Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1378252
SUMMER 2021 11 A F T E R H O U R S "Kids are honestly the most fun art directors!" adds Julia Srednicki, another TAG artist Polgar recruited. A character designer at Netflix, she says that the trick is taking the child's lead while making sure you're creating something original. "This 4-year-old really wanted to be the Hulk—but I tried my best to pay attention to and emphasize the specifics he mentioned, like 'big green feet' and 'lots of muscles' to be sure it wasn't just a generic Hulk… My hope was that the child would instantly recognize himself as his own unique hero." Each artist is drawn to the project for different reasons. Srednicki felt it was "a perfect chance to put our everyday work skills to use to bring some joy to a kid going through a tough time—and in a way that specifically reflects their own creativity and admirable qualities right back at them." Those admirable qualities are what appeal to Ducker. When asked about their superpower, "some [kids] are like, 'I go to other kids like me and make them feel better.' I just can't imagine being that young and trying to process the position you're in. It's very touching that their response is wanting… to make other people feel loved." The interviews serve a deeper purpose than simply aiding in the creation of the posters. One mom of a child with special needs explained to Kollins, "We're always asked to talk about the things our kid can't do… to explain what the deficiencies are." "[The Superhero Project] really flips that on its head," Kollins says. "We're asking them to tell us how their child makes the world better every day." Kollins says she's surprised at the effect a single poster can make: "[Families have] reported back that their kids, after seeing their superhero and going through this process, have more self-confidence. That they seem more comfortable with their bodies and with their body differences because they're being celebrated. Being in a wheelchair is one thing. Seeing yourself in a rocket wheelchair shooting across the sky is something totally different." Each poster is credited as being created by the youth, whose names are withheld for privacy, and designed by the artist. Creators and artists (from left): Supergirl G by G. (age 4) and Danny Ducker. Kyree the Hulk by K. (age 4) and Julia Srednicki. Ali Strong by by A. (age 21) and Danny Ducker. Vibranium Man by M. (age 22) and Julia Srednicki. ART FOR A CAUSE Serving children with more than 100 different diagnoses from almost 40 different states and 13 countries, The Superhero Project is now officially collaborating with TAG to ensure every child who wants to participate is able to. Want to join your fellow TAG members in creating these one-of-a-kind treasures? Email hello@superheroprojectkids.org to get involved.