Today, he works as a 2D animator at MAKE in Minnesota, US, where he helps shape captivating narratives that leap off the screen. But Adam’s journey to this dream job is a tale as inspiring as the stories he animates.
Growing up as the youngest of three siblings in a creative household, Adam was surrounded by art, films, and games.
His mother, a nature-loving artist, often shared her admiration for English cartoonist and illustrator Quentin Blake, sparking Adam’s appreciation for the whimsical and heartfelt.
“She’d point out the beauty in drawings from children’s books,” Adam recalled. “That really stuck with me. Even now, I think Blake’s work is amazing and is still some of my favourite.”
Family movie nights introduced Adam to the enchanting world of Disney classics like “The Three Musketeers” and “The Princess and the Frog,” while countless hours of playing Nintendo games with his siblings deepened his fascination with animation.
“I used to focus on the character sprites in games like Kirby and Smash Brothers,” he said. “The way they moved taught me a lot about animation … it really stuck with me growing up.”
Adam’s own artistic adventure began humbly enough with childhood sketches, including one of a lady next to a house that his parents proudly framed. But it was the desire to bring his characters to life that set him on the path to animation.
“There are many ways to do this, like writing a story or even making comics of them, but I went through with animation just because I think it’s kind of the most exciting way to bring a character to life,” Adam explained.
Pursuing his passion, Adam attended the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), whose alumni include animation legends like Tim Burton and John Lasseter.
At CalArts, students are tasked with creating their own short films every year – an intense process that Adam credits with shaping his skills as an all-rounder.
“Making a film involves everything from storyboarding to animating. That really informed a lot of the way I think now if I ever have to make a film again,” he said.
Adam’s graduating film, “Horned Cook, Gola,” earned him accolades: the Animation Award at the Fine Cut Festival of Films and the Parallax Award for Excellence in 2D Animation.
Another project, “Boys Night in Sidera Institute,” won the Area 51 Award, and was screened at the Oscar-qualifying Rhode Island International Film Festival.
Adam’s style remains true to his roots – joyous, whimsical, and a little goofy. “I love drawing funny, earnest characters,” he says. “Animation is great for making normal things feel abnormal and funny.
“I think a drawing is really powerful when it’s funny. Something about them feels very honest.” His work ranges from slice-of-life comedies to professional projects like the animated music video “Alone in the Darkness” by Siames.
What excites Adam most about animation is the problem-solving. “I’m willing to see it through. Every time I’m finished or even during the process of animating, seeing it play back is like magic.”
Adam’s advice for aspiring animators? Be honest about what you love. “Art is personal,” he said. “Focus on the things you don’t mind spending hours drawing. If you are honest with what you like about art, it will take your art really far. And the audience or anyone seeing it … they’ll feel it too.”
Looking ahead, Adam dreams of creating more films with friends he trusts. “I just want to make more films, like films of any size, because they are my favourite way of storytelling. I would love to try making something big and dramatic.”
Find out more about the animator, Adam Musa Othman, here.