Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1276583
FALL 2020 9 FA C E O F F IN THE SAME BOAT The couple first met 15 years ago while working on Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Storyboard Artist Kyle Neswald wooed Color Designer Kristin Donner with funny caricatures of Wubbzy as iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger film characters—imagine Terminator Wubbzy battling foes and spouting catch phrases. "We've been co-workers, art directed each other, and have been co-creators on development projects. When you have such a close relationship with someone, it can be difficult to separate the private from the professional," says Neswald. When they do shift to professional mode, though, they announce "it's Pro Tip Time!" to avoid hurt feelings. "Kyle and I truly value each other's observations and creative solutions. That said, we've also realized that our critiques are not for the faint of heart," adds Donner. "Our critiques morph into cartoon battlegrounds with stylus and pencil substituting for swords. Although we sometimes emerge from battle a little worse for wear, we agree that both sides are victorious, because our feedback always results in stronger work." Their ability to offer constructive feedback to one another is rooted in a mutual admiration. "Kristin's artwork extends into her perceptions of the world around her; being able to pick out the small moments of beauty in a world of chaos and the ability to turn a critical eye on non-verbal means of information sharing," says Neswald. While Donner admires his storytelling prowess that produces rich and thoughtful ideas. "As he creates and populates new worlds, Kyle slips into different roles; he is a magician, a comedian, a counselor, and an engineer," she says. "He can bend reality, push humor, create connection, and invent literally anything. I love to watch Kyle create." COUPLE AND COLLABORATORS KRISTIN DONNER AND KYLE NESWALD PUT THEIR OWN SPIN ON DRAWING ONE ANOTHER