We were lucky to catch up with Tracey Laguerre recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tracey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Too often the media represents innovation as something magical that only high-flying tech billionaires and upstarts engage in – but the truth is almost every business owner has to regularly innovate in small and big ways in order for their businesses to survive and thrive. Can you share a story that highlights something innovative you’ve done over the course of your career?
Embracing Innovation: From Google Art Director to Cartoon Network Creator
Introduction
This is the story of how I transformed my after-work passion project into an animated short featured on Cartoon Network. While working as an Art Director at Google for three years, supporting various domestic and international teams, I felt an undeniable yearning for something more. Before my time at Google, I pitched an old student film idea, “I Love You Jocelyn,” to a producer at Cartoon Network. The meeting went well, and she encouraged me to continue working on the idea and return for an official pitch when I felt ready. Her words ignited a creative flame within me, which persisted throughout my tenure at Google.
Expanding My Horizons
During my time at Google, I delved into product design, marketing, branding, and storytelling for a multitude of products. (Google Files, GoogleDoodle, GoogleCloud, Google Play etc) However, deep down, I longed to utilize my knowledge to launch my own successful venture. I desired to form an art team and bring to life the creative visions I harbored within. The call of innovation beckoned, urging me to create something new and take a chance on myself. Hence, during my free time, I began crafting original stories and storyboards that captivated and amused me. What initially started as an unfinished student film project gradually evolved into a vibrant world brimming with potential.
The Pandemic as a Catalyst
Just as my creative journey was reaching a turning point, the pandemic struck. It was as if the universe conspired to signal that the time for a significant and innovative career change had arrived. Bolstered by this realization, I made the decision to bid farewell to Google and embark on an exhilarating new adventure—I founded my own company, Sunshine Cartoon Inc. Through Sunshine Cartoons, I now offer Animation Direction, Art Direction, and Illustration services to esteemed brands and commercial clients. By remaining innovative amidst the ambiguity of these times, my company successfully secured a deal with Cartoon Network to develop my original short, “I Love You Jocelyn.” Finally, my dreams of creating my own products and assisting a diverse range of clients have come to fruition.
The Power of Innovation
Opting for innovation has transformed my life in remarkable ways. While some perceive innovation as risky, the rewards it brings far outweigh the costs of stagnation. If I had remained content with my seemingly secure “dream job” as an Art Director at Google, diligently avoiding any disruption, I would not be where I am today. Moreover, I might have been adversely affected by the layoffs that occurred last year. However, I am grateful that I mustered the courage to pursue what some deemed a folly at the time. Finding a way out of seemingly impossible circumstances to pursue my dreams stands as one of the most innovative endeavors I have undertaken thus far. Yet, the best is still to come!
Looking Ahead
As the release of my Cartoon Network short approaches early next year, I eagerly anticipate sharing my creation with the world. Furthermore, I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with new clients, brands, and studios in the future. Connecting with fellow artists and working on innovative projects is an exhilarating prospect that fills me with anticipation. Together, we can shape the artistic landscape and bring our imagination to life.
Conclusion
My journey from being an Art Director at Google to the Creator of “I love you Jocelyn” on Cartoon Network has been a testament to the power of innovation and self-belief. By embracing innovation, taking calculated risks, and persevering through challenges, I have witnessed my dreams come to life. To those who may doubt the rewards of innovation, I encourage you to take that leap, bet on yourself, and unlock the extraordinary possibilities that lie beyond the realm of comfort. The path may be uncertain, but the destination is worth every step.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Tracey LaGuerre I’m a Haitian American Animator living in LA. I started working in animation when I was 16 at a local commercial studio in Upstate NY and I’ve been doing it ever since. Today I provide Animation Direction, Advertising, Art Direction, and Illustration services though my company Sunshine Cartoons. Clients come to me for producing original animated commercials, product branding and pre-production needs (storyboarding, character design, pitch bible development etc.). What sets me apart is my unique artistic perspective and my approach to storytelling and color. What I’m most proud of is the value and impact my creativity provides to others and how my art has been able to make a difference in the world both large and small. I look forward to working with more great people and building a strong network.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of my creative career is truly loving what I do. I wake up everyday excited for my next creative endeavor. I love the way life inspires me and that I’ve made a good life for myself with my art. I keep a sketchbook on my off time and many ideas have come from that. I find having a good work/life balance keeps my ideas fresh and charming
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Leverage is everything don’t be afraid to use it. Sometimes companies are scared to hire new people but if you have some leverage form previous collaborations or clients you should name drop them and use that past experience to build trust with your future employer after all if someone else took a chance on you and it went well you’ll seem more qualified to take on bigger responsibilities in your next role. This kind of boldness took me a while to develop but at the end of the day it’s frustrating when you know what you’re capable of but others still doubt you. By leading with some leverage you setup a president about where you are right now in your career to avoid any embarrassing assumptions about your experience. Since I started in animation as a teenager at 16 I found myself dealing with alot of clients how doubted my abilities at first or maybe were just taking a flier on me but once they worked with me they always commented on how I exceeded their expectations and went above and beyond quality and timely service. By consistently providing clients with the best on every project I’ve managed to build not only repeat customers but a strong community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://traceyelle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracey.elle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/animatedesicions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-laguerre-273644b3/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cuite3000
Image Credits
Tracey LaGuerre