We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Travis Van Alstyne a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Travis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Without question, the most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on is my recently finished short animated film, “Love of the Land”. It’s based on the true and tragic story of Vermont farmer Romaine Tenney, who’s farm was in the construction path of Interstate 91 in the 1960s. The State of Vermont seized his land through eminent domain and 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of his passing. Being a native Vermonter, Tenney’s connection to his land, his sense of place, and what progress means resonates with me. There is a power to his story. It taps into what New Englanders think about progress and what are the benefits and downsides of it.

Travis, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am the sole owner of Travis Animates, a one-man production company based in Burlington, VT. The company was formed in 2022 with the goal of bringing Vermont stories to life through animation. One key aspect of my work is that I pride myself on partnering with artists with a Vermont connection. For my latest project, I’ve collaborated with artists in the Vermont towns of Andover, Burlington, St. Johnsbury, and Waterbury Center. Local matters to me, and without a doubt my home state of Vermont is my inspiration and muse.

My background in animation stems from time at the Savannah College of Art & Design, where I graduated in 2003 with a bachelor’s of fine arts in animation. I specialize in short 2D animations ranging in medium and subject matter.

In 2023 I was thrilled that my in progress short animation, “Love of the Land” was recognized and partially funded by Vermont Public’s “Made Here Fund”. The program launched in 2022 to broaden and diversify Vermont storytelling.

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

My creative journey is mostly driven by my sense of place. I grew up in the small southern Vermont town of Chester, and early on the things that shaped me the most were the ever changing seasons, the character of the people, and their local stories/legends. I honestly didn’t realize how important these factors were until I moved away for college. It was only when I was 1,000 miles away that I comprehended how connected I actually was to my home state.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding thing about being an animator and filmmaker is the creative process. While seeing the end product finalized is fantastic, I absolutely love the journey of creating. I’m really happiest while I research the project, write the script, storyboard the scenes, animate, color, and composite it all together. It just feels like such a limitless phase of any project, where ideas and creativity are free to flow and be explored.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.travisanimates.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travisanimates
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travisanimates
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/travisanimates
• Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/travisanimates