By TAYLOR THOMPSON
Tiger Media Network
The Creative Roar is a spotlight series dedicated to showcasing the talent and passion of local artists and students. One such artist is Mary Greenwood, a motion design and animation student whose dream is to bring characters to life on the big screen.
Greenwood’s passion for animation was sparked in high school when she watched a behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of “Frozen 2.”
“I started watching how they made movies, from concept art to vocal recordings and scriptwriting, and I thought, ‘I want to do that,’” she said. “I want to do the character design, the visual development art—all of it.”
Her artistic style leans toward soft, whimsical, and nostalgic themes, drawing heavy inspiration from studios like Disney and Pixar.
“I don’t usually do darker, edgier stuff,” she said. “I like something that brings a smile to your face and reminds you of childhood memories.”
When it comes to career goals, Greenwood has set her sights on major animation studios. While Disney was once her dream, she now gravitates toward DreamWorks, citing their recent work as particularly inspiring. Pixar and Illumination are also on her radar, but DreamWorks remains her top choice.
Reflecting on her artistic journey, Greenwood acknowledges both her progress and the growth still ahead.
“I know I can definitely do more with my art, but I like looking back and seeing how far I’ve come,” she said.
As part of The Creative Roar, Greenwood’s story is one of many that highlights the emerging talent at FHSU. The series will provide students a platform to share their creative journeys. With a strong vision and dedication to her craft, Greenwood is well on her way to making an impact in the world of animation.