Storyboard Artist Joie Foster shares her journey through multiple industries to reach animation, the feeling of welcome that comes from belonging to the Guild, and her mission as a Shop Steward to empower TAG members through information and engagement.
Name: Joie Foster
Job Title: Assistant Director
Studio: 20th Television Animation/American Dad!
Contact Info: stewards-americandad@tag839.org
Tell us a little about yourself and your career journey.
My path to my career was a bit of a circuitous one! I started my adult working life in the corporate world, and I was finally able to make a pivot after I got my graduate degree in 2013. Since then I’ve worked in the worlds of theme park design, tabletop gaming, and comic books, all while doing freelance storyboards and background painting work here and there. I finally started full time as a Storyboard Artist at Snapchat in 2017, and haven’t looked back since.
What do you love most about working in animation?
My favorite thing is absolutely the sense of teamwork and camaraderie that comes with every project!
Why did you volunteer to be a Shop Steward?
When I finally started a union position in 2019, it felt like being welcomed into a warm room after being stuck outside in a storm. I wanted to share that feeling with others, and I thought contributing through being a Shop Steward would be the right way to do it.
As a Shop Steward, what are your priorities in helping TAG members at your studio?
My biggest priorities are relaying information, being available to assist with member questions, helping my co-workers understand the Union better, and encouraging participation overall.
Learn more about Joie at her website.
Follow her on Instagram.