan ahead and prepare, I still never know where my next job is coming from. I’m not yet at the point where I have studios banging down my door to hire me, but I’m working on it.

In the meantime, I actively seek new projects months in advance to ensure that I have work by the time a current project ends. Self promotion is also extremely important to my independent lifestyle. I used to be an extremely shy person, but I had to overcome being shy if I wanted to build my career as an animator. I still have my moments, but having to interact and collaborate with all sorts of people has definitely forced me to become more outgoing.

What has been your greatest success to date?

Ironically, in reference to the last question, I think my greatest success is that I've managed to work in an industry that I love and that I’m able to do so as an independent. I think it’s even more amazing that I’ve managed to do it all remotely, and have worked on projects nationally and internationally. Thank goodness for the Internet! It's not an easy task, especially when you’re competing against a lot of talented local artists. But the freedom of working independently and on my own terms far exceeds the obstacles I face.

Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life, and why?

My husband, because he encourages me to keep going whenever I start to slack off, and he puts up with my insane babbling about my latest animation idea. But mostly, because he buys me lots and lots of chocolate.

What is your favorite animated short?

It's always difficult for me to pick a favorite, but "Feed the Kitty" usually tops my list. The kitten is just so adorable, and I always laugh at the way the bulldog tries to hide him - especially when he pulls out the whipped cream and pretends to have rabies. My favorite part is when the bulldog thinks the kitten has been baked into a cookie. The emotional range of the character is priceless! I’ve been a fan of Chuck Jones ever since. In fact, Chuck Jones has been involved in other shorts that I like: "The Dot and the Line", "One Froggy Evening", and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".

What is your favorite animated feature?

Another tough question! Off the top of my head, I’ll say "The Little Mermaid". If I’m asked this question again next week, I’ll probably name a different movie. There are just so many to choose from!

Can you tell us anything about your new project with CompassLearning?

Yes! I’m working remotely to create Flash animation for educational software. This is a really fun project, and I’m working with a great team of people. The project is also long term, which is music to a freelancer’s ears.

Where do you see Sharvonique Studios in 5 years?

It’s funny that you ask this question. Lately, I feel like the growth of my studio has been a bit stagnate and I’ve been contemplating ways to make a bigger impact. Within 5 years, I would like to have completed at least two original shorts, be working on a television series (preferably one of my own concepts), to have a hand in a few high-profile projects, and to develop a fan base for my work. There’s more that I’d like to do, but I’m still reevaluating my goals and my plans to achieve them. I’m still a work in progress.

You have just volunteered to helm a new chapter of The Animation Co-op in Washington, D.C. What inspired you to not only participate in the Co-op but to assume a leadership role?

I wanted to participate in the Co-op because of the organization's focus on independent animation and its mission to foster the independent animation community. I truly enjoy being an independent (can’t you tell?) and I don’t think you have to follow a set path or formula to achieve success. You can create your own path, your own way of doing things. Anything is possible. Unfortunately, independents often don’t receive much help or exposure, so how could I not support an organization with such a great mission?!

I decided to assume a leadership role because I think the animation community in the D.C. area is very large, but it is also very dispersed. I'm hoping that the D.C. Animation Co-op chapter will grow into something that will help us all to feel a lot more connected. I also thought it would be fun to host animation-related events in my own backyard, since I’m not able to attend all the great events in N.Y. or L.A.

If you were speaking to a room full of aspiring animation artists, what would you tell them?

Network, network, network! And I don’t mean going up to someone and just dropping off your card. I mean forming genuine connections with people, supporting them in whatever they’re doing so that they’ll support you. Remember, while you’re pulling yourself up with one hand, you should use your other hand to pull others up with you. I have made some great connections in the industry largely because I've joined incredible organizations, like Women In Animation and ASIFA-East, and I participate in a lot of online animation communities (maybe too many!). I've been able to meet people who I don't think I would've been able to meet otherwise, which has all lead to a lot of unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.

NOTE: Shortly after this interview was conducted, The Animation Co-op received tragic news that Sharvonique suffered the sudden and untimely loss of her husband. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Sharvonique through this difficult time.