Growing up in a rowdy, multi-generational home was often full of overcrowded rooms and crying babies, but they found themselves constantly surrounded by faraway stories of beautiful islands, family members they hadn’t met, and tales they could only dream of. Since they were a child, Jasmine had always seen storytelling as a way to connect and understand the world around them. And from that point on, they had always loved storytelling.

And once the wonders of cable were introduced into their life, Jasmine was hooked. Through cartoons and animation, they had found the stories that they had always craved.  Jasmine saw themselves in Miyazaki films, wished for Fairly OddParents, and dreamt of becoming a Sailor Scout and fighting evil by moonlight. This began their journey into art. It naturally occurred with copying everything they saw on TV, and as a child, that meant drawing everywhere and on everything–which included the walls of their rental apartment. Their love for drawing and cartoons grew tenfold throughout the years. They were inspired by the creators of these amazing shows and movies, and after some research, they began to realize that animation was a possible career path. However, no one in their immigrant family had pursued entertainment arts before. After too many nights of research, a handful of existential crises, and lots of convincing to their parents, they took the blind leap of faith into the world of animation and never looked back.

Jasmine graduated from high school and built up their skills at community college. While working towards an Associate’s degree in Animation, they found what they were most passionate about—storyboarding. With a new sense of determination and newly packed bags, Jasmine made their way along the coast to attend Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. While at Art Center, they simultaneously sat in all the storyboarding classes they could find, took classes at Brainstorm, and attended storyboarding courses online. Once their time at Art Center came to an end, they found themselves suddenly thrust into navigating the big, daunting world of professional freelance animation.

In the midst of freelancing, Jasmine decided to apply for the coveted Nick Artist Program. With a few weeks filled with too many cups of matcha lattes, they created a new storyboard, put together all their favorite comics and illustrations, and pressed the submit button. To their surprise and a string of several phone calls and interviews later, the last phone call finally rang—they made it! Jasmine is forever thankful for their parents, sisters, family, friends, mentors, and pets that continue to support them along their path. Jasmine’s journey is just beginning and they can’t wait to grow and experience all they can with the amazingly talented and lovely people at Nick!