Ngan is a Lead Animation Artist at our Melbourne studio. She joined the Melbourne team six years ago on what she thought was just a 5-month contract and has since worked on major Hollywood blockbusters like Deadpool, Black Panther, Jojo Rabbit and Spider-Man: Far From Home. We chatted with Ngan to find out how she kickstarted her career in animation, her favorite projects to date and more! Get to know Ngan in 5 questions.

What inspired you to get into feature-film animation and how did you get your start in the industry?

I loved drawing as a child and loved watching animated shows and films. What I enjoyed most was watching “The Making of ” for every film. The Making of Aladdin and The Making of The Lion King ignited my interest in animation.

I studied Fine Arts before studying a Diploma of 3D Animation. The industry is very small in New Zealand and it took me a year and a half to get an internship at a boutique studio. After that, I spent a year doing small freelance jobs while looking for a permanent role. I was ready to give up and pursue another career when I landed a job working on an animated television series. By then it had been three years since I graduated. Needless to say, I was over the moon. The next few years I animated on several animated series. It was this experience that landed me a job at Luma on Figaro Pho. Shortly after, I was moved onto films. I came to Luma for a five-month contract and six years later, I'm still here and it has been a life-changing journey.

What’s the best part about working at Luma? 

The best part about working at Luma is professional growth. Working in a small studio and especially in the Animation department where we do more than animate. It challenges you artistically and you learn troubleshooting and technical skills that are beyond requirement at bigger studios.

What film are you most proud of and why?

There are highlights in every film I have worked on; each having different challenges and accomplishments. Ant-Man will always remain one of my favourites because it was my first film, but at this current time, I would say Spider-Man: Far From Home. My favourite shot thus far is featured in this film. The Animation team worked extremely well together with a sense of camaraderie that was prevalent throughout production.

What would you say is your favourite thing about living and working in Melbourne?

Melbourne has the best coffee. It is harmonious and culturally diverse with a huge variety of food and festivities. I love how it's such a bustling city but you can also enjoy some peace and quiet through the gardens and parks.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring artist?

Stay humble and keep learning. Growth comes not in complacency but out of challenges. Be diligent in your work and self-learning. See every task as a learning opportunity.