Editor’s Note: They are leaders. They are inspirational. They are mentors. They are visionaries. They are, quite frankly, badasses. They are our 2021 REEL WOMEN. During Women’s History Month, you will be able to meet these incredible personalities in Advertising, Entertainment, Media and Production. Get ready, they are making “Herstory.”
Trish Janovic is an NYC based designer and illustrator working in motion graphics. Her creative career started after attending Savannah College of Art and Design, when she was offered a position at Logan’s NY studio. She spent a few years bouncing around studios as a freelancer before she found her spot at Scholar’s NY office.
As a Senior Designer for the studio, she was fortunate enough to both design and direct projects with a wide range in styles. In 2019, she relocated to San Francisco to work as a Brand Illustrator at Facebook Marketplace.
Now, she’s relocated back to the East Coast and is working with the incredibly talented folks at Hue&Cry, the award-winning Richmond-based animation & design studio.
What’s your origin story?
I grew up in NJ loving to paint and draw. Towards the end of high school, it became clearer that I wanted a creative career. I ended up going to SCAD, where I discovered a love for illustration and motion design!
How did you get into the animation/design/production industry?
I studied illustration and took some classes in motion graphics at the end of my junior year. That turned into me taking a few more classes and an internship and now I’ve ended up here!
Who were your mentors?
I’ve been lucky enough to have really amazing coworkers and friends along the way that all taught me something. I owe professors, friends, and bosses for making me a better artist. This industry is filled with people who want to share their knowledge.
While there will be others, what do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
I think making it to Senior Designer is a great achievement for me so far!
How about your biggest disappointment?
Earlier in my career, I went out for a role beyond my reach and was really let down when I didn’t get it. Ultimately I’m so happy with the way things went because the jobs I’ve had since then have been SO rewarding. I would’ve missed out on meeting coworkers who are now my dearest friends.
RELATED: See who else is on the 2021 Reel Women List
If being a woman is your superpower, how has it helped you?
I think the way women have come together and supported each other in this industry is really powerful. So I guess that could be a superpower!
What’s your Kryptonite?
My kryptonite is TV. I get really sucked into bad reality shows.
How did a combination of pandemic, Black Lives Matter, and QAnon affect you?
This has been a really really hard year for everyone. The pandemic has disproportionately affected black communities and indigenous communities. The summer in particular was a really heavy time. I’m hopeful with the change in presidency.
What can the industry do better to promote true inclusion?
In order to better promote inclusion, we need to be better with diversity in hires!
If you’re Batwoman, who’s Robin?
Caffeine.
What’s the engine that pulls you?
Caffeine! – but also I want to make work that helps me grow.
Climb in a time machine and tell a 15-year-old you something. What is it?
Drink more water and start yoga…
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career as an animator/designer?
It doesn’t matter where you start! What matters is that the people around you are supportive & inspiring.
How do you define creativity?
Creativity is looking at everything in a slightly different way than you’ve been told to. 🙂
What inspires you to be creative?
Surrounding myself with creative people of different disciplines keeps me inspired.
