2022 UConn DMD BFA Senior Exhibition

Student Work

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Gatcha!

Paula Guerrero

Stamford, CT

BFA (Motion Design & Animation)
Advisor: Heejoo Kim

2D Animation
3 min 37 sec

Link to Gatcha!

Gatcha! is a short animation that reflects my identity and passion through world-building and concept design through the story of a girl who was sent to another world. It is an introductory animation of a video game in which she meets a local bard, tells him about her travels, and finds new hints that could take her back home. The Project touches on an aspect that has been and will affect me throughout my life; it is the question of identity, belonging, and perception as an immigrant in the United States. While touching on such themes for my previous work, I decided to use this as a reflection of what I have learned throughout this introspection during my years in university. The story's goals soon became a form to reflect the experience of being a person from Latin America who wishes to share their culture, one which constantly must challenge the exoticism of their work just for the sole fact of being different. It is not an Ecuadorian animation but an animation inspired by Ecuador. As such, while the concept itself is unique, it is heavily but subtly influenced by my country. I want people to fall in love with Ecuador while not realizing they are witnessing it. What usually creates a barrier between them and a foreign country now disappears within the fun fantasy-adventure genre. Through such, I am also paying homage to my roots, the symbols, and the memories I grew up with, as well as the aesthetics, artwork, and animation that I have honed down and learned over my time in university. I hope that in the future I can further develop this idea, touch on deeper subjects within the American perspective of Latin America, and as well possibly help others that have faced similar circumstances.


Artist Bio

Paula Guerrero is a Digital Media and Design Student with a concentration in Motion Design & Animation at the University of Connecticut, Storrs. Born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, Guerrero moved to Stamford, Connecticut when she was ten years old; as such all her experiences as an immigrant and Spanish speaker have become a significant part of her inspiration. Having a passion for art, Guerrero includes her Ecuadorian heritage into most of her projects. She incorporates her experience, culture, and love for storytelling into her character and world creations, while also adding her own twist of bright colors and aesthetics that she loves.

Guerrero has had experiences working as a freelance illustrator and animator from as early as in high school. She has won Best Partner and singular Artist in the international children's exhibition for Creative Connections, as well as has had her work selected into festivals such as Frame by Frame Film Fest and Filmmaker Sessions By Lift-Off Global Network. She is currently interning as a multimedia artist for Hollescene, as such she has participated in video production projects for clients such as Jen Atkins, Biossance, and The Erased Project.

https://www.mpaulaguerrero.com/gatcha
https://twitter.com/Chifle_

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