Kevyn Smith
Creative Director
Marketing
User Researcher
Strategist
Production Artist
Animator
Generative AI
Web Designer
Graphic Designer
Information Architect
Video
Product Designer
Art Director
Rendella Daisy
Getting to the Heart of the Character
Q
How did you start into art, and further, what took you specifically in the direction of illustration?
Rendella Daisy: I first got into art when I watched my older sister drawing and sketching all time. I wanted to be like her and create beautiful illustrations that told stories. Once I got a drawing tablet, I spent almost all my time creating art just because I loved it. Illustration to me is more than just a pretty drawing. It’s storytelling at its finest.
Q
Please tell us about your projects with Studio Zmei and Effortless – What were they about and how did they turn out?
Rendella Daisy: For studio Zmei, I worked as a colorist on their animated TV show. I learned a lot from that experience and they were fantastic people to work with. Effortless is a music video that I created for SVRCINA. She’s an amazing artist and I loved getting to tell this story for her through animation.
Q
Could you elaborate on the wide range of styles you practice and specialize in?
Rendella Daisy: I love to create my art with a painterly yet cute vibe. I feel like every picture needs to be special in some way – either by painting a cat just because it fits the vibe or making sure the light hits the character just the right way.
Q
What projects did you do at SVRCINA and Mariposa pictures? Could you take us through them?
Rendella Daisy: I created a music video for SVRCINA. She was wonderful to work with. I enjoyed taking her creative vision and turning it into a visual reality. Mariposa pictures hired me to create animations for their short film. I loved getting to create animations for this unique project and I hope to be able to share them in the future, once released.
Q
Which of the ‘beautiful, dramatic shots’ you’ve done are you particularly proud of?
Rendella: My picture titled ‘Soda Girl’, the one of the girl and the cat just sitting and drinking cola, is a work I’m proud of. I like how chunky the cat looks and how happy and peaceful they both are. It captures a nice vibe.
Q
What is Monochrome Project DVNC Tech? Could you please tell us more about it?
Rendella: DVNC Tech created a rubber hose style 2D animation game and hired animators to help with the characters. I was assigned to many different characters during my time there and did tweening, cleanup, and even effects. The people there were nice to work with and I learned a lot!
“I try to get into the character’s heads and understand what they’re thinking.”
Q
What particular skills, techniques, and tools do you focus on as an emotive character painter?
Rendella: I focus on trying to get the right vibe in a painting, whether it’s through expression, lighting, or color. I also try to think of the story behind the character – what they’re thinking and why they’re in this situation.
Q
Please shed some light on the various music video animations you’ve done and your most memorable one.
Rendella Daisy: About a year ago, I created several animatic music videos. One of my favorites is the first one I ever created, ‘Our Little Corner Of The Universe’. I like the sketchy yet emotive style I was able to achieve.
Q
What is your main focus when trying to portray a character?
Rendella Daisy: I try to get into the character’s heads and understand what they’re thinking. The story is everything. So If I can understand how the character thinks and feels, I can portray them accurately.
Q
How do you want to be identified or described by others as an artist?
Rendella Daisy: I would like to be identified as an artist and animator who cares about storytelling, cats, and coke. I also put my clients’ wishes above all else to achieve the best quality of artwork possible.
