Unarchived: An Interview with television producer, director, animator, comic book artist, writer, character designer, and storyboard artist, LeSean Thomas

 

An Exclusive Interview with Animation Visionary LeSean Thomas

If you’re a fan of the Adult Swim hit show The Boondocks and have ever watched the credits, you’ve probably spotted the name LeSean Thomas. This South Bronx native is a rising star in the world of animation, with an impressive résumé that spans television, film, and comics. Currently working in Seoul, South Korea, at JM Animation, LeSean holds the distinction of being the first American on-staff artist at the studio.

His creative contributions include the opening artwork for Ultra Violet, assistant animation and key storyboarding for Disney Channel hits like Lizzie McGuire and Kim Possible, and work on iconic comics such as Arkanium and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

LeSean’s career has been nothing short of incredible, with a “Midas Touch” that turns every project he’s involved with into gold. Despite being 15 time zones away, we managed to catch up with him online for an interview. Check out what LeSean had to share:


The Interview

What do you like and dislike most about your artwork?

LeSean Thomas: What I like most about my art is that it has inspired many young, aspiring artists and students to pursue this profession. I think one of the greatest gifts you can get in this field is inspiring others to do better than what you've done. What I dislike most is that when I think I’ve done a great job, the flaws rear their ugly head once I’m done.

Who is the most inspiring mind you’ve ever worked with?


LeSean Thomas: I would have to say Aaron McGruder, creator of The Boondocks. He’s probably been the most inspiring mind I’ve worked with in the last decade of my career.

Who are some of the other inspiring minds you interact with daily? Anyone we might know?


LeSean Thomas: There are so many amazing people here at JM Animation Studios in South Korea who inspire me to be a better artist and animator—you probably wouldn’t have heard of them. Outside of them, there are my friends and comrades back in the States: Boondocks producer Carl Jones, Brandon Graham (King City), manga-ka Felipe Smith, character designer Philly Barossa, directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Seung Kim (Boondocks supervising director), and Kihyun Ryu (Boondocks co-director).

You’ve carved out an incredible place for yourself in the industry. Any regrets?


LeSean Thomas: Not really. I regret not doing more. There just aren’t enough hours in the day.

How close did you land to your childhood dreams?


LeSean Thomas: Pretty close. I went from being a kid admiring Saturday morning cartoons to contributing to making them. Creating my own Saturday morning cartoon would be the full-circle realization for me. It’s something I aspire to greatly. I feel it’s inevitable—just a matter of time.

You’ve mentioned being inspired by your older brother to draw. Does he still draw? Does he overshadow you as an artist?


LeSean Thomas: My older brother doesn’t draw anymore. Like most kids our age then, we drew pictures. I just kept going.

What advice would you give to a budding artist just realizing their talent?


LeSean Thomas: I’d tell them to figure out exactly what they enjoy doing and want to pursue. Then study hard, build a portfolio, and send it to studios looking for someone like them. Surround yourself with like-minded people early on—school is a great place for that. Learn everything about your craft and the business behind it. And most importantly, be professional and have legal representation. Having a lawyer goes a long way—longer than your talent.

Do you consider yourself a traditional comic nerd?


LeSean Thomas: In that I’m currently writing and illustrating a graphic novel? Yes. But I don’t read comic books. I haven’t read a monthly comic in over a decade, so I couldn’t tell you what’s new or hot. I guess I’m a comic book nerd with swagger.

What’s your “holy grail” comic? Have you obtained it yet?


LeSean Thomas: No holy grail for me. I enjoy making comics far more than reading them. I don’t collect them, and I don’t have any bagged or framed. When I’m done with one I like, I hand it off to someone else to read. That’s how the medium should be preserved.

Being hired at JM Animation as the first on-staff American artist is huge! How does it feel?


LeSean Thomas: Exhausting! We work really hard here. Honestly, I think I dozed off a couple times while answering this question. It’s a great feeling, but there’s a lot of pressure. Being the first comes with high expectations. Koreans have an incredible work ethic, and you have to show you can keep up. It’s very rewarding, though.

What are your favorite tools of the trade?


LeSean Thomas: A 2H pencil, paper, Col-Erase blue pencil, and my trusty G5 Mac.

What does the future hold for LeSean Thomas?


LeSean Thomas: Another good 15 years of creativity and my own TV show. It’s going to happen—keep your eyes peeled!

Where can fans find your work or purchase something of yours?
http://www.leseanthomas.blogspot.com
http://www.lesean.deviantart.com


Final Thoughts

LeSean Thomas is a testament to what passion and dedication can accomplish. From the South Bronx to South Korea, his journey continues to inspire artists and fans around the world. With his sights set on creating his own animated series, the future looks bright for this creative powerhouse.

Be sure to follow LeSean’s work and keep an eye out for his next big project—you won’t want to miss it! 

 

Unarchived are a series of interviews and essays originally published in 2009.

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