We were lucky to catch up with Kayla Davis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, thanks for joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

I felt like this is an animation the world needs right now. “Skelly” is dedicated to my grandmother, who was always sassy and full of life. Now, as she struggles with dementia, I wanted to create a story that captures the humor, heart, and strength she always embodied. This project is a way to honor her spirit and bring some light and laughter to audiences through the whimsical and heartfelt journey of Sarah and Skelly.

Skelly is an experiment in my autobiographical story telling, of me growing up and dealing with anxiety and depression and knowing that it felt like my parents swept all of that under the rug. I felt like no one was hearing me cry out for help and I felt uncomfortable in my own skin. But as I grew older, I realized, it just wasn’t me and probably was a lot more people than I knew about that felt the same way. So I wanted my story to be told, and also in telling my story, help others who might have felt the same.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Kayla Davis, and I am the creator and animator behind “Skelly,” an indie animation that uniquely blends humor, heart, and the supernatural.

My journey into the world of animation began at a young age. Growing up, I was always fascinated by storytelling and the magical worlds created through animation. My passion led me to pursue a degree in animation, where I honed my skills and developed a deep appreciation for the art form. As a person of color (POC), I also realized the importance of representation and the need for diverse voices in the industry. This realization has been a driving force behind my work.

My professional journey started with internships at various animation studios, where I gained hands-on experience and learned the intricacies of the craft. After several years of working on commercial projects and building my portfolio, I felt a strong urge to create something of my own—something that would reflect my unique perspective and storytelling style. This led to the birth of “Skelly.”

“Skelly” is an indie animation that follows Sarah, a thirty-something woman, who discovers a skeleton named Skelly running a bar in her closet. The story combines elements of humor, the supernatural, and the everyday struggles of adulthood. It’s a heartfelt and whimsical tale that aims to resonate with audiences of all ages.

What Sets Me Apart
Unique Storytelling: “Skelly” offers a fresh and humorous take on the classic skeleton-in-the-closet trope, weaving together themes of belief, self-doubt, and mental health with a supernatural twist.
Diverse Representation: As a POC creator, I emphasize diversity and inclusivity in my work, bringing varied voices and perspectives to the animation world.
Indie Spirit: “Skelly” embodies the creativity and passion of indie filmmaking. Free from the constraints of major studios, I have the freedom to explore bold and unique ideas.
Services and Creative Works
In addition to creating “Skelly,” I offer a range of animation services, including:

Character Design: Creating unique and engaging characters that drive the narrative.
Storyboarding: Developing detailed storyboards to visualize the storyline and animation sequences.
Animation Production: From concept to final production, I handle all aspects of the animation process.
Problem-Solving for Clients
For my clients, I aim to bring their stories to life through compelling and high-quality animation. Whether it’s for a commercial project, an educational video, or an independent film, my goal is to create visually stunning and emotionally engaging content that resonates with audiences.

What I Am Most Proud Of
I am most proud of the impact “Skelly” has had on those who have experienced it. The positive feedback and emotional connections people have shared with me reaffirm my belief in the power of storytelling. Creating an animation that not only entertains but also sparks meaningful conversations about mental health and representation is incredibly fulfilling.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to create diverse, meaningful, and thought-provoking animation that entertains, empowers, and resonates with audiences. Through “Skelly” and future projects, I strive to tell stories that matter, celebrate the indie spirit, and make a positive impact on the world. I am driven by the belief that through storytelling, we can connect, inspire, and bring about change.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media for “Skelly” was a journey of learning, engagement, and creativity. By understanding my audience, creating engaging content, and actively participating in the community, I was able to grow a loyal following. For anyone starting out, remember that authenticity, engagement, and consistency are key to building a strong social media presence.

1. Identifying My Audience
The first step was understanding who my target audience was. “Skelly” appeals to a wide range of viewers, from young adults to older generations who appreciate dark humor and supernatural stories. I focused on platforms where these demographics are most active, such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

2. Creating Engaging Content
Content is king on social media. I made sure to post regularly, sharing a mix of behind-the-scenes content, character sketches, short clips, and teaser trailers. By giving followers a peek into the creative process, I was able to build anticipation and excitement around “Skelly.”

3. Utilizing Hashtags and Trends
Using relevant hashtags like #IndieAnimation, #POCAnimator, and #SkellyAnimation helped me reach a broader audience. I also participated in trending topics and challenges that were relevant to my content, which increased visibility and engagement.

4. Building a Community
Engagement is a two-way street. I made it a point to respond to comments, engage with other creators’ content, and join conversations within the animation and indie film communities. This not only helped in building relationships but also in fostering a sense of community around “Skelly.”

5. Collaborating with Influencers and Creators
Collaboration can significantly boost your reach. I partnered with influencers and creators in the animation space who shared similar interests. These collaborations introduced “Skelly” to their followers, who were likely to be interested in my project as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://skellyanimation.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skelly.animation/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-davis-74ba9612/
• Twitter: _sskelly_anim
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJts-TGWqfDIbbS0L1HOQxQ

Image Credits

Vikash, PK