Mikiel Davis is currently an intern in TAP’s Virtual Intensive Training Internship. We asked Mikiel a few Qs about his experience as a TAP intern, what inspires him, and more.

What is one of your favorite animated characters and why?

One of my favorite animated characters is Gon Freeccss from the Anime Hunter x Hunter, despite being only 11 years old he goes on a mission to find his father who abandoned him to become a professional Hunter. His father bestows upon Gon to find him and thus starts the journey to become a hunter despite being born without any powers. He makes friends, helps defeat a slew of enemies and comes face to face with his father in the end. I choose Gon for his determination and sense of self discovery as he risks his life to find answers no matter the cost. Even though he doesn't possess powers like water manipulation, mind control or time travel he is fueled by his friendships, and becoming a hunter. I have dealt with many adversities which stopped me from getting to where I wanted to be in life, whether with school, and my craft, but I knew there was no sense in giving up, so I kept pushing and was fortunate enough to get support and be introduced to the TAP program. I aspire to be a logo designer, fictional writer and get my artwork to touch all around the world to inspire all.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I think I make it to express myself, and humanity as a whole, including the emotions and expressions we display and ones we don't to the ones we love. I like the way my art can mean several things and that it's not tied to the political or societal realms of our everyday lives. I think when I create pieces in black and white, the "purpose" or "message"is more clear even if there is no such message. My eye for my art style came from my love for it when I learned graffiti. Growing up graffiti tag all over the city, YouTube graffiti tutorials, medical experiences, late 1990's to early 2000's cartoons, strong Interest in sci-fi fantasy, just to name a few.

What brought you to TAP?

I was interested in seeing the process of how to make an animation, emotions and expressions of the face and within the mind, modeling caught my attention too because of my love for monsters and wanted to see how my art could be transferred into 3D work.

How has your experience changed from the beginning of the internship to now?

This experience has given me more of an understanding and hands on look into 3D animation, teamwork, strengthening my participation skills, learn from the parts that interested me the most even if I don't see myself using all the skills and knowledge I have gained, towards whatever future career I choose.

What is something you accomplished at TAP that you are proud of?

I'm proud of working as a team, building and still working on communication skills, creating friendships almost instantly, and to share interests with those who are more experienced.

Do you think animation can be activism? If so, how?

I believe representation is important for all races, the way movies in the West have been portrayed in such a copy-n-paste format for generations by the same people, with the same ideas and singular audience needs an overall or some change in the formula. People need to start to recognize animated work for much more than just a Toy Story and Archie tv series. The artists who work hard will be more appreciated, respected, welcomed and praised for all that they do.

What advice do you have for aspiring animators?

Every chance you take out in the world is important. No matter the path you choose as an animator or if you favor another level of the arts. The world needs more creative, imaginative, exciting , and aspiring people who love and hone the skills or talents in what they are good at. There will be many setbacks, many failed pieces but you have to continue on and accept that it may not work the first time but it's all the more reason to push yourself past your limits physically and mentally to overcome and achieve greatness.

Intern Exclusive: Mikiel Davis